Shotgun shells question

Grim/Don

Grim/Don

Joined
Feb 1, 2003
Messages
1,221
I acquired a 12 guage when we moved into my mother-in-law's house. Also found a box of shells, but I have no idea how old there are. Should I keep them for a "just in case" (I've already purchased a new box), or should I take them to a gun store for disposal?

Thanks!
 
Take them to a range and get in some practice. Get to know the gun.

Paul
 
Hi Grim-

Unless the shells are truly ancient paper-cased shells, they should be perfectly fine. If they're plastic, have no fear. If the shotgun is extremely old (pre-World War I or even older) you may want to be careful with modern, higher-pressure ammunition if the barrel is constructed of twisted steel.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
What kind of shotgun? Single shot, double barrel, pump, auto?

What name is on the receiver or barrel? Is there a model number on it?

What brand are the shells? Are they in a box or loose?

If you send me pics, I can help.
 
Bin them.

You have no idea as to whether they were reloaded by some nitwit. They could have been grossly overloaded with powder, or with the wrong powder. They could have been underloaded, leading to barrel obstruction.

The saving in money isn't worth the potential risk.

maximus otter
 
It depends on the type of shells. If they are of known manufacture, plastic hulls and lead shot you should be just fine using them. They'll keep for years and years if kept dry.
If they lack any marks to identify that they wre loaded by a reputable company (IE in a remington/winchester box, marks on shell etc. ) I wouldn't touch them.
Also, if they are steel shot I wouldn't touch them. If those aren't stored properly the shot can rust up into a solid wad like a slug. They'll blow the choke out of your barrel if your lucky, do worse if your not.
 
Shells are made by American Eagle and are plastic, not paper.Has a warning on the bottom of the box not to use in Damascus or twist steel barrels. 99.99% postive they've never been reloaded (didn't know you could do that with shotgun shells...)

There were a couple of .20's in the box, which I promptly took out an gave to a buddy.

The gun itself is a Remington Model 31. When I took the collection my mother-in-law had in the house (from her husband) to two separate gun stores, the whole lot (.22 pistol, .22 rifle, Double barrell shotgun and two .12 guage pumps), the whole lot was valued at $500 (by both places). I pieced it out to friends and co-workers, but kept the .12 guage that the guy at the gun-store said was the most modern.

Would love to find a place to try it out, but I live close to a city and don't want to get in trouble (or cause anyone else any trouble)

Thanks for the info so far, I knew I'd get some answers here.:cool:
 
American Eagle is a division of Federal. I don't think they have been around all that long compared to some others. So the shells might not even be that old. I've got an American Eagle box from some 9mm FMJ's and the copyright on the label is 1997 don't know if its as old as the company or not.


On a side note, its not a huge deal but its not .12 gauge. Its just 12 gauge. The story I got on it is that gauge is figured out by the number of lead balls the diameter of the barrel that would equal one pound. So for a 12 gauge it would take 12, 20 gauge takes 20 etc. The only exception is the .410 which works out to an odd decimal so they just went with the bore size of .410" :)
 
Matt Shade said:
On a side note, its not a huge deal but its not .12 gauge. Its just 12 gauge.
Click to expand...

Actually it's 12 bore ;)

I've never understood why Yanks call it a 12 gauge. The number refers to the bore diameter or calibre. Where did gauge come from, and why?

maximus otter
 
I'd want new shotgun shells too, although the ones that were there by Federal are no doubt ok. If you don't feel comfortable with them then do what Maximus suggested.
 
maximus otter said:
Actually it's 12 bore ;)

I've never understood why Yanks call it a 12 gauge. The number refers to the bore diameter or calibre. Where did gauge come from, and why?

maximus otter
Click to expand...


In the US, 10, 12, 16, 20,and 28 are gauges, but the .410 is often mistakenly referred to as .410 gauge as well. .410 is actually a bore, since it is an actual measurement of the bore diameter. 12, 20, etc. are a way of describing the diameter, not an actual measurement, if that makes sense. They are therefore referred to as guages, rather than bore diameters. I didn't articulate that very well, but hopefully it's understandable.

Edit: It's the same as electrical wire. 24AWG wire is ~.5mm in diameter. It's referred to as 24 gauge wire, or .5mm diameter. Not .5 guage or 24 diameter. The terms have specific meaning and are not interchangeable.
 
Get a new box!

For the record, if anyone has any of those old paper shot shells, and want to dispose of them, email me. I will pay the shipping! :D
 
The previous owner was taking big risks, mixing 20s and 12s! A 20 guage shell will typically drop into the bore of a 12 guage, providing an obstruction that will destroy the weapon and/or severely injure the shooter, if a regular round is chambered on top of it.
 
You do know how to clean a shotgun don't you? There are kits you can buy or if you prefer take it to a professional gunsmith...just an idea.
 
mwerner said:
The previous owner was taking big risks, mixing 20s and 12s! A 20 guage shell will typically drop into the bore of a 12 guage, providing an obstruction that will destroy the weapon and/or severely injure the shooter, if a regular round is chambered on top of it.
Click to expand...
That I did know! I promptly took all the shells out of the box and sorted them. Then only put the 12's back in.

Cindy Denning said:
You do know how to clean a shotgun don't you? There are kits you can buy or if you prefer take it to a professional gunsmith...just an idea.
Click to expand...
Nope. But it can't be that hard. Don't think the gun has ever been fired, (well, I know it was fired once, but that's a long story that makes me look like a fool, so...). I'll pick up a cleaning kit at Walmart next time I'm there.

RattlerXX said:
Get a new box!

For the record, if anyone has any of those old paper shot shells, and want to dispose of them, email me. I will pay the shipping! :D
Click to expand...
Already did. but since these are plastic, and not too old, I think I'll hold onto them until I can get out with the gun and have some fun.

Paul Davidson said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by MelancholyMutt
Well, you measure the bore with a Gauge...



:D :D :D :D :D
Click to expand...
I'd rather measure Guage with my... oops... almost made the W&C material! :D

Thanks for the advice everyone!
 
Grim/Don, a kit works better than the old spit in the barrell and run a shop towel down it method...honestly you don't look like a fool. Get that kit.
 
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