Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload?

gundriller · 08-26-2012, 10:26 AM

Morning;

Ten years ago when I shot in a company trap and skeet league, I saved my 12 and 20 gauge hulls expecting to reload them soon. I won't say that I procrastinate or anything, but today I thought I should do something with them, either sell them or borrow some reloading equipment.

They are once fired Win AA hulls, kept in a large trash can in the shed, dry, but subjected to the harsh Texas heat and cold, numbering about 1,000.

Do you think the plastic is still safe after all the years? I don't want to jeopardize somebody's safety.

Alpo · 08-26-2012, 10:55 AM

I don't think the heat or cold would hurt them. It's more the UV rays from the sun that destroys plastic. So if they were in a shed, in a trash can, so the sun's rays didn't hit 'em, they should be fine.

aa1911 · 08-26-2012, 11:58 AM

You're fine, I'm still loading some that are well over 10 years old with no issue, including AA's. Wads can age, a skeet buddy who shoots .410 had some very old wads and they were coming apart, the plastic had degraded enough over about 10-15 years. A call to Remington confirmed that it was a good possibility with everything else being considered; powder, press adjustments, gun, etc.

Hulls are good and even wads will be safe, if not perfect performers.

JLA · 08-26-2012, 05:01 PM

They will be ok so long as theyve never been wet.

gundriller · 08-26-2012, 07:59 PM

That's good news guys. I respectfully appreciate the info.

08-26-2012, 10:26 AM	#1
gundriller Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hood County, Texas Posts: 12	Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload? Morning; Ten years ago when I shot in a company trap and skeet league, I saved my 12 and 20 gauge hulls expecting to reload them soon. I won't say that I procrastinate or anything, but today I thought I should do something with them, either sell them or borrow some reloading equipment. They are once fired Win AA hulls, kept in a large trash can in the shed, dry, but subjected to the harsh Texas heat and cold, numbering about 1,000. Do you think the plastic is still safe after all the years? I don't want to jeopardize somebody's safety. -->

08-26-2012, 10:55 AM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,647	Re: Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload? I don't think the heat or cold would hurt them. It's more the UV rays from the sun that destroys plastic. So if they were in a shed, in a trash can, so the sun's rays didn't hit 'em, they should be fine. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

08-26-2012, 11:58 AM	#3
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,110	Re: Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload? You're fine, I'm still loading some that are well over 10 years old with no issue, including AA's. Wads can age, a skeet buddy who shoots .410 had some very old wads and they were coming apart, the plastic had degraded enough over about 10-15 years. A call to Remington confirmed that it was a good possibility with everything else being considered; powder, press adjustments, gun, etc. Hulls are good and even wads will be safe, if not perfect performers. __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

08-26-2012, 05:01 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,280	Re: Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload? They will be ok so long as theyve never been wet. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

08-26-2012, 07:59 PM	#5
gundriller Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hood County, Texas Posts: 12	Re: Are old shotgun hulls safe to reload? That's good news guys. I respectfully appreciate the info.