Collecting Ammo

[Madusa]

Is ammo worth collecting? I was shooting trap with grandpa?s 16 ga and was told not to shoot the 50 year old western ammo I had. I did notice at the Cortez gun show earlier this year someone had a table with old ammo but I didn?t ask. Should I shoot it or not?

[kidicarus13]

Depends on 1.) Condition, and 2.) Box design. Short answer, I would keep them.
https://www.antiquemystique.com/a-full-box-of-western-xpert-16-gauge-2-9-16-8-shot-vintage-paper-shotgun-shells.html

[Little Dutch]

Is ammo worth collecting? I was shooting trap with grandpa?s 16 ga and was told not to shoot the 50 year old western ammo I had. I did notice at the Cortez gun show earlier this year someone had a table with old ammo but I didn?t ask. Should I shoot it or not?

I've tried to sell antique ammunition, brass, and primers. Balloon head cases, old Remington .30-06 in minty boxes, etc. Never had a single taker on any of it. I then tried to give away everything but the ammunition. I ended up scrapping all the components and shooting the ammo. It's neat and guys make a lot of noise about collecting it, but I've never found anyone willing to give anything for it.

[Oscar77]

I'm with Little Dutch on this FWIW.
There are collectors of old ammo/boxes etc but realistically you need to sell it online to reach them and that can be a PITA.
Also my guess is your ammo is common though old.

ME:
I shoot old ammo that I think is safe.
If I think is suspect........... I either tear it down or recycle it.

[Little Dutch]

Addendum to my post. I don’t mess with extremely old shotgun ammunition. You are very likely safe, but if the paper inside the hull blows out it “could” cause a barrel obstruction. I’ve never seen it, but it’s a paranoia of mine when reloading found hulls that migrated to ancient shotgun ammo.

[10x]

Everyone is an expert and everyone is a collector until they have to pay for something.
You are better off keeping them. I also wouldn't shoot old paper shells. Too much risk of separation or debris in the barrel.