I have several Green Ammo boxes full of ammo which appears to be green shotgun shells. Can they explode?

I know they are at least 20 yrs old but have been in the ammo boxes. Can they explode? If so , how do I dispose of them safely? My husband died 5 yrs ago and I'm not sure whether to sell them or???????

I have several Green Ammo boxes full of ammo which appears to be green shotgun shells. Can they explode?
some of the guys in the hunting section told me that as long as the ammo is dry and not rusty or anything it should be ok and if your not sure about the ammo show it to someone that can use it and see if they want to buy it or know of someone that'll buy it. the guys told me that some of them have ammo from WW2 and its still good...but ask around.
Reply:If they have been stored in ammo cans, they are most likely still quite good. I would look into selling them. Talk to someone whom you trust to help you in figuring a fair price for them. I would think that about half price of whatever the same shotgun shells are going for in the stores.



They are not going to explode unless you put them into a fire or hit the primer with a hammer. I am quite sure that you have no intention of doing either so you are quite safe in storing them wherever thay have been stored all these years.
Reply:They are not dangerous except in a gun or in a fire.



Sell them at a garage sale, call up one of your husband's shooting or hunting friends, or put them in your car and drive them to the local gun shop, as he will probably take them off your hands.



The answers that I see that say "Call the police" never cease to make me laugh hard. I have friends who are LEOs and the last thing in the world they need in their busy day is to be picking up someone's unwanted ammunition or looking up gun serial numbers in the mysterious and legendary database to see if they are stolen or not. Please people, cops are busy and most are not gun experts.
Reply:They wont go off unless you throw them in a fire. Don't throw them into the trash. You can call your local gun store (not one of the big mega types) and see if they will take them. If you don't know of anyone who wants them, call your police dept (NOT 911) and see if they have any suggestions. If they have been stored in an airtight ammo can, they are probably still good. Sounds like your husband knew how to store ammo.
Reply:Send them to me. I'll pay the postage.



But seriously, they CAN explode - if dropped on their primer or thrown in a fire. I recommend taking them to the local sheriff's office or something of that nature and asking them where you can dispose of them. They're generally pretty good with stuff like that.
Reply:My suggestion is to see if there are any hunting clubs in your area especially ones that train children on gun safety. They work off of donations and sometimes resort to personal out of pocket cash for their club's expenses. They would be more than happy to take them if you wish to donate them.
Reply:They cannot explode unless you stick them near or in a fire. If they are not corroded and look like they are in good condition, see if someone will want to buy them or just give them away to anyone you know that you has guns. They will either use them or give them to someone that will.
Reply:You could buy a shotgun and go out and have some fun. They ought to be okay if you look at them and see that there's no corrosion. There's no shelf life on ammo. Heck, I wish you'd send them to me!
Reply:You can send them to me and I'll be glad to dispose of that old stuff for you. I might even be willing to pay half the shipping charges.



Doc
Reply:No they will not explode. A local gun shop or friend of your husband can take care of them for you. Sportman's clubs are also an option.
Reply:Its possible, but unlikely unless they are dropped, thrown, or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Reply:NO, No, no they will not explode.* Sell them.*
Reply:If they are a concern...call the cops and ask their advice.

The police may come retrieve them or ask you to bring them in.

Many gunshops will take them as well.