[jrs]

My dad's got an old .30-30 and about 1/2 a box of ammunition. The tips on all the cartridges are a bit flattened, the cannelures aren't visible, and the brass is scratched as if it's been loaded into the rifle quit a few times.

I was concerned that some set-back might have occured and bought him 2 new boxes. I can't really discern any length difference between the old cartridges and the new ones; so, I don't know wether this stuff is safe to fire. Is there any way to tell?

Also, about how long can ammuntion be left in a tube magazine?

Thanks,

JRS

[Mike Irwin]

Ammunition for lever-action rifles such as the .30-30 generally have a combination of pretty high neck tension and a stout crimp to keep the bullets from setting back.

It sounds as if the ammo is just fine.

Also, in a rifle cartridge of moderate power, bullet set back is of less concern than it is in a high intensity cartridge, or a cartridge that has a full load of powder.

If you can hear the powder rattling in the cases when you shake it, a little set back isn't going to harm anything.

As for leaving the magazine loaded, that's always been a controversial subject. I'd say don't leave it loaded for more than a couple days at a time. Chances are you could probably leave it loaded for years on end, but why?

[blue86buick]

I don't know how flat you're referring to, but 30-30 ammo IS rather flat (well, blunt compared to 30-06/.308/etc). It kinda sucks...I shoot to plink, and pointy ammo has GOT to be more fun, right? I mean, it's more tactical, ain't it? :D