Garand Shooters-old ammo quandary

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bbqreloader

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So buddy of mine was going thru his in laws basement to package the house up for sale and found a bandolier of old military garand ammo. Took it from him and looked over the rounds, no splits or green residue leakage. The primers show some degradation in the cup area. Headstamped WT 52. So thoughts: shoot it, pull it or turn it in for destruction. Included pictures here but can supply more in depth ones based on requests
4EA075E6-F0A4-448B-80F4-97505E7A3327.jpeg 537473FF-6E4B-40DB-A4F2-8A9588018DDD.jpeg 3D1BE789-AA73-4E0A-843C-EE104939D9DC.jpeg
 
Shoot it.

I've shot quite a bit of WWII dated .303 ammo from my LE with no problems. No reason to believe your .30-06 will be any different.

If ammo is stored properly, it will last a very long time. Of course you don't know if this particular ammo was but the easy way to find out is take it to the range.

I believe your head stamp is TW 52
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
 
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My last batch of CMP ball included some from FA and DM '42. Save one for your cartridge collection, and shoot it.
 
I had some really raunchy stuff that had some corrosion on the bullets! I removed it with fine sandpaper and every single round fired fine and showed good accuracy. Greek, I think. The clips were pretty crummy too and hard to load but no malfunctions. Treated it like corrosive although I'm pretty sure it wasn't.
 
That ammo is perfect. Like has been said that is primer sealant and not corrosion. I have ammo from Denver plant from 42 and it is in just as good shape as yours. It's all good. It was made to endure hardships and last. Shoot it up!
 
I'd shoot it. Fired some 1945 ammo (Canadian VC45) in a Garand match a couple of years ago and it was actually one of my best scores!
 
For your safety and those around you, DON’T SHOOT IT! Send it to ME and I will properly dispose of it by shooting it through one of me Garands. Then I will send you pictures of targets and me having fun at the range. :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: Ain’t nothing more fun then shooting free ammo. :rofl::rofl::rofl:

All kidding aside, your ammo is fine and non corrosive, like others have pointed out. Go shoot it and have a great time.
 
A little OT, but seems like a good place to put this in. I have several M48's and a couple other 8MM and the (corrosive) ammunition I have is almost 70 years old. I have yet to get a dud or a hangfire. It seems well kept ammunition last's for about ever. IMG_0229.JPG
 
A little OT, but seems like a good place to put this in. I have several M48's and a couple other 8MM and the (corrosive) ammunition I have is almost 70 years old. I have yet to get a dud or a hangfire. It seems well kept ammunition last's for about ever.View attachment 955383
You said you have several. I only count 4. ;)
 
... So thoughts: shoot it, pull it or turn it in for destruction. ...
"turn it in for destruction" What ??? :confused:

So ... how would that work?

Would you take it to the local office of the Colorado State Department of Old Ammunition Destruction?

I would sell that entire loaded bando online.

I am not a Collector of vintage ammunition but there are many out there who might pay a premium for such an item. ;)
 
So ... how would that work?

Our Sheriffs office takes it as found property and does a monthly destruction. Also my local GC has an armorer that takes it and since they contract with an armorers school, will hand it over to them to tear apart and learn
 
Also my local GC has an armorer that takes it and since they contract with an armorers school, will hand it over to them to tear apart and learn

Hmmm....I wonder what they learn when they remove the unfired primers from crimped pockets?
 
Isn't four several? Anyway, missing from the picture is a long barreled Turk. Maybe five is "several"?
Here’s just a few in the background.
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And then here’s just my collection of Turkish Mausers.
13443D3C-E4C4-45BC-85F5-9FE3026D26B4.jpeg

Collecting and shooting was much more fun when prices were better. I feel bad for the guys that are just getting into surplus guns.

But back on topic.
Whenever dealing with surplus ammunition, you should always check for corrosion on the ammo. If the ammo just looks dirty, you should pull a couple of round down and inspect the base of the bullet and the powder.
The OP’s ammo is clean and in very good condition, along with the backing.
If you ever have old ammo that you just wish to dispose of, contacts your local Law enforcement. Most often they will take it and destroy it.
 
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