paper hull shot shells

[USAF_Vet]

I got a load of old shot shells from my father in law. Most of them are Federal, but a few other brands mixed in (like Sears) #6 steel shot, a few #2 and #4, all paper hulls. A few of them look like they might have some water damage and others have some corrosion on the brass, but the end wad and wax are all still intact. I figure they are safe to shoot, but I was wondering more about collector value.

How long ago did Sears make paper shot shells?

I got a couple boxes of Federal that look to be from the 70s (one box was marked $4, the other was $3.50) but I can't tell. the prices wer written in grease pencil, not standard sticker tags.

The third box was a Remington that looked much more recent so I'm not concerned about them in any way.

All in all, I have about 30 paper hulled shot shells, just curious about their value. Worth saving or just shoot them at duck?

 

[Telekinesis]

I'm not sure about the collector value based on age, but last time I was at Ft. Benning, the AMU trap shooters were using Federal paper hulled ammo for practice. I believe they said that they use the Federal paper hull ammo at any competitions in the US and use Camen (sp) ammo when they compete in Europe. These guys were on the bunker trap team, so it could be different for the skeet shooters.

I am also pretty sure that the national development teams have a relationship with Winchester as they are given AAs for practice and competitions.

It might be cool to keep a few of them if you ever want to say "hey, look at this old ammo I found!" but I don't think they'll be too collectable.

 

[rcmodel]

Worth saving or just shoot them at duck?

I for sure would not do that!

Those old paper shells contain lead shot.
And it has been against Federal law to hunt migratory waterfowl with lead shot since 1991.

You can lose your shotgun, your vehicle, your hunting privileges, and your freedom if you get caught using them for duck hunting!

rc

 

[USAF_Vet]

#6 steel shot

when they say steel, I assume they are steel. Otherwise I assume lead.

 

[rcmodel]

OOps!
I missd the part about the #6 steel shot!

Nevermind!

I was thinking "old shells" + "paper shells" and got = lead shot shells.

rc

 

[oneounceload]

How long ago did Sears make paper shot shells?

Sears never made anything in its existence - most likely Federal did for them. Steel wasn't mandated until the early 80's and by then plastic hulls had been in existence for over 20 years, with Federal still making a special run of paper target ammo once a year, so the paper and steel have me confused. Typically, old paper hulls are as RC mentioned - filled with lead. A simple magnet will verify

Unless the hulls are perfect, hunt with them and think of your grandpa as you pull the trigger

 

[USAF_Vet]

RC, No problem.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I'll take some pics of the SEARS stamped into the brass of the hull. They do look identical to the Federal loads that were in the mix matched box.

I'm still sorting through the boxes and taking stock of what all there is. But the Sears one did throw me off, hence the question. I figured it was probably older, around the same time Sears had their own branded shotguns.