Value of old ammo?

[56FordGuy]

I recently got a bunch of old ammunition, I'd guess it's from the 80s at the newest. I've been sorting through it, and have found some 30-40 Krag, some 32-40, 32 S&W, 32 Win Special, 7mm Mauser, and some 348 Win.

Are any of these calibers still around, or even remotely desirable to collectors? If not, are the cases or bullets able to be trimmed for loading other calibers?

Thanks

 

[Blacksmoke]

All of those are still in use except for the .32-40. That is a new one to me. Are you sure it was not .32-20? BTW, 1980s manufacture is not exactly what many would consider "old". I know time is relative to the observer.

 

[catfish101]

There is some value to old ammo but none that I know of is worth a whole lot.

The 32-40 is an old round. My book calls it a 32-40 Ballard. It was designed for target shooting and is or was a black powder round. The 30-40 Krag was originally a block powder round but is still around with smokeless powder. That is a pretty good round.

 

[56FordGuy]

I know it's not that old, but the cardboard boxes and unjacketed lead bullets make it seem older than the '40s era Mil-Surp I've been shooting through my Mauser.

I'm sure the 32-40 is just that. I've got the original box, and I believe the cases are stamped that way also. Could y'all give me an idea what this stuff is worth, or the best way to sell it? There has to be a better option than walking around a gunshow with a sign. I'm keeping what I think I might buy guns for or have friends that shoot (.38 Special, .380, etc) but the .348, 30-40, etc I have no use for and would like to sell or swap for something I shoot.

I've also got some I'm trying to identify, the cardboard boxes have labels that appear to be German and the cases aren't stamped with anything to identify it. But more on that later, with some pictures.

 

[catfish101]

Talk to a local gun store. They may know people that collect old ammo.

I found some 25 Stevens when I tore down an old building on my property a few years ago. I have been offered a small amount for it.

There is a market for it but it probably is a small one. Some people collect the ammo and don't even own a gun to shoot it. I don't have a 25 Stevens but I am holding on to it for, I guess, no real reason. Conversation I guess.

The 32-40 may be worth more then the other. It is an odd cartridge.

 

[owlhoot]

There are websites devoted to cartridge collecting. Google them. Your best money bet is to sell to individual collectors on those website forums. If your .30-40 Krag ammo is original black powder or military ammo, it is also quite collectible.

If you just want to dump it, Old West Scrounger will be happy to talk to you. You can also check their website to see what the collectible rounds are going for. The boxes increase value, of course.

 

[mnrivrat]

The value in most old ammo is in the box it comes in. That doesn't apply to all, but the box with its grapics is the mainly collectable part.

In the time frame you mention I would believe the value is more in the shooting, if the ammo is clean, and therefore comparable with the cost of other shootable ammo. Some old obsolete cartridges do have individual value as they are scarce - perhaps the 30-40 may fall into that catagory?

Places to look and to sell are internet auctions such as Gunbroker & Auction Arms . As mentioned there is also sites for collector ammunition. I search should find those.

 

[moooose102]

nothing there is extremly rare, so mostly, it will depend on what condition it is in. if it is pristeen condition, it may bo worth some coin. but if it is in sad shape, well, not so much. if it is in really good condition, take it to a gun show and try to sell it your self. check around on line to get a feel for what it is worth, and price it accordingly. also put on your tale, all prices are negotiable. the 32-40 is the hardest to come by, but it isnt that hard. my brother still has my grandmothers 32-40 winchester lever gun. i want to say it is a model 94, but it may be older than that, i am not sure. i havent seen it in something like 20 years.

 

[bonza]

Just to clarify a couple of points already made. The .30/40 Krag was never factory loaded with black powder, in fact it was the first smokeless powder round ever adopted by the U.S. military (in 1892). The .32/40 was a VERY popular target shooting cartridge in the late 19th century, chambered in many single shot rifles. It was later chambered in Winchester, Savage, & Marlin lever action repeaters. Marlin's models 1881 & 1893 were both chambered for the .32/40, & it was one of two calibers the Winchester Model 1894 was originally offered in, the other being the .38/55 Win. The .30/30 Winchester didn't come along until 1895.

 

[MMCSRET]

I find it a rare moment when I hear the venerable 32-40 described as an "odd" cartridge. My definition of "odd" must be really abstract. The 32-40 is loaded and used with a surprising number of hunters wishing to do it the way granpa did. Include in that list all the 45-70 shooters, not to mention 40-82, 25-35, 30-40, and of course 50-70 Gov't. ODD? !!!!!!!!!! And a whole lot more.

 

[1 old 0311]

Put it on www.gunbroker.com Somebody will buy it.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I've got an old Smith in .32 S&W but never tried tracking down ammo for it yet, so I don't know what it's worth.

.348 brass can be converted for use in .41 Vetterli rifles, I haven't tackled that project yet either.

 

[PTK]

.32 S&W... do you have a brand/pictures of the box? I'm always looking to add another box of .32S&W to my collection.

 

[MMCSRET]

32 S&W? I cast, load and shoot several hundred rounds a year thru my Colts. (32 New Police) in Colt terminology.