Can You Shoot Old Range Ammo?

Published on March 2, 2026
Duration: 1:35

This video demonstrates the extreme risks associated with firing old, degraded ammunition found on a shooting range. An experienced instructor highlights potential dangers like hangfires, squib loads, and catastrophic firearm failure when using such ammunition. The content serves as a strong warning against this practice, emphasizing the importance of using only safe, modern ammunition.

Quick Summary

Firing old, crusty ammunition found on a range is incredibly dangerous. Powder decomposition can lead to faster ignition, hangfires, squib loads, and catastrophic firearm failure. An experienced instructor warns against this practice, emphasizing the need for safe, modern ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Firing Old Ammo Danger
  2. 00:22Testing 9mm, .38 Special, .223
  3. 01:21.223 Test Results
  4. 01:29Warning & Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dangers of shooting old range ammunition?

Firing old ammunition is incredibly dangerous because the powder can decompose, leading to faster-than-intended ignition, hangfires, squib loads, and potentially catastrophic firearm failure. It is strongly advised against.

Can old 9mm or .38 Special ammunition be fired safely?

No, firing old 9mm or .38 Special ammunition is not safe. As demonstrated, it can result in dangerous malfunctions like hangfires and squib loads, posing a significant risk to the shooter and the firearm.

What happened when .223 rounds were fired from an M16?

When old .223 rounds were fired from an M16, they reportedly went through and cycled the action, with the gun remaining in one piece. However, this does not eliminate the inherent risks associated with degraded ammunition.

What is a hangfire or squib load?

A hangfire is a delay in the ignition of a firearm's propellant. A squib load occurs when a projectile is improperly seated or the charge is too weak, causing it to lodge in the barrel, which is extremely dangerous if followed by another shot.

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