So a guy at work gave me a box of .357 remington soft point 158g. Was wondering are they still safe to fire. There from 1985 but I heard he powder gets more powerful over the years and some people prefer old bullets. Any help would be great.

I'm currently shooting some 30-06 in my Garands that was made in the Lake City arsenal in 1968. I still have some factory 38 Special from the 70's I use from time to time.

 

1985 is like brand new in the world of ammo. Go ahead and fire it in any suitable handgun.

Sweet thanks alot. I have fired 12 gauge shells from like 20 years ago and they kicked like a mule. Cant wait to fire these in my snubbie

As long as it isn't visibly damaged..

So a guy at work gave me a box of .357 remington soft point 158g. Was wondering are they still safe to fire. There from 1985 but I heard he powder gets more powerful over the years and some people prefer old bullets. Any help would be great.

Powder does not get stronger ammunition from 15-20 years ago was loaded hotter by the manufacturers. I 've also heard reloaders say that earlier versions of the reloading manuals offered hotter loads than current ones.

DO NOT! I REPEAT! DO NOT! FIRE THAT AMMUNITION!

 

I will be glad to safely dispose of it for you, just pm me for a shipping address and I will even pay the shipping since I am such a nice guy :twisted:

Shoot it and have fun.

I've shot military 45 thru my 1911 that was easily older than that without any problems.

 

I've also shot 22LR that was at least as old as me (marked $0.50 for 50 rounds) without problems.

 

I also have shot one or two rounds of some very questionable 22LR that upon inspection I should never have loaded in the gun. If the cases show any sign of corrosion or cracking, do not use.

I shot a box of US military 30/06 with a headstamp dated 1918 through a 1903A3 without a hitch. Worked perfectly. It all depends on how it was stored.

I shot a box of US military 30/06 with a head stamp dated 1918

 

The only problem with ammo that old is the fact is was most likely corrosive. In a bolt cleaning isn't as difficult. A Garand is somewhat tougher. Other than that, the ammo is fine. I use corrosive 06 brass to reload all the time.

 

Someone gave a round from the Remington plant made in 1943 He was shooting them up and I commented that they were almost too good to shoot.

 

I polished it to a high shine and have it displayed in my office. Too good to shoot.

 

One of my favorite kinds of ammo for my mosin from 1924. I have never have had a problem shoooting old ammo, but I do inspect each and every round before i put it into the ammo can for use.