Questions on older paper 12 ga shells

[TDIfan]

I just came across a case of older Federal 12 ga target loads that have been sitting in a dry garage for probably 25+ years. They look a bit funky on the paper but the brass is mostly corrosion free. Here's a pic:



Would these be safe to shoot from an 870? I'd hate to waste them. The stuff on the paper wipes off pretty easily.

[bogey1]

I know 99% of the members here would say destroy them. If they were mine, i would shoot them out of my 870.

[knight0334]

Shoot'm or save'm for collection.

The "brass" is only there to assist with extraction. You can probably clean them up with some steel wool.

The paper - you can probably rub it clean with a cotton towel.

[TDIfan]

I definitely want to shoot them! I haven't fired the 870 yet, but these will be the first shells through it.
Would you even consider reloading them? Not that I reload yet, but should I save them after they're spent?

[TDIfan]

The boxes they came in are in better shape than the shells.

[dkf]

My dad and I have reloaded and shot those before. Some reloaded several times.

[Manxdriver]

I just got through shooting a bunch of groundhogs with a box of those. I was up at Grandpa's Farm and he was really happy to see all the dead whistle pigs. He hated having to put a cow down for a broken leg.

Wait, Grandpa died in '78.

[bob308]

wipe them off try them in the chamber. if they go in with out being forced. use them and save them to reload.

[God's Country]

Personally I would save them.