Wet Shells

ENC · November 13, 2001, 08:25 PM

I went duck hunting the other morning and I was the dog for the day. I set out the decoys in the mornng. After three uneventful hours I went out to pick up the decoys and noticed one of my shells had fallen in the water earlier. I picked it up and now I don't know what to do with it

It is a 2.75 federal steel #2
Is it safe to use?
If not, is it safe to throw in trash or should I do something special with it?

Thanks

Dave McC · November 14, 2001, 06:28 AM

Shells are cheap, questionable ammo should be deep sixed. All that aside, modern ammo is very well made,and a brief immersion shouldn't hurt it.

Old paper cased hulls did absorb water and swell. Plastic does not.

K80Geoff · November 14, 2001, 07:48 AM

Duck loads are usually marked waterproof and are sealed at the factory. If so the shell should be OK to shoot. If not take it apart to check out the components

(always like to do that to see what is inside, might be interesting!)

Check the crimp, does it have a small hole in the center or does it look like it has been sealed using heat to melt the plastic? If it has an obvious hole then I would discard the shell as it probably is wet inside.

Plastic shells are generally quite durable, as long as you dont step on them and bend the brass out of shape.

My $.02

November 13, 2001, 08:25 PM	#1
ENC Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Location: Grand Lake, OK Posts: 658	Wet Shells I went duck hunting the other morning and I was the dog for the day. I set out the decoys in the mornng. After three uneventful hours I went out to pick up the decoys and noticed one of my shells had fallen in the water earlier. I picked it up and now I don't know what to do with it It is a 2.75 federal steel #2 Is it safe to use? If not, is it safe to throw in trash or should I do something special with it? Thanks

November 14, 2001, 07:48 AM	#3
K80Geoff Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,639	Wet Shells Duck loads are usually marked waterproof and are sealed at the factory. If so the shell should be OK to shoot. If not take it apart to check out the components (always like to do that to see what is inside, might be interesting!) Check the crimp, does it have a small hole in the center or does it look like it has been sealed using heat to melt the plastic? If it has an obvious hole then I would discard the shell as it probably is wet inside. Plastic shells are generally quite durable, as long as you dont step on them and bend the brass out of shape. My $.02 __________________ I am no longer a member of this forum. Bye!

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November 14, 2001, 06:28 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Shells are cheap, questionable ammo should be deep sixed. All that aside, modern ammo is very well made,and a brief immersion shouldn't hurt it. Old paper cased hulls did absorb water and swell. Plastic does not.