I just disassembled a bunch of .30-06 cartridges that were made in 1942. I didn't want to deal with the corrosive primers, but I am using the powder, brass and bullets and am experiencing no difficulties. I also have some cartridges that were made in something like 1917 for the express purpose of shooting between the props of the aircraft of the day. The powder in some of these is still dry and I bet they'd still fire.

Dave Sinko