I have loads of older S$W ammo i inherited including 38s, Nyclads, 380s still in their boxes. Is S&W ammo collectible? Should I just hang on to them? Or just go ahead and shoot them?

Probably not old enough unless a very different style that was uncommom for its day.

In some cases, the ammo box/container, has a higher cash value than the ammo, if it is in "like new" condition, without
any added writing, tears or tape added to the item.

Probably not so much of a premium on those now, but there may be in a few years. It's not that common to see the S&W boxes, as I think they ceased to be produced over 20 years ago. I sure wouldn't shoot them up and throw away the boxes. You might want to check on the IAA forum.

Nyclad's bring good money these days, I'd hang on to them.

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"I also cook."

S&W ammo is getting harder and harder to find, especially if the boxes are in excellent condition and the exposed lead on certain loads haven't started oxidizing. Full boxes in excellent shape may go for $25-35 ea depending on caliber and bullet style (and even headstamp style).

It isn't worth a premium now, but it is sure to be in 20-30 years. In 100 years it could conceivably be worth hundreds of dollars a box.

Just think, in the 1960s we were buying 1917 Enfields, Springfields, Krags, 1911 Colts, 1898 Mausers, etc for $18-25. None of these can be had now for less than $400 to sometimes several thousand dollars. A Union Switch & Signal or Singer built 1911 were just another old Gov't Model, no premium price. Now check out what a Singer is worth!

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Gunsmithing since 1961

In 40 years of collecting cartridges, I have never seen a case where an empty box was worth more than a full, or even partially full, (identical) box.

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GMC-USN, Retired/1978 to 2001

Look on eBay. You will see lots of old empty cartridge and shotshell boxes bringing sometimes ridiculous prices.

Indeed, I scour the sales on E-Bay for 32 S&W items and have stumbled across some of the box sales. Unlike coins and stamps, we do not have any type of regulated grading system that gives us an edge when acquiring specimens. Many people quote Buttweiler auctions, but I have obtained more than my fair share without coming close to 'prices realized' at his auctions. There is a fellow that bids regularly on Gun Broker and has no problem bidding 30 to 50 dollars on $15.00 cartridges. That sort of silly bidding does not help

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GMC-USN, Retired/1978 to 2001

I have a bunch of the Blue & White boxed S&W (Fiocchi manuf. ammo) and don't think it's worth a whole lot. I also don't feel it is great ammo. The bullets have nasty stuff growing on them and the nickel cases have deteriorated as well. They were stored in the same area as all my other ammo that I have not had one single issue with - and some of the other stuff is even older. I have been shooting them out and scrapping the cases instead of using them for re-loading.

NOT: my basement gun room is centrally air conditioned and heated so there are no climate issues here either.

Chief38