I just picked up a half a box (by count. No box) of .32 S&W, factory loads (LRN).
The headstamp is WRA. Any guess as to how old this stuff might be? The brass is dirty and the lead is starting to oxidize but hasn't turned white yet. (Just a dirty grey....)
Anyway, should I try shooting it first or just pull it down for the brass? (I reload)
I can clean it up with 4/0 steel wool or even run it through my vibrator.......

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I would try to shoot it. Smokeless power, as it deteriorates, only gets weaker, not stronger. it isn't going to hurt your gun, at least if it wasn't going to hurt it in the first place. IF it is really old it might have corrosive primers so be aware of that. If it doesn't go BANG you can always disassemble it the hard way.

I've shot a lot of old ammo that was as you have described and never had problems. Shoot it.

Any comments or experience with tumbling (or, in my case, vibrating) loaded ammo??
I've heard that it can break down the powder grains and change the burn characteristics. Don't know if there is any truth to that or not...

__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I've done some and noticed no difference

WRA - Winchester Repeating Arms. Phased in as a replacement for the "W.R.A.Co."(Winchester Repeating Arms Co.) headstamp beginning in 1929, but not completely phased in until around 1954 - depending upon the popularity of the particular cartridge. .32 S&W cartridges carried the "W.R.A.Co." headstamp up through 1938, and "WRA" afterward until the adoption of "W-W" headstamp in 1965.

There is little chance of the primers being corrosive, as Winchester switched to "Staynless" priming for most cartridges (including .32 S&W) in 1929, about the same time the "WRA" headstamp came into use.

So, to answer your question, your found cartridges could be as old as 1938, or as young as 1965 - somewhere between 78 and 51 years old.