What to do with a box of Western Super match .45 ACP ammo?

[38 Specialist]

I have a box of old ammo that I inherited from my grandpa. It came into my possession 25 years ago. At that time, I wasn't into shooting so I just squirreled it away. I recently moved, and it has turned up. Now, I'm a firearms enthusiast and wonder what to do with this.

Is it collectable? Is it safe to shoot? Is it high quality? Is it worth money?

The attached pictures are off the Internet, not ones I took. The box is in decent shape. It's a little rough at one end.

 

[HeloMt]

I'd put that box into the "collector ammo" category. Some would say just shoot it, but I think it's worth more than just "shooting ammo". The box looks great and the ammo looks complete and clean. Somebody would want it and pay for it.

 

[Eddietruett]

I just bought a decent quantity for less than I can load. It shoots great in my National Match where I plan on using the rest. I see some of the WW and Remington Targetmaster for sale at “collector” prices but never seen any sell.

 

[Eric300]

Save it and put it on a shelf for display. That's how old ammo box collections start....

 

[rockquarry]

Dust catchers and clutter; I'd shoot it.

 

[Fishinfool]

Now you have to find a nice pre-series 70 National Match Colt 1911 to shoot it in..

 

[Empe]

I wouldn't shoot it . I'd try and find someone who collects and appreciates old ammo and sell or trade it for some ammo I would use.

 

[arjay]

It’s a good reason to buy a vintage colt and display them together. It’s only money ;-)

 

[gym cat]

I think that might be older than 25years.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think that might be older than 25years.

It might be older than seventy or eighty years, but I don't know how much older. Somebody here does.

 

[desi2358]

Western brand ammo should have a stamped code on one of the end flaps. The code is actually the date of production and the Western codes have been deciphered. They can be found online and some of us on here should have them too.

 

[Photog]

I am with the "shoot it" crowd. It may be collectable, but now what? Take it to a gunshow and try to sell it? Put an add in local media? Put on your shelf, or in your cabinet and let it sit for months, years, or decades? Sell it online and then pay a dealer to ship it for you? I chanced upon several boxes of Winchester 45ACP, 185 SWC match ammo at a local gunshop. It was in the yellow and white box, so I think it was early 1960's? Anyway, took it all out with my 25-2 and had a great time at the range. Very, very accurate in my 25-2. Also ended up with several hundred cases for reloading. But, to be fair, I am up there in age and now only like guns I can shoot, whether what some would consider collectors items or run of the mill.

 

[IAM Rand]

Because it came from your Gpa and its age, I would be in the display crowd. Put is somewhere you can see it and put a good picture of your Gpa next to it. You shoot it and then you are done. You display it, you get great memories for the rest of your life. What will one box of ammo do for you anyway. Spend $40 +/- and get a box of new ammo and shoot it instead.

 

[Skeet 028]

late 50s early 60s. Worth a bit more than a new box of ammo. not especially rare..if you can find a buyer. It was your grampa's ammo. Save it. Didn't cost anything. One day it wil be worth more just for the stories you remember. Maybe make a shadow box with a few things of his or family "heirlooms"

 

[max503]

My grandpa would want me to shoot it. I would want my grandkids to shoot it.

 

[38 Specialist]

I'm going to shoot it. I'll give the box to a guy that will display it. I've got other mementos from grandpa including a shot gun and woodcarvings. I'm not into hoarding stuff that doesn't give me a lot of joy.

 

[Steve_Revo_]

You got it from your grandfather and it is historic. You can always buy new ammo to shoot but you only have 1 box of this. I say keep it and think of your grandfather when you see it.

 

[DWalt]

If you can find the lot number stamping, it can be dated fairly precisely. I would say late 40s to early 50s.