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How Long Can You Store Bags of lead shot?

5.5K views 30 replies 27 participants last post by  Waynewash  
#1 ·
A gunclub member recently told me that long term stored bags of lead emit toxic fumes when opened. Does anyone
know if this is true. My bags of lead have been stored on a shelf in the garage for 5 or 6 years. Any problem with this?
 
#2 ·
Only if they are covered in white dust from the lead becoming oxidized. Shouldn't be a problem for 5-6 years
 
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#7 ·
If you can keep it dry and low humidity I am sure it will last for years. The white dust is usually lead carbonate and comes from the lead reacting with water and air. I saw it in bags of reclaimed shot I bought once. If you see the white dust, you should clean the shot with and acid bath like vinegar, then dry and re-graphite. I don't know about fumes but the lead carbonate is very toxic and because it is very dusty, it it much either to breath in than clean lead.
 
#9 ·
I've been using lead shot that is 35-40 years old that looks like new that was stored in the garage. However I live in a high desert climate that usually has low humidity except during our monsoon season. If it's turned white, it's oxidized and the dust is hazardous to breathe or handle without washing everything it contacts.
 
#11 ·
Stored in an airtight container, should last ten thousand years or more. For god's sake, don't splash chlorine bleach on it, that WILL produce highly nasty stuff.
 
#12 ·
Solid lead, the lead we are all familiar with is pretty much harmless. Lead ground into a powder that can be inhaled or ingested is harmful. Lead oxide, the white fluffy material that forms on lead stored where it can oxidize is also hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Molten lead can give off fumes, actually vaporized lead, that can be harmful if inhaled.

Bottom line.....lead in the form we deal with when loading shot is pretty much benign unless it has been powdered and/or oxidized and coated with white powder.

Common sense and washing hands will keep you safe in almost every instance.

Load away as long as your lead isn't white.
 
#17 · (Edited)
LOL, an understandable view. It normally wouldn't have ever happened, but in my case I started getting serious about rifle competition. After burning out I decided to switch back to something I enjoyed many years ago. I only wish I had done it several years sooner.
Edited to add: Definitely a much different game, just as challenging, not any cheaper, but definitely more fun for me! 😄
 
#19 ·
I recently purchased 30 bags of Remington Competition Grade #9 shot from the estate of a friend who passed away. It was purchased in 1969 and was stored since then in a dry basement. Upon opening a bag, it looks like it was bought yesterday, bright, shiny and ready to load. It all depends on the conditions of storage. Some good, some not so good.
 
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#24 ·
Like mine? 50 years? No white dust no problem. White dust? They go into the lead pot and become musket balls. Just do this stuff out side or open the garage door and turn on a good fan.