I’m still finding stuff at the cabin years after buying it.

Found these this morning in a nook I hadn’t noticed before.

Would you be afraid to shoot these or would they be good to go?

I would use them, I just shot up a bunch of 222 ammo that was from the 60s. If you are worried try a couple on paper before you hunt with them.

Also found some 240 rounds loose in a box. That is one BA looking round. lol

Factory loads, sure, good to go. Somebody else's hand-loads, not a chance! Especially from 1976, and who's 4831, IMR, Hodgdon, or Accurate?

What’s the gun worth that you plan to shoot it out of is what I would ask myself.

Like Paul said, I wouldn't shoot the handloads. If the cases look good maybe pull the bullets and use the brass.

With the factory rounds inspect them and if not corroded they should be fine to shoot. I would use them as practice rounds.

Loaded in 76, that 4831 could very well be old WW2 surplus powder. I don't shoot other peoples reloads. I'd set the old box back just to look at or pull em' down.

I have about a 100 243 loads from the early 70s. Still work just fine.

I have about a 100 243 loads from the early 70s. Still work just fine. Brass was given to me so no idea how old the brass is.

That might be accurate and might not. I have some 6 mm that was loaded 2 years ago but the label on the case guard that holds them is from 1979. That just reminds /tells you what they are. Not when they were loaded. If it is your reloads and the cabin is dry shoot them. I have 12 gauge shot shells loaded in 1969 . Id shoot them in a heart beat. Loaded with #3 buck. I would rack one in a minute if someone was kicking in the door.

X2

LOL, I wouldn't shoot ANYONE else's handloads, even if they were 30 seconds old.

Factory?
Have at it.
LOL, I.just bought a couple hundred rounds this very morning that are knocking on 70 years old.
Some will get shot.

With the possible exception of Black powder, loaded ammo has an indefinite shelf life. BUT, I won't won't shoot some unknown's reloads. You can pull the bullets and reload them again with your own components.

I had some 4831 go bad on me. It had been open for maybe 25 years. I loaded a few rounds and fired them. The accuracy was terrible. Bullet impacts were up to a foot apart in various directions.

The powder had a super acidic smell that would cauterize your sinuses. I dumped it in a pile and burned it. Pretty sure it was H4831

I would not shoot someone else's reloads. Recent or ancient.

I don’t know if the .240mag rounds are reloads but it doesn’t matter, I can’t afford the gun. lol

I am almost afraid to shoot MY OWN RELOADS

Factory ammo I see no problem using.
I would never shoot someone else's reloads ... break em down, inspect, and use the components for your own reloads; burn the powder.

I have made mistakes ! Last week was almost the biggest one !

Never shoot anyone else's handloads unless you are very very aquatinted with them and their skills.

NEVER

Scottar had great advice