Old shotgun shells can be worth a lot of money, depending on their condition and age. Some collectors are willing to pay top dollar for rare and antique shells, so it’s definitely worth doing some research before you sell them.
If you have any old shotgun shells lying around, it’s worth taking a closer look at them to see if they could be worth anything. Even if they’re not worth a lot of money, they might still be of interest to collectors.
Advance Tips: Are Old Shotgun Shells Worth Anything

As anyone who’s ever been to a gun show or pawn shop knows, old guns and ammunition are big business. Whether it’s a box of rusty old bullets or a dusty old revolver, there’s always someone willing to pay good money for it. But what about old shotgun shells? Are they worth anything?
The answer, like with most things, is “it depends.” Generally speaking, old shotgun shells are not worth a whole lot. But there are some exceptions. Let’s take a closer look.
First, a bit of history. The first shotgun shells were made in the late 19th century. They were paper shells filled with black powder and shot. These shells were used for both hunting and self-defense.
As gunpowder and manufacturing technology improved, so did shotgun shells. Smokeless powder was introduced in the 1890s, and by the early 1900s, most shotgun shells were made with brass casings instead of paper.
Today, there are dozens of different types of shotgun shells on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. But for our purposes, we’re going to focus on three main types: birdshot, buckshot, and slugs.
Birdshot is the type of shotgun ammunition most often used for hunting birds. It’s made up of small pellets, typically anywhere from #8 to #12. Buckshot is the type of shotgun ammunition most often used for hunting deer. It’s made up of larger pellets, typically anywhere from #2 to #00. Slugs are large, solid projectiles that are typically used for hunting large game or for self-defense.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about value. As we said before, old shotgun shells are not generally worth a whole lot. But there are some exceptions. The most valuable shotgun shells are those that are rare or obsolete.
For example, one of the most valuable shotgun shells is the .410 bore. The .410 bore is a very small caliber, and as such, it was only ever used for hunting very small game, such as rabbits or squirrels. Today, there are very few .410 bore shotgun shells still in existence, and as such, they can sell for upwards of $100 per box.
Another example of a valuable shotgun shell is the 2-gauge. The 2-gauge was once a very popular caliber for hunting waterfowl. Today, however, it is virtually obsolete, as there are very few guns still chambered for it. A box of 2-gauge shotgun shells can sell for upwards of $200.
Finally, perhaps the most valuable type of shotgun shell is the 1-gauge. The 1-gauge was once the largest caliber shotgun shell in existence. Today, however, it has been replaced by the even larger 10-gauge. A box of 1-gauge shotgun shells can sell for upwards of $300.
Of course, not all old shotgun shells are valuable. The vast majority of them are only worth a few dollars, if that. But if you happen to come across a box of old shotgun shells that you think might be valuable, it’s always worth doing a bit of research to find out for sure.
Old Shotgun VS New Shotgun Which is Worth?

There is a lot of debate in the gun world about whether an old shotgun or a new one is worth more. It really depends on what you are looking for and what you value in a gun. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
How much money are you willing to spend?
If you are working with a limited budget, then an old shotgun may be a better option for you. You can often find these guns for a fraction of the price of a new one.
What is your intended use for the gun?
If you are looking for a gun to use for hunting, then an old shotgun may be a better option. These guns are often built with durability in mind and can stand up to the rigors of hunting.
What is your personal preference?
Some people just prefer the look and feel of an old shotgun. If this is important to you, then that should be a factor in your decision.
What is the availability of parts?
If you are looking for a gun that you can easily find parts for, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns can be more difficult to find parts for.
What is the availability of ammunition?
If you are looking for a gun that you can easily find ammunition for, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns can be more difficult to find ammunition for.
What is the resale value?
If you are looking for a gun that you can easily resell, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns can be more difficult to resell.
What is the warranty?
If you are looking for a gun that comes with a warranty, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns often do not come with a warranty.
What is the customer service like?
If you are looking for a gun that comes with great customer service, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns often do not come with great customer service.
What is the return policy?
If you are looking for a gun that comes with a great return policy, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns often do not come with a great return policy.
What is the quality of the gun?
If you are looking for a gun that is of high quality, then a new shotgun may be a better option. Older guns can often be of lower quality.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Shotgun shells can last for many years if they are stored properly. However, the quality of the shells may degrade over time.
Old shotgun shells can sell for a few dollars each. The price will depend on the condition of the shells and the demand for them.
Old shotgun shells may be dangerous if they are damaged or deteriorated. It is advisable to inspect the shells before using them to make sure they are safe.
Old shotgun shells can be used for reloading or they can be sold to a collector.
You can usually tell if your shotgun shells are old by the condition of the brass. The shells may also be discolored or have corrosion on them.
Conclusion
Based on the article, “Are Old Shotgun Shells Worth Anything“, it is clear that old shotgun shells are not worth anything. The author states that the shells are “worthless” and that “no one wants them”. There is no value in old shotgun shells and they should not be considered as anything other than waste.