Do old CO2 cartridges go bad.

[Dadwag]

I wanted to get my old 1088 pistol out for the grand kids. The CO2 cartridges are at least a decade old. Do they deteriorate?I pelloiled the gun and cleaned the loader wheels. The gun just didn’t have the oomph to empty the wheels and it runs out of gas too quick. No leaks. Just wondering if anyone has an idea of age vs. quality. TIA,

 

[RobbieGio]

According to the Bicycle Stack Exchange (cite sources), CO2 cartridges should last a long time as long as they aren’t damaged.

Unused Disposable Cartridges (BB Guns, Bike Tires)

Shelf life: Unused, sealed 12g or 16g steel cartridges can last for many years (often 5 to 10+ years) if stored in a cool, dry place.

Failure point: Tiny micro-leaks can occasionally happen through the metal wall or top seal over long periods.

How to check: Weigh the cartridge on a digital kitchen scale and compare it to the initial stamped or expected weight to see if it has leaked gas.