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.

 

[Dadwag]

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.

Thanks...I think I will pick up new Co2 and give it a go. The kids will be so happy. They knew Grandpa wasn't happy.

 

[hameditor]

Unfortunately it's not so easy to know how much CO2 is in one cartridge, as you can see from this old HAM report

How Much CO2 Does A 12 Gram CO2 Cartridge Contain?

Here we bring you the scoop on our Umarex 12 Gram CO2 cartridge sample. We also summarize the conclusions from all HAM Tester Doug Wall's careful weighing.

hardairmagazine.com

 

[Dadwag]

Unfortunately it's not so easy to know how much CO2 is in one cartridge, as you can see from this old HAM report

How Much CO2 Does A 12 Gram CO2 Cartridge Contain?

Here we bring you the scoop on our Umarex 12 Gram CO2 cartridge sample. We also summarize the conclusions from all HAM Tester Doug Wall's careful weighing.

hardairmagazine.com

Thanks...good info.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

I purchased a couple of boxes of 48 pack Crosman Co2 cyclanders before the Pandemic. I haven't even gone through half of one of those boxes yet. I had thought that my grandsons would take to shooting the co2 rifle, instead they prefer my Dragonfly pumper rifle. Who'd a known? At least they're out in the fresh air shooting. The cylinders seem to be maintaining their pressure when I've tried shooting one of my Co2 rifles or pistols. Orv.