[AGE]

RK,

In my post above I mentioned that my relative's ammo became duds after a year or so in an oiled revolver. They fired, but the energy was very very low--more like a .22 rimfire than a .38 special (which is what they were). Maybe the primers were OK, but the powder was damaged, I don't know. Anyway, as you stated, firing resulted in low power poofs or pops rather than bangs.

In my defense guns (1911 autos), even when loaded, the chambers are empty requiring slide racking before firing (to keep the ammo clean and hopefully to prevent sudden unauthorized use).