View Full Version : Ammo shelf life?
CGLOCK19
07-07-2008, 13:32
How long does ammo last, & whats the best way to store it?
Properly stored ammo will last longer than you will.
Properly stored means a cool dry place.
I have hand loads that have been sitting in my basement for over 20 years. They still work just fine. Milsurplus ammo 50+ years old works fine too.
Apocalypse_Now
07-07-2008, 13:39
Although the US government is now crushing and not surplussing them, ammo cans can still be found for sale, and I highly recommend you store your ammo in such. Your biggest enemy is moisture and the resulting brass corrosion
Aside from that, properly stored ammo will store a very, very long time
I had a box of .357 mag ammo that stayed in my nightstand for over 25 years and then fired with no problem.
Bill
robertwh
07-07-2008, 14:22
:threadmoved:
I still have old duty ammo that i shoot every now and then from when my grnadfather was a Sherrif back in the 40's.
I know ammo can be stored for decades and still be fine-
As long as it looks OK - not dented or real corroded I would shot it at the range --
But - if it is in my carry / self defense gun I want it to be fresh.
soonerjlc
07-07-2008, 16:45
The enemies of ammo are oil, moisture and heat. As others have pointed out, ammo storied indoors with limited humidity will stay good for decades. I have fired British 303 cordite loads stored in questionable settings that worked after 60+ years.
gwillis6
07-07-2008, 17:30
I recently fired 50 rounds of 9mm ammo that I purchased in 1991 for a S&W 6906 that I sold to pay rent in 1992 (Give me a break, I was 21). I just purchased a G17, my first 9mm since, and it ate it up like candy....But then again it's a Glock.
gwillis6
07-07-2008, 17:33
If I knew where I had hid that ammo, I would have probably sold it to buy beer. :drink:
CGLOCK19
07-07-2008, 18:18
There's a local store here that sells the ammo cans dirt cheap. I am wanting to buy a few thousand rounds and didnt wanna waist my money if the shelf life was only a year or two.
kensteele
07-07-2008, 18:47
it better last a long time. have a little stockpile going.....
CanyonMan
07-07-2008, 20:09
Properly stored ammo will last longer than you will.
Properly stored means a cool dry place.
I have hand loads that have been sitting in my basement for over 20 years. They still work just fine. Milsurplus ammo 50+ years old works fine too.
+1 on this information.
25 year old .357, ain't nothing.
I shoot 1930's 30-06, no problem at all. the same for 8x57.
It all goes off, and is adequately accurate. I really wouldn't hesitate to use it in an emergency.
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