Ammunition shelf life--effects on ammo stored longterm

[kludge]

I still have a box of .308 "match" ammo I loaded about 15-16 years ago that I use for sighters when I change scopes, to foul the barrel, or whatnot. They all go bang.

 

[shibumiseeker]

I don't claim to be an expert on anything, but, I would be kinda leery running loaded ammo thru a tumbler.

If you do a search, you can find many, many threads we've had on the subject. The upshot is that a vibratory tumbler is no problem at all, even after far longer time periods than are necessary to clean the rounds. There's even empirical data to back this up.

 

[Skeetboy]

As long as it kept in a cool dry place it will last years. I know guys with shotgun shells that are years old and still work great. If it is damp or chaging temperature (attic) all bets are off.

 

[BearArms Jim]

If you do a search, you can find many, many threads we've had on the subject. The upshot is that a vibratory tumbler is no problem at all, even after far longer time periods than are necessary to clean the rounds. There's even empirical data to back this up.

Thanks a lot.

 

[eldirector]

I convinced my father in law to pull out his old 30-30. It has been in a closet, with a box of ammo, for over 40 years (since he got married and moved to Indy). He'll bring it over as soon as we have a nice day, we'll clean it up, try some new ammo and the 40+ year old stuff. Both the rifle and ammo look fine. A little tarnished here and there, but a wipe down with cleaner and oil should do the trick. I have no doubt the old girl will fire.

 

[marine4life]

consider military ammo is not always stored in optimal tempatures and is usually bounced, knocked, and kicked around in warehouses. Which is stored in ammo cans that are sometimes flooded and damp from hot and cold temps. I'd say as long as you keep it high and dry, you'll be just fine. How long do you plan on keeping the ammo? You'll eventually be too old to shoot. It will far outlive you.

 

[red_zr24x4]

consider military ammo is not always stored in optimal tempatures and is usually bounced, knocked, and kicked around in warehouses. Which is stored in ammo cans that are sometimes flooded and damp from hot and cold temps. I'd say as long as you keep it high and dry, you'll be just fine. How long do you plan on keeping the ammo? You'll eventually be too old to shoot. It will far outlive you.

^^
This

Ive shot surplus ammo in the Garand that wwas from the Korean war

 

[paperboy]

I have shot 38 ammo that was in a garage (not climate controlled) for several years and it shot perfect

 

[davej48]

A neighbor of mine was a competitor in Military Rifle matches back in the 50's and 60's. When he passed away his widow gave me all of his reloading gear and supplies of witch a lot was 50+ years old. In with the rest of the stuff was about 250 rounds of 30-06 ammo that he had loaded. It still shoots and is more accurate than I can hold with my 1903-A3 rifle with iron sights.

 

[Dwight D]

I shot some USGI 45 ACP ball today that was headstamped from the 40's in my Para P14 LTD and it shot just fine. Both accuracy and function.

 

[poisonspyder]

there is a reason the old saying is "keep your powder dry". as long as it stays dry it should be fine. for competition fresh is the best.

 

[pinshooter45]

I've shot some 45acp from 1944 and never had a failure to fire. Also just about everything I've fired through my 98K is from the 50's. Have had a couple of FTF but just lifted the bolt handle to recock and they always fire in the second try. Good factory ammo should have a nearly infinite shelf life, although I usuall do follow the FIFO rule to keep my ammo as fresh as possible.

 

[SSGSAD]

I have reloads, and powder, from the 80's & 90's, still shoots just fine.... I would not trust it for self defense, but for plinking, or at the range, GTG.....

 

[Jack_Bauer]

As most have said if stored in an air tight can with desiccant will last for a many years. Now if you have ammo like FN that uses lead free primers the primers will go bad and not ignite the power if store for long time even in perfect conditions.