Does Ammo go Bad?

[n9znd]

A local store has alot of 9mm for about $11 a box but has a date of 1980 on them. Are the still fine to shoot? Jim

 

[dukeboy_318]

Its hard to say, depends on how they were stored and if moisture got into the powder. Ive got some 8mm mauser rounds from the 1940s and am looking to buy more as they run better in my 98 mauser then the new stuff.

 

[n9znd]

It looked fine and the boxes looked like they was never wet before. Thanks Jim

 

[melensdad]

They should be good.

50 year old ammo is often still safe. There have been all sorts of tests on ammo that has been stored in less than ideal conditions (high heat, extreme cold) and not only is it functional after DECADES of storage, it is often still at/near optimal power.

Wet is a no-no. But most older ammo is very shelf stable and safe to shoot.

 

[Cygnus]

If you're talking about the Rural King stuff it's likely in very good condition. An employee there did not know the country of origin but said they had to use a can opener to get the the boxes out. I think the tin goes a long way.

Did not buy any. I bought one PMC and one Blazer Brass.

 

[dukeboy_318]

They should be good.

50 year old ammo is often still safe. There have been all sorts of tests on ammo that has been stored in less than ideal conditions (high heat, extreme cold) and not only is it functional after DECADES of storage, it is often still at/near optimal power.

Wet is a no-no. But most older ammo is very shelf stable and safe to shoot.

agreed, id be confident enough to try it

 

[calcot7]

I just ran through a couple of hundred rounds of PMC 9mm from 1983 that I've had stored since around that date. One fail to fire due to bad primer I guess. Could not get it to go off after several tries. All the rest went bang with the same consistency.

 

[Bastispah]

no ammo doesnt go bad.

 

[sporter]

If you're talking about the Rural King stuff it's likely in very good condition. An employee there did not know the country of origin but said they had to use a can opener to get the the boxes out. I think the tin goes a long way.

Did not buy any. I bought one PMC and one Blazer Brass.

Rural King start selling surplus?

 

[Naptown]

I've shot a bunch of steel core 7.62 x 39 that is marked '73. $hit was born before I was....

 

[printcraft]

Typically no.

no ammo doesnt go bad.

If it grows up in the wrong environment and hangs out with a tough crowd then all bets are off.

 

[RelicHound]

Rural King start selling surplus?

the RK here in Evansville has surplus 9mm. dont quote me but I think it was around $12 a box of 50.

 

[IndyMonkey]

A local store has alot of 9mm for about $11 a box but has a date of 1980 on them. Are the still fine to shoot? Jim

You should send them to me for disposal.

 

[n9znd]

It is the 9mm at Rural King!!! You must of seen it. They Had .40 by the cases. I thought I should buy some 9mm but seen the Date and thought wow that is old. I thought it would be Ok but thought I would ask you guys. Thanks Jim

 

[dlsjoquist]

Sounds like I need to get to RK quick...

 

[Bastispah]

Typically no.





If it grows up in the wrong environment and hangs out with a tough crowd then all bets are off.

lol can't argue with that

 

[n9znd]

I think they probably had at least 1000 rounds or more!!! Jim

 

[Mr. Habib]

If it's stored properly ammo should last almost forever. I've got some with date codes from the '40s and it's just fine.

 

[Comp]

Thats like asking if your wife will go bad

 

[Mr. Habib]

Thats like asking if your wife will go bad

Mine will, but only for me!