Ammunition Shelflife
 

In another post I heard people saying to stock up on Ammunition. My only concern is how long can ammunition be stored and still remain effective. I know military ammunition lasts longer and generally burns dirtier while civilian ammunition burns cleaner but has a shorter life.

What is the average life for ammunition (military and civilian) stored in a dry air-tight containers?

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

I don;t know what the exact shelf life is of either civilian, or military ammo, other than to tell you that it is a long damn time. I have shot OLD military ammo from the 70's since I have been in the Army, and I have seen older ammo still in the crates in the ammo storage areas. Though, i can't imagine that it would hurt to store it in air tight containers. Just to keep the humidity off it. I am sure as long as it stays dry, you won't have any problems.

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

Depends where and how it's stored...and how it's made. Like KD said, I've shot military ammo over 30 years old all my life with no problem. I have had shotgun shells turn to crap after about 20 years. Paper cases sort of turn to goo. Plastic cases start splitting. But I'd say if a guy takes care of it he should certainly get 25 years out of it at least.

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

thanks

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

I've used 20+ year old shotshell reloads before, with no problems.

I read somewhere that ammo will function properly for about 10 years, but, to an extent, I suspect that that is just to get you to buy more ammo. If it's stored in a reasonably climate controlled space, I don't see why it wouldn't last for 20+ years.

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

in most cases, the primer will be the first to go.

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

Yep, I too have used shot shells over 20+ years old. Even used a few .22 shells that were atleast 10 years old. mis-fires.No

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

I've shot surplus ammo from the 50's with very few misfires. I also chronographed some of my handloads that were probably 10 years old. They had lost some of their zip in just that short of a time. It makes me wonder how much that ammo from the 50's may have lost since it was originally loaded.

RE: Ammunition Shelflife
 

I just shot ammo that was from 1954 out of my Mosin Nagant m44. I shot over 60rds without a problem.

RE: Ammunition Shelf life
 

its that loss of zip that I am worried about. if you keep the shells/cartridges clean and dry how with aging power effect range and accuracy? will shaking shells before use help any?