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?

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.

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.

thanks

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?