Ammo age

Geri

August 15, 2012 05:50

I recently fired some ammo that had been loaded about 8 years ago. Originally it was MOA. Same rifle, same scope, nothing different. It is about 2, to 2.5 MOA now. Has been stored in a cool dry space. Any ideas?

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  rufe-snow

  August 15, 2012 07:02

  Might be neck tension on the brass? If there is enough to justify buying a Lee factory crimp die, you might be able to salvage the ammo.

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  beantownshootah

  August 15, 2012 07:04

  I can think of a few possibilities. I'm sure there are others:
  
  -Variability in handloads.
  -Scope screws aren't snug.
  -Windy day
  -Bad shooting day.
  -Barrel dirty or corroded from storage.

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  charliemeyer007

  August 15, 2012 07:45

  I don't think ammo improves with age but it shouldn't degrade that fast either.
  
  Could be trace lube, case cleaning compound ect toying with primers or the powder. Semi crushed primers. Compressed powder charge pushing bullets out. Box got dropped and bullets lost aleignment.
  
  I'd be looking at the rifle action and bbl bedding. Crown and bore.
  
  Try loading some fresh stuff and see if the rifle can still hold a super group.

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  Geri

  August 16, 2012 05:54

  I think RufeSnow has it. Split neck on one case and anothe sparation ring showing. Thanks for all the info.

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  tsr1965

  August 16, 2012 10:17

  If the ammo has been loaded for a long period of time, and not properly sealed, it could have degraded. You wold be amazed at what havoc, just a little ambient air can raise. It does not matter, how cool and dry your storage area is.
  
  Best

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