Shelf life of ammo
I've typically rolled my own since the mid-80's. In 1990, I started moving around alot due to my work, so a lot of things ended up in storage, including pretty much everything from my loading bench.
Last night, I was digging through some old storage boxes and came across some old target ammo (.38 Spl and 9mm), about 200 rds of each. Also stumbled across two cans of powder and a few trays of pistol primers.
So the question is: is this ammo and raw stock still "good", or should I tear the rounds apart, properly disposed of the powder and primers, and reload fresh?
"Nuke 'em 'til they glow - then shoot 'em in the dark."
Last night, I was digging through some old storage boxes and came across some old target ammo (.38 Spl and 9mm), about 200 rds of each. Also stumbled across two cans of powder and a few trays of pistol primers.
So the question is: is this ammo and raw stock still "good", or should I tear the rounds apart, properly disposed of the powder and primers, and reload fresh?
"Nuke 'em 'til they glow - then shoot 'em in the dark."
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If the powder and ammo has been properly stored (cool & dry) I see no problem using both. Did you keep a log on the ammo you loaded? You can check the primers by pressing them in an empty case and firing a few, I have seen some of the guy's in the shooting club I belong to use primers they bought in the 80's and I usualy bust on them when I see the old powder cans they have.
PJ
If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA Life Member, AF&AM0 -
Depending on storage conditions (and conditions at the time of loading, ie humidity), loaded ammo can actually have a shelf life of over a century.
Try them out before you ashcan them.
Primers don't go bad over time (that I have ever heard of).
Powder may become less useable. You need to smell an acidic odor when you open the can. If you see a reddish tint to the powder, use it to fertilize your plants.
Men have passed on...knowledge...yet in politcs, statecraft, and social relationships we continue to repeat old mistakes.
It is a thing I must remember, that men must always remember, that civilization is a flimsy cloak, and just outside are hunger, thirst, and cold.....waiting. L'Amour0 -
I always write the date on my reloads, with a sticker reading:
DISCARD AFTER 200 YEARS
After that much time has passed, I may use them for practice only, but not for competition or defense.
Neal0 -
OK, that kinda puts my mind as ease - last thing I want is a bad fire through one of my guns, then visiting my gunsmith to get the barrel(s) cleared. [xx(]
All the rounds were loaded in the days before I started keeping a reloading log. From inspection, the .38s look like 140-150gr wadcutters, likely with target shooting level charges. The 9mm rds are FMJ, looks like 120-140gr - no idea what kind of charge is in those.
The powder has been in a basement environment for the past 7 years or so. Before that, they were in a long-term storage unit for about 2 years, and before that they were in my uncle's basement. Guess there's nothing for me to do except head for the range and pop off a few.
"Nuke 'em 'til they glow - then shoot 'em in the dark."0 -
I shot some mil surp handgun ammo from the 1950's last week. Worked pretty well... 0 -
A couple of years ago, I fired some WWII surplus 9mm and it functioned flawlessly. I'm sure todays components are even better. I figure all the modern factory loaded "excessive" stock I've got in my climate controlled gun safe (not to mention the guns!) may one day come in handy for my great grandchildren. 0 -
Storage is key You did not state if jacketed of lubed lead loads If the lead bullets have lube on them and they have gotten hot "TRUNK OF CAR OR ETC" I have seen it leak down the case and "KILL" some of the powder beware of squibe loads if the report does not sound right make sure barrel is clear or your next shot will buldge the barrel. 0 -
Hello:
Been having a heck of time loading for a 6mm. Built dozens of loads, but I'm still looking for those dime size groups. Finally decided to take a break and start on a new 7mm load. I had obtain several hundred 7mm loads from a respected reloader who was retiring. Decided to run some of the reloads just to foul the gun barrel. My first three shots were touching at 100 yards! I ran another dozen or so through with the same result. Sure enough the load, date and all the specs were inside the box. These handloads were built in 1968! Thirty-six years old, and still tack driving. Not to mention they shoot like they were tuned to my rifle. These loads weren't treated with kid gloves, but they weren't exposed to the elements either. Saved me a ton of guess work, and load building. I just hope I can duplicate them! Please note these loads came from a RESPECTED reloader, and were stored in a normal shelf fashion. Still accurate after all these years!0 -
Properly stored, ammo can last a lot longer than anyone reading this . . . especially with the powders now available. Some of the earliest high energy rifle powders, such as those used by Newton circa WW1, would break down and embrittle the case, regardless of storage. But even BP ammo from the Civil War, stored properly, still shoots 90% of the time. Of course, BP is far more stable than smokeless, especially early smokeless. CMP is releasing WW2 vintage .30-06 stocks (it's all they have left). It still shoots.
The key here, as has been discussed above and in Gawd knows how many previous threads, is the storage conditions. Bear in mind *both* hot and cold conditions will affect performance. If your ammo and components have been stored where ambient conditions have not been extreme, they should be fine. I still have - and occasionally use - some powder almost as old as I am . . . plus some SS and specialized primers from the estate of a good friend who bought them in the 1950s and early 1960s. No problems. I have a small quantity of early primers, circa 1880 - 1920 which my grandfathers had for loading brass shotshells. One of these fine days, I'm going to put on some protective garb and try smacking a cross sample with a hammer. I'd not be surprised if they pop - I know they've been kept cool and dry.
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / DemoWipes" (me)0 -
I WOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO USE YOUR AMMO , BUT USE CAUTION . IF YOU HAVE ONE OR TWO THAT ARE WEAK LOADS THEY MAY LEAVE A BULLET IN THE BORE AND THE ONE BEHIND IT WILL MAKE A MESS OF YOUR BARREL . YOUR AUTO WILL FAIL TO CYCLE AND EJECT MORE THAN LIKELY . I WOULDN'T RAPID FIRE THESE LOADS ESPECIALLY IN THE THE REVOLVER .BE SAFE NOT SORRY!!
THINMAN0
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