Ammo "shelf life".......storage time?

4000fps

January 20, 2003 04:49

I would like to stock up on some .223 ammo. Does anybody know abut what the shelf life of any stored ammo might be? I've had some that sat for about 5 years and had no problems.
Suspecting the worst here in Illinois with our new Governor { 50cal Rod}, I would like to stock up big time. Any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated as always.

Ron

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  22WRF

  January 20, 2003 04:58

  Stored in a cool dry storage it should last a life time.
  
  
  
  SOLD MY COW SO I DON'T NEED YOUR BULL [;)]

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  nmyers

  January 20, 2003 05:45

  My rule is, if it's kept cool & dry, I use it only for practice after 100 years.

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  Iconoclast

  January 20, 2003 05:58

  I've shot a bundle of ammo older than I am. Properly stored, it will still be usable for a long time to come. Hey, a high percentage of BP Spencer rounds from the Civil War will still shoot. Where you run into trouble is with early smokeless loadings, especially those stored improperly. There's another thread here about WW2 vintage '06 ammo - CMP is selling off a bunch of it - it's still reliable. And the newer production with more stable powder / primer compounds ought to last even better. Keep it cool and dry, is all.

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  Gordian Blade

  January 20, 2003 06:10

  If you buy in large lots, the boxes will often be sealed in plastic, which helps prevent corrosion from moisture and oxygen. Wolf ammo is coated in lacquer, which is a negative feature when you shoot it (a little more cleaning required) but helps with storage. An ammo dealer told me that Wolf in its original packaging will store almost indefinitely in a cool, dry spot.
  
  Relatively recent (like 1990's) mil surplus in its original packaging is also a good bet, since part of the mil spec is long storage.
  
  I've bought both types (Wolf and surplus) for long storage "just in case".

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  kingjoey

  January 20, 2003 06:13

  If you can get some milspec ammo, look for ammo with the seal around the bullet and primer, helps keep humidity, oil, and oxygen out of the load. The ammo will last a long, long time. I saw a report on it years ago and the only downside is the ammo tends to shoot a little slower as it ages.

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  binder

  January 20, 2003 11:01

  Despite what a lot of folks say, I have a dehumidifier in my storage room, and keep it about 40-50% or less humidity. I started loading about 1963 and have not had any problems, with any of the ammo I loaded or that I have purchased, and the guns/knives do not have any mold etc, on the leather or in cases. Cool and dry can sometimes discolor the cartridge cases. Moisture is the biggest problem, and temp. and humidity.
  Hodgdon Powder company started thier business with surplus powders after WWII. This will give you an idea.

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  chunkstyle

  January 21, 2003 08:44

  I have been shooting off some thousands of rounds of Egyptian 9mm, dated 1967-75. So far, out of over 2000 rounds shot, only one total FTF. Half dozen or so wouldn't shoot the first time, but did on a later try. I have had a few without enough kick to cycle the pistol, but they still put a hole in the target. And this is with Egyptian QC, not the most reputable.
  
  Iraqi: "Is it true that only 13% of American kids can find Iraq on a map?"
  American reporter: "Yes, but all 13% are Marines"
  
  "Women should always wear tight clothes, and men should carry powerful handguns." - Calvin

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  king999

  January 21, 2003 16:12

  I routinely shoot WW II military in several different calibers from several different mfg. Never had a serious problem. A few split cases here and there; occaisional FTF, but nothing to prevent good times. You may not want to rely on 60 yr old ammo for precision shooting, but you can have a good time at low cost.
  I suspect that if you buy GOOD quality ammo now, and store it propperly, your grandchildren could use it.
  
  Have fun, be careful
  Morty

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  mballai

  January 21, 2003 16:55

  I haven't any problem storing ammo here in Illinois for more than a decade, so I guess that should be true until Blahooeyvich decides to confiscate our "arsenal".
  
  Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

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  will270win

  January 21, 2003 17:05

  I'm thinking about getting one of those vacuum things like the cash in the trash guy talks about on TV. Wonder if that would you help any.
  
  "When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend."
  ~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~
  Will270win@nraonline.com

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  captkirk3@dslextreme.com

  January 21, 2003 18:32

  I know for a fact, that German .8mm Ammo loaded in the late 30's and early 40's and kept in tight containers is still shootable...I realize its corrosive and requires that you have to Clean your Weapon after shooting this ammo....But...I got nothing better to do anyway...
  I've also shot 30-06 Ammo from the 2'nd WW, and it shot just fine...
  What I'm saying is...I know that SOME ammo over 50 Years old is still Good....Read the Ad from J&G in Prescott, Az.! They just got a Bazillion Rounds of 1940 .8mm up for grabs....
  
  Captain Kirk, Tech Staff

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