Ammo is not a perishable good, so you may think it’s always safe to use, even when expired. Of course, if you store it correctly, it can last for long periods of time.
But it’s safer to know that ammo does have a limited shelf life. And its life is influenced by factors like storage options, exposure to high or low temperatures, sunlight and moisture. Before using your newly found ammo to fire your gun, find out if you’re using good or dangerous ammo. Bad ammo can be harmful for you and your gun.
It’s useful to get more information on how to properly store your ammo to avoid it going bad. This article will give you 5 tips on how to preserve your ammunition.
The shelf life of gauge ammo
Modern gauge ammo was built to last. Especially when you store it appropriately. Of course, it depends on certain conditions. Loading methods, components and quality depend on how the manufacturer operates and what they use for the build.
For example, you have brass-cased ammo which is less prone to rusting, unlike steel-cased ammo. Bullets which have exposed lead parts are more likely to degrade faster. By contrast, full-metal jacket bullets keep their integrity for longer periods of time.
Gauge ammo manufacturers prefer to limit the chances of liability by estimating lower shelf life periods for their products. Of course, that also means more frequent purchases from customers and more profit.
Tips to preserve gauge ammo
Here are a few things you can do to better preserve your gauge ammo for longer periods of time.
1. Rotate your ammo
Especially when you have a firearm you’re counting on in case of emergency, ammunition is paramount. If it doesn’t function properly when you need it, you’re in danger. Concealed carry firearms ammo is at risk of expiring or malfunctioning because it’s less likely to be fired.
Most manufacturers recommend not using ammo that’s older than 10 years. You can make sure that, within this 10 year bracket, you ammo is safe. Every few years, remember to go through your ammo and use the older bullets when you practice at the shooting range.
2. Keep ammo out of high temperatures
When exposed to high temperatures ammo doesn’t instantly combust because it withstands both high and low temperatures for short periods of time. But when you expose it to extreme heat you can damage it.
Long exposure to high temperatures can lead to gunpowder and priming mix damage. If enough time passes, you’ll notice your shells are degraded and they may even stop firing.
SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute) recommends storing ammo under 150 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily do it if you store your gun and ammo in a safe.
Try to avoid leaving ammo boxes in your car. In summer months temperatures inside it can reach more than 170 degrees, which is hot enough to damage ammo.
3. Avoid moisture, light and humidity
It’s important to take care of your ammo, and that means choosing an appropriate space to store it. Cool, dry and dark places are safe. Try to make sure your ammo storage space isn’t exposed to humidity or moisture.
That means avoiding basements or other spaces where there may be high humidity levels. If you have the possibility, buy a dehumidifier for your ammo packs. In addition, you can add silica gel packs to your ammunition boxes to get rid of extra moisture.
It’s also worth noting that bright light can damage ammo. It causes degradation over time. Storing it in a dark place solves this problem.
4. Keep ammo away from temperature fluctuations
Apart from high temperatures which, as expressed above, hurt your ammo, extreme cold can also have an effect on it. Chances are slimmer, but they’re still a possibility. And temperature fluctuations can damage the way your ammo works.
It’s the same when temperature fluctuation damages freshly baked souffles or cases of beer. That’s why you should be careful not to leave your ammo packs in places like garages or sheds, where temperature swings can do damage.
You may think that ammo stored indoors is safe, but that’s not always true. Sometimes, temperatures can significantly move from one extreme to the other and they can affect surrounding areas. Cars, basements and open containers are not the best place to store your ammo.
Instead, you can keep your ammo in places where temperatures remain constant. Some good examples are gun safes, storage units or house gun racks.
Gun safes are the obvious choice, because they’re specifically built for gauge ammo and firearms. They’re dry on the inside and they keep a seady temperature range. It’s also a good option when you have small children or teenagers in the house. That way, you’re making sure no one gets a hold of your guns without permission or supervision.
5. Avoid spaces that rattle, shake or roll
You spent money on your new ammo and you want it to be in top shape when you use it. When you store it in the trunk of a car, for example, there’s a higher chance the cartridges knock against each other.
That can cause damage which in time leads to damage or degradation. And damaged ammo can become dangerous when fired.
Dangers of firing old or defective ammo
Let’s say you found a box of ammo you forgot about. It looks pretty good, even though you didn’t keep it in the conditions we already talked about. The cartridges look reasonable, they’re not rusty, even if they’re not quite in mint condition either.
Here are some problems you can run into if you choose to use them:
- You misfire – It’s the most common side effect of badly-kept ammo. It happens when the primer can’t ignite the powder.
- The ammo explodes – A chemical process leads to the formation of explosive crystals that increase ammo potency. It can lead to damaging the gun when firing.
- Firing leads to an acidic reaction – The firearm is exposed to acid fumes that degrade its components.
- The ammo jellyfies – The bullet isn’t expelled when you fire. Instead, it obstructs the barrel, making your next firing dangerous. If you hear strange or unfamiliar sounds when you fire your gun, safely unload and check the barrel.
Final thoughts
For the best results when using your gun, proper storage for your ammo is a must. Keep your cartridges in a humid-free, dark space with stable temperatures. Avoid any spoiling causes that can lead to ammo being compromised.
The appropriate environment for ammo and guns is what every good gun owner should think about. Properly-stored ammo can last even longer than 10 years. Preserve its condition and look for any clues that may show it’s nearing the end of its shelf life.