Does anyone use lacquer to seal the primer pocket/mouth of the case?

[Melnibonean]

I was talking shop with a few guys, and the subject of long term storage came up (because of the current shortages), which of course then led to how to store ammo properly.

But one of my buddies asked aloud if using some sort of lacquer on the primer pocket and/or the mouth of the case would be beneficial for keeping both humidity and air out of the loaded case. When I think about it, I've come across a few AE .223 that seem to have this red product applied around the pocket.

Anyone hear of such a thing? Anyone here doing this with their reloads, and if so, what are you all using?

 

[klaus enuff]

I have heard of this being done but can't remember what was used.

 

[ciphery]

I WOULD NOT use lok-tite. LoL
Nail polish would work though. Or you could load your ammo normally and then vacuum seal it the same as you do game meat for the freezer.
Load up some lotts,clean the out side well, place ammo neatly in plastic bag, place reload info in bag, vacuum seal,label bag with sharpie, store in cool dark place until bag degrades.

 

[zuke]

I've used model paint in the past

 

[ciphery]

I've used model paint in the past

Nail polish, model paint...same thing

 

[dogzilla]

Primers are a press fit and unless you are in a WET environment shouldn't need sealed. Best off store them loose in an ammo can (cardboard absorbes moisture like a sponge) and throw in a bag of silica jell.

 

[bigi]

If you use re-cycled army ammo cases they have a rubber seal in the lid already so use those with a fresh silica bag for good measure.

 

[nissannx]

I use the wife's old nail polish. Different colors for different loads

 

[338 Imperial]

I do the same as nissannx, & it does help ditinguish different loads at the bench & in the future you can refer back to your recipee bbok.

 

[Ganderite]

For storage issues, I preserve ammo by transplanting it to 50 cal steel ammo cans.

If I am going to hunt in a known very wet environment, I paint the bottom half of the bullet with clear nail polish before seating it and paint the primer too. I do this with only about 10 rounds. I don't like to do it very much because i fear the paint causing a gooey deposit in the firing pin channel.

 

[3macs1]

I use nail polish only on my steel shot waterfowl loads, nothing on the rest

 

[Longwalker]

I have never had a hand loaded rifle cartridge fail due to moisture. I did try to duplicate the factories lacquer around the primer pocket crease for a while, but gave it up as messy and unnecessary. But I live in a dry environment. Waterproof ammo cans with silica jell seems like a good idea if you are concerned.

 

[Colt .45]

The .50 cal ammo cans have a rubber seal. Wouldn't it be possible to get the same results by using one or two of those dessecant packets + a packet of rice to suck up any moisture in there and close it on a cold and dry day?

 

[lister]

I've never bothered, and I recently fired a bunch of 45acp handloads that were done in the mid-80's, then stored in a non-climate controlled building in Manitoba.
I think unless you live at the bottom of the ocean, you're OK.