Does Reloaded Ammo Have a Shelf Life?
- Thread starter lawn gnome
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If you are going to store ammo in metal containers be aware of possible condensation issues arising. What I do is put a couple of those moisture absorbing packs in with my ammo or cut a Odor Absorber in half (the ones for shoes) and include it. Anything with charcoal in it should also work.
An experience I had. I bought about 400rds of 7x57 reloads from a guy that his dad had loaded back in 1982 according to the load sticker on the boxes. The loads in cardboard boxes were OK for the most part (had to throw out about 30 as the box had got wet). The ones stored in plastic bags were in rougher shape. Dis-assambled about 200 of those. Bullets had rusted and cases had corroded. I saved about 150 of those. IMO just make sure you store them in a cool dry area, and not in cardboard boxes or plastic bags. When you decide to shoot them inspect them. If the cases are corroded, rusted etc., then I would be leery about shooting those. The structural integrity of the case may be compromised.
An experience I had. I bought about 400rds of 7x57 reloads from a guy that his dad had loaded back in 1982 according to the load sticker on the boxes. The loads in cardboard boxes were OK for the most part (had to throw out about 30 as the box had got wet). The ones stored in plastic bags were in rougher shape. Dis-assambled about 200 of those. Bullets had rusted and cases had corroded. I saved about 150 of those. IMO just make sure you store them in a cool dry area, and not in cardboard boxes or plastic bags. When you decide to shoot them inspect them. If the cases are corroded, rusted etc., then I would be leery about shooting those. The structural integrity of the case may be compromised.
what the sam hell are you talking about? link to proof / discussion?
Brass and Nickel cases don't deteriorate in storage. So long as it's stored in a dry area and doesn't have large temperature swings, reloaded ammo is the same as factory for shelf life afaik.
Agree, The more I make the less I have.
I don't really think the shelf life would be much different that factory in most cases.
Unless your outbuilding is climate controlled I would say absolutely, especially if you're on the coast with the humidity issue.
Sunray is back?
yeah, its not even insulated. Sounds like I should be storing it elsewehre, along with my gunpowder too.
The story about a Colt 1911 left behind in Europe follow WW II with a fully loaded magazine plus one up the spout and everyone fired.
Don't know if there is a comparison between "on a shelf" or "underground" but apparently it was protected to a degree where no soil entered the mechanism nor rusted.
It also put to rest the idea that magazine springs deteriorate over time.
Don't know if there is a comparison between "on a shelf" or "underground" but apparently it was protected to a degree where no soil entered the mechanism nor rusted.
It also put to rest the idea that magazine springs deteriorate over time.
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Dehumidifier does wonders for moisture control. I keep all my ammo/arms in my cold cellar in cabinets and plastic o-ring sealed ammo boxes. I open the ammo cases every few months for a good dry out for a day. I also use this area to dry wet things that can't be dried in the sun.
OK so work hardened brass will not split necks if stored for a 10+ years?
I had to discard 3 boxes of 270 reloads that I had stored for about that long, but I'm sure your right?
I've been given reload's from the 70's that looked great but had cracked neck's. I've also found surplus with the same. 303 is a common one. Also 577-450
