![]() I own a lot of surplus ammo I bought long ago, in addition to that bad lot described in my last post. If he sees this thread, I'm sure he can contribute to it. He has documentation of Navy tests in which ball powder broke down by destroying its deterrents, first and foremost, resulting in powder with a faster burn rate. So, when you buy surplus ammo, do you know how it has been stored always?īoard member Slamfire has accumulated a lot of information on this topic. A fair amount is known about deterioration at fixed temperatures, but if the storage temperature varies a good deal, that accelerates breakdown. The biggest wild card is temperature variation in storage. Once the ammo gets very old, it's a crap-shoot. I also know of someone who burst a Garand firing military ammo made between WWII and Korea. ![]() I know of someone who has fired late 1920's M1 Ball successfully. It can, indeed, last indefinitely if properly stored. I heard that some civil war muskets that were found loaded still fired.īlack powder is a whole different animal. If you are interested in learning more, we will be sending out information in a few weeks.People are still shooting WWII ammo. We are currently forming the American Conservative Movement. The original article can be accessed at GunPros. Routinely rotating ammunition of a concealed carry can be complemented by a trip to the range, as it’s always recommended to regularly practice with your concealed carry firearm. It’s recommended that ammunition held in a concealed carry be rotated out at least a few times a year, as regular exposure to the elements, indentations from the feed ramp, and excess lubrication can all potentially cause issues down the line. While it isn’t difficult to effectively preserve ammunition in a storage container for a lifetime, those who own a concealed carry firearm should take some special precautions. This isn’t anything to get overly neurotic about, but just remember that degradation begins anytime ammunition is brought out of storage. Given that hunters and outdoorsmen are more likely to expose their ammunition to suboptimal conditions, ammunition taken out into the field should be used as soon as possible. It’s important to note that any exposure to the elements speeds up the clock on ammunition’s shelf life. Sunlight can also play a factor in gradual degradation, so keep your storage container somewhere dark. Considering these factors, a cool and dry storage location with limited air access is ideal. Regardless of humidity or temperature, limiting ammunition’s exposure to open air is key. Extreme heat causes increased intensity of interaction between ammunition and the air, and should therefore be avoided. Temperature is another factor to consider when storing ammunition, as humidity levels are in part due to the warmth of the surrounding environment. It can be wise to also include silica gel packets inside sealed bags to remove any moisture residue. ![]() Heavy-duty plastic ammo cans are also viable options.Īlternatively, ammunition can be tightly sealed using a typical vacuum sealer. These products are built with air-tight seals, secure holds, and are built to last. Waterproof military-style ammunition storage boxes are your best option for protecting against excess air flow and humidity. Humidity/ moisture, in particular, is the most common culprit when it comes to ammo becoming unusable. Failing to follow this rule can lead to your ammunition becoming defective due to lead degradation, which is the primary cause of ammunition becoming defective. The basic rule for ammunition storage is to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place with limited air exposure, as extreme temperatures, humidity/moisture, and air exposure are the three primary causes for ammunition degradation. Whether new or old, there are some unifying factors to consider when storing ammunition to ensure nothing goes to waste. However, as long as it isn’t exposed to extreme conditions, modern ammunition of all types could last a lifetime. Full metal jackets and brass-lined ammunition aren’t susceptible to lead degradation in the same way as hollow points. Previously opened packages can be easily vacuum sealed if necessary. Some modern ammunition comes sealed to protect against corrosion and moisture. However, most ammunition today is made with smokeless powder, capable of lasting considerably longer.Īs we covered in our steel vs brass ammo comparison, steel case ammunition is more susceptible to corrosion than brass, though steel can last very long if stored properly. In the past, ammunition relied on black powder to act as the propellant for the shell. Modern ammunition of all types is designed to outlast the person who bought it. Firearms and Ammunition on sale now: $150 off $1,000+ (use code: APRIL150) Do Different Types of Ammunition Have Different Shelf Lives?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |