How long to store ammo before it starts degrading?
- Thread starter Pistoler0
- Start date
Aside from the primers the "quality" needed for long shelf life is in the alloy and annealing of the brass and the quality of the chemical makeup of the powder. Neither of which can be seen or measured, other than by examining how they endure over time.
One of the main components of smokeless powder is nitric acid. Done just right in production, the powder will remain stable for multiple decades. Done less than "just right" and the powder can chemically break down over time, releasing nitric fumes which also attack the brass of the case.
Storage conditions WILL affect this, as well.
The Military has a set "self life" not because ammo will go bad after XX years, but because it MIGHT. Some things have a shelf life, then get tested and "reset".
I ate Korean War C-rations (52-53) in the 70s. C-rats were good for 7 years. Then, they pull one case from the stored lot, check it, and if its still good, the entire lot is good for another 7 years. repeat until used up...
Was bummed when we got the "modern" (Viet Nam era) C-rats. The new ones didn't have smokes in them!
One of the main components of smokeless powder is nitric acid. Done just right in production, the powder will remain stable for multiple decades. Done less than "just right" and the powder can chemically break down over time, releasing nitric fumes which also attack the brass of the case.
Storage conditions WILL affect this, as well.
The Military has a set "self life" not because ammo will go bad after XX years, but because it MIGHT. Some things have a shelf life, then get tested and "reset".
I ate Korean War C-rations (52-53) in the 70s. C-rats were good for 7 years. Then, they pull one case from the stored lot, check it, and if its still good, the entire lot is good for another 7 years. repeat until used up...
Was bummed when we got the "modern" (Viet Nam era) C-rats. The new ones didn't have smokes in them!
Commander47
Inactive
I am still shooting 30.06 WWII surplus armor piercing (black tip).
They shoot wonderfully, and are very accurate.
Fact is, I bought a whole bunch of this decades ago. Never had a failure or misfire. I still have plenty.
I believe that you can store ammo for a very very very very long time.
Just keep it in a cool, dry clean place. Any kind of moisture or humidity getting to the ammo is not good.
They shoot wonderfully, and are very accurate.
Fact is, I bought a whole bunch of this decades ago. Never had a failure or misfire. I still have plenty.
I believe that you can store ammo for a very very very very long time.
Just keep it in a cool, dry clean place. Any kind of moisture or humidity getting to the ammo is not good.