You've seen the threads countless times in the various forums: "I have this ammo stored in grand-pappy's attic since 1975 or so. Is it still safe to fire?"
Thought I'd share an experience. I was cleaning out and consolidating ammunition. I had some .30-40 Krag loaded at Raritan Arsenal (RA) in 1918. I noticed some of the necks were split. I spilled out the powder, put a match to it and it ignited as easily as fresh powder. I then fired off the primers in my Krag rifle. They too popped without problems.
Based upon this, you might say ammunition can last forever. But, I also have some French-made M1 carbine ammo from the 1950s. Every third round or so was a hangfire. In fact, the only hangfires I've ever experienced in more than 50 years of regular shooting.
In blowing off a coffee can full of assorted .38 Specials acquired from an estate, I had one round fire normally but it produced a massive smoke cloud. I inspected and smelled the casing and discovered I had fired a black powder .38 Long Colt load, probably 100 years old and the thing still fired.
Longevity of ammunition is based on both quality of manufacture and storage over the years. I don't think metallic ammunition is as affected by dampness as the rounds are pretty much hermetically sealed. But, ammo stored long term in a damp environment tends to tarnish and eventually corrode. Old paper shotshells can absorb dampness and even swell to the point of no longer being able to chamber.
My experience is that provided ammunition isn't stored in a 140 degree attic, it will last indifinitely.
Thought I'd share an experience. I was cleaning out and consolidating ammunition. I had some .30-40 Krag loaded at Raritan Arsenal (RA) in 1918. I noticed some of the necks were split. I spilled out the powder, put a match to it and it ignited as easily as fresh powder. I then fired off the primers in my Krag rifle. They too popped without problems.
Based upon this, you might say ammunition can last forever. But, I also have some French-made M1 carbine ammo from the 1950s. Every third round or so was a hangfire. In fact, the only hangfires I've ever experienced in more than 50 years of regular shooting.
In blowing off a coffee can full of assorted .38 Specials acquired from an estate, I had one round fire normally but it produced a massive smoke cloud. I inspected and smelled the casing and discovered I had fired a black powder .38 Long Colt load, probably 100 years old and the thing still fired.
Longevity of ammunition is based on both quality of manufacture and storage over the years. I don't think metallic ammunition is as affected by dampness as the rounds are pretty much hermetically sealed. But, ammo stored long term in a damp environment tends to tarnish and eventually corrode. Old paper shotshells can absorb dampness and even swell to the point of no longer being able to chamber.
My experience is that provided ammunition isn't stored in a 140 degree attic, it will last indifinitely.
