When to replace ammo in carry gun?

[anothergunisjammed]

I've had same ammo in my carry gun (38 revolver) for about 20 years now,,i'm sure i need to just shoot it up and buy some new, but how long does ammo in a handgun in a glovebox last anyway? what is the recommended replacement time?

 

[TailGator]

You might want to look in on this discussion of a similar topic:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=575370

The 20 year old ammo is very likely to work fine if you haven't over-oiled your revolver, but there is some new technology out in ammo of which you might want to avail yourself.

 

[g.willikers]

Don't you ever practice with your carry gun?

 

[WCWV]

Mercy, I wouldn't have a clue how long it would be good for.
I just can't seem to not shoot my ammo up. I'll load up a couple boxes and it seems I always find leafs and such mocking me while I stroll through the woods.
then I have to set down and load some more. Between me, my wife and son, my press stays pretty active.

 

[.38SPL enthusiast]

I don't know if I would shoot 20 year old ammunition that has spent a lot of time in a glove box. Sometime in the glove box is fine. However, years of temperature extremes (particularly high temperatures) and vibration could possibly cause the powder to begin decaying . If this has taken place, pressure inside the cartridge case can spike dangerously! Now, if the ammunition had been stored in a closet where the temperature was fairly cool and stable, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it. New bullets aren't excessively expensive; I would just buy some more. Replacing your carry load at least every 6-12 months probably wouldn't be a bad idea .

 

[Skeets]

Replacing CCW Ammo?

Spring&Fall has work 100% for 25yrs,quality ammo only to begin with!

 

[Mike Irwin]

We have an ongoing, and quite active, discussion as noted by TailGator, so I'm going to close this one.

No sense in having largely identical competing discussions.