Ammunition Shelf Life

[EdK]

Is there a shelf life on ammunition? Specifically, 38 & 45 caliber bullets.

Thanks,
Ed

[TomG]

Not as long as it's kept dry, just make sure there is no corrosion on the brass. I shoot a lot of military surplus 30-06 and some of that stuff was made in the 70's. If you have any doubt, just send it all to me an I'll dispose of it properly.

Tom

[dallen]

like they used to say in the old days Ed keep your powder dry you will be ok. store it in ammo cans if possible.

[rleete]

I've had military surplus ammo that was 50+ years old and it fired just fine. Most problems are caused by corrosion on the case, which causes feed problems. Almost all military ammo is sealed, so normally will last just about forever.

As others have said, keep it reasonably dry and all will be well.

[Highpower]

+1

I've got stuff from the 30's and 40's that still works just fine. Also be aware that plain lead bullets (the projectiles themselves) non, or semi-jacketed will corrode in time as well. Normally hand gun ammunition. They develop a white fuzz (lead oxide) on the surface.

A good deal of the corrosion found on surplus military ammunition is caused by the acids present in the paper that was used to make the boxes that the cartridges were packaged in. Several countries simply wrapped small bundles of cartridges in paper and then tied it up with a piece of string.

[EdK]

Thanks for all of the responses. I don't have a gun yet but have done the research to know what gun I will eventually get so I was considering stocking up on ammunition before they start making it hard to get.

Ed

[stevec]

Don't worry Ed I think AK-47 ammo will be around long enough. Are you arming yourself in order to protect your forthcoming home brew?
The secret is, save the failed batches and when people drop by serve the bad stuff to any questionable guests, you won't need the artillery that way.

[TomG]

(02-28-2013, 01:04 PM)EdK Wrote: Thanks for all of the responses. I don't have a gun yet but have done the research to know what gun I will eventually get so I was considering stocking up on ammunition before they start making it hard to get.

Ed

Ed,

Unfortunately it's already hard to get and the prices reflect it. The same thing happened four years ago and it's happening again. Once the paranoia settles down and people realize that it ain't going away, the supply will catch up and the prices will return to normal. For instance, I could buy PMC .45 ACP two months ago for $17 a box, now it's $25-$30 a box if you can even find it. I refuse to participate in the madness so I'm reloading my own.

Tom

[DaveH]

(02-28-2013, 01:04 PM)EdK Wrote: I don't have a gun yet
Ed

Well you must be in the minority
I thought every American had a gun along with his horse, how ya gonna shoot dem injuns then.

DaveH

[Highpower]

(02-28-2013, 01:50 PM)TomG Wrote: Ed,

Unfortunately it's already hard to get and the prices reflect it.

Tom

Eight months ago I paid $149.99 for a case of .22LR ammunition. You can't can't find it in stock anywhere right now. Last month I saw the same case of .22 ammo actually sell for over $1,000 on one of the auction sites.