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How Long Does Ammo Last? Unlocking the Shelf Life

July 14, 2023 By Edwin Leave a Comment

Operating a firearm effectively relies heavily on the ammunition used. Sure, target practice and personal defense are exciting. Still, responsible gun owners must consider the longevity of their ammunition. The lifespan of the ammunition directly impacts its safety, reliability, and performance.

Our blog post aims to explore the factors that influence bullet lifespan, best practices for storage, and the value of regular inspection.

Both curious beginners and skilled sharpshooters are invited to unlock the secrets behind the question on everyone’s minds: “How long does ammo last?”. Keep reading if you’re ready to make informed choices about your firearm collections.

How Long Does Ammo Last?

Rilfe ammo

Modern ammunition can last up to 20 years, given that the appropriate storage methods are followed.

Ammunition lifespan depends on several factors, including storage, ammunition type, and the manufacturer. When stored correctly, ammunition can remain functional for years and even decades. However, some types of ammunition have a shorter shelf life.

Rimfire cartridges have a shorter lifespan because their priming compounds are sensitive. Environmental changes cause these components to degrade more over time. Military surplus ammo, especially older or corrosive types, may also degrade faster.

Specialty or exotic ammo with unique components or designs, as well as reloaded ammo, can also have shorter shelf lives.

Proper storage is crucial to preserving ammunition. It’s recommended to keep ammunition in a cool, dry place with stable temperatures. Exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or cold can result in deteriorated ammunition. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to performance reduction, or worse, unsafe ammo.

Quality of manufacture greatly impacts ammunition lifespan. Reputable manufacturers with strict quality control processes produce more resistant ammunition.

Factors Influencing Ammo Degradation

As a firearm owner, it’s essential to protect the longevity and effectiveness of your ammunition. These features can be influenced by several factors – including temperature, oxygen, time, and more. These impact factors can affect integrity, performance, and reliability.

Temperature and Humidity

Your ammunition’s performance can be impacted by extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. Heat causes the deterioration of propellants, which results in reduced functionality or total failure. Freezing makes metal components brittle and can interfere with the ignition process.

Furthermore, high humidity facilitates corrosion and moisture absorption that can damage casings, propellant, and primer. Keep your ammunition in a cool and dry environment to avoid these risks.

Exposure to Light and UV Radiation

Exposure to light can cause ammunition to deteriorate over time. UV radiation can cause the propellant’s and primer’s chemical composition to break down, leading to reduced reliability and stability.

To maintain the quality of your ammunition, it’s best to store it in containers that prevent light penetration. Always keep your ammo away from direct sunlight or bright artificial light sources to guarantee its longevity.

Chemical Reactions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining ammunition’s performance and stability. Chemical reactions can occur between certain substances. These reactions eventually lead to reduced energy output, altered burn rates, and compromised ignition. Akin to “chemical aging,” it occurs when the propellant and primer’s chemicals decompose progressively.

Also, contact with chemicals like solvents or cleaning agents may harm the ammunition. Therefore, we strongly recommend storing ammunition separately from‌ reactive materials for optimal efficacy.

Oxygen Exposure

To guarantee the longevity of ammunition, it’s essential to limit its exposure to oxygen, which can lead to corrosion. Corrosion can compromise the integrity of the casings, making them more prone to rupture or failure. Sealing ammunition in airtight containers or packaging can go a long way in minimizing oxygen exposure.

Time

Ammunition can gradually degrade over time, even when stored properly. Factors like humidity, temperature, and cartridge type influence the rate of degradation. To maintain a fresh supply, it’s advisable to rotate ammunition and use older rounds first.

This “first in, first out” approach ensures that your ammunition inventory remains effective and reliable throughout.

Differentiating Ammo Components and Their Longevity

Pistol ammo

Regarding ammunition, success relies on the composite parts, wherein each plays a crucial role in how long-lasting the ammo is. To gauge reliability and durability, it’s important to understand the function of various components and how long they last.

So let’s take a closer look at these components and what sets them apart.

Primers

Ammunition needs primers. They facilitate the ignition process by releasing a spark through their small metal cup containing a priming compound. However, several factors can influence their strength and longevity.

Different types of primers are available, such as rimfire and centerfire, with centerfire generally used in larger calibers due to their longer lifespan. Moisture and chemical reactions can affect the primer’s stability, which is why proper storage in a dry and controlled environment is essential to prolonging its lifespan.

Propellants

More commonly known as gunpowder, propellants generate the high-pressure gas required for firing bullets. They come in flake, ball, or extruded powder forms, and may be single or double-based.

Various factors can impact propellant longevity. Exposure to drastic temperatures can compromise their stability, leading to inconsistencies or failure to ignite. Similarly, fluctuations in humidity levels can affect propellant integrity, causing clumping or degradation.

Chemical aging also plays a role, as propellant chemicals break down over time, resulting in space-time pattern changes and reduced energy output. To ensure propellant stability, ammunition should be stored properly in cool, dry locations, away from extreme temperatures and moisture.

Projectiles

Bullets, also known as projectiles, come in different types such as Hollow Point, Lead Round Nose, and Full Metal Jacket. Each type has unique features designed for specific purposes. The longevity of bullets is dependent on the construction materials used.

Certain types of bullets with exposed lead surfaces are vulnerable to corrosion. Oxidation, pitting, or degradation of the bullet surface would impact its accuracy and performance. Besides corrosion, mishandling, or improperly storing projectiles can lead to deformation of the bullet’s shape.

Therefore, it’s essential to handle these bullets with care and maintain proper storage conditions. Moreover, regular inspections are necessary to notice any sign of damage or deterioration.

Ammo Storage Best Practices

Ammunition storage plays a vital role in extending its lifespan, enhancing safety, and ensuring reliability. To achieve this, firearm owners need to follow specific best practices. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Choose a cool, dry, and stable storage area while avoiding places prone to harsh temperature changes such as attics or uninsulated garages. High heat accelerates the degradation of ammunition components. Additionally, excessive humidity can lead to moisture absorption, and catalyze corrosion.
  • Use specialized storage containers such as metal or plastic ammo cans to offer water-tight and airtight protection, keeping contaminants, moisture, and light at bay. Make sure the storage containers are clean and free from any debris or chemical residues that may interact negatively with the ammunition.
  • Maintain the organization of your storage containers by labeling them with relevant information such as caliber and date of purchase. This labeling enables easy identification and access to specific ammunition types. You may also label containers to show the order of use, enabling a smooth rotation of ammunition supply, which guarantees freshness.
  • If you have different types of ammunition, store them in separate storage containers. This action prevents confusion and mixing of the various calibers and increases the chances of selecting the right ammunition for your firearm.
  • Protect your ammunition from both natural and artificial light. This protection is crucial since prolonged light exposure, especially ultraviolet radiation, hastens the degradation of ammunition components.
  • Store your ammunition in opaque containers or locations, where they are shielded from extended light exposure, to promote unmatched quality and performance.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your ammunition to detect any damage, corrosion, or abnormalities. If you notice any problems, seek guidance from a professional on maintenance or disposal.

FAQ

How can I tell if ammo is bad?

Identifying bad ammo is crucial to determining its safety and reliability. Ensure your ammunition is safe to use by checking for these indicators:

  • Corrosion
  • Discoloration
  • Damage
  • Unusual odors
  • Deformed components

Can you still use bad ammo?

Don’t risk malfunctions, misfires, or safety hazards by using compromised ammunition. Prioritize safety and replace or dispose of any bad ammo properly.

How to dispose of ammunition that’s gone bad?

If you’re unsure how to dispose of bad ammunition, get in touch with your local law enforcement agency or fire department. They can guide you on proper disposal methods. Plus, they will direct you to the appropriate facilities following local regulations.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does ammo last? The answer is influenced by several factors, such as storage conditions, components, and the storage environment. Although ammo can work for numerous years, it’s crucial to account for potential deterioration over time and its impact on reliability and effectiveness.

Gun owners can maximize ammo lifespan and utility by knowing the degradation factors and applying proper storage techniques. Timely maintenance, examination, and responsible disposal of outdated or damaged ammo also promote safety.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews Tagged With: how long does ammo last

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