Erik asked 2 years ago
Does ammo expire? Does ammo go bad over time? How long does ammo last in storage?

4 Answers
Lewis answered 2 years ago

Ammunition will eventually go bad and corrode. The shelf life of ammunition can depend on several factors such as the caliber, the type of cartridge, and the manufacturing process. Generally speaking, centerfire rifles and pistol ammunition have a longer shelf life than rimfire rounds.

Manufacturers typically list a recommended shelf life for their products, but it’s always a good idea to check the date stamp on the ammo itself to be sure. Ammo that has been exposed to high heat, moisture, or air can corrode more quickly. So if you’re not going to use your ammo for an extended period it’s a good idea to store it in a cool, dry place free from excessive heat and humidity.

Does ammo go bad?
How long can ammo be stored?

Ammo can be stored indefinitely if the conditions are ideal. Temperature and humidity play the biggest role in ammunition storage. Extremes of either will hasten the deterioration of ammo. Heat speeds up chemical reactions, moisture causes corrosion. corrode gunpowder and embrittle metals. Store your ammo in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for best results.

With modern manufacturing processes and materials, ammunition doesn’t degrade much over time. Ammo manufacturers use corrosion-resistant brass casings, and gunpowder is sealed in a waterproof container. Ammo can last for decades if stored properly.

We also recommend that you watch a video on how to store ammunition

Jordan answered 2 years ago
Ammunition, or rounds, can indeed go bad. The three main causes of ammunition degradation are moisture, heat, and light. Rounds that have been exposed to any of these elements for an extended period will start to corrode, which will ultimately make them ineffective when fired.
Any type of ammo has the potential to expire, though the likelihood and consequences vary based upon the ammunition in question. Handgun ammunition is more likely to experience problems due to moisture than rifle ammunition, for example. All ammo contains brass cases that can corrode and centerfire primers which can become brittle and fragmented over time.
 
Does ammo go bad?
 
Ammunition that’s been properly stored in a dry environment will usually last much longer than the stated “shelf life.” Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution when using old ammo. If possible, take your expired ammo to a gunsmith or experienced reloader for an inspection before firing it.
Here are a few general tips for storing ammo:

  • Keep it in a cool, dry place. A fridge or freezer is ideal.
  • Avoid exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
  • Store Ammo in an airtight container. Ammo cans work well for this purpose.
  • Inspect your Ammo regularly, and don’t hesitate to replace old or damaged rounds.

Antony answered 2 years ago

Yes, ammunition can go bad over time. It’s important to store ammo in a cool, dry place and to keep it away from moisture and heat. Ammo that’s been exposed to high temperatures or moisture can become corroded or defective.

It’s also important to handle ammo carefully and not to drop it or hit it with hard objects, as this can damage the rounds and make them less effective when fired.

How long can ammo be stored?

Assuming you’re talking about storing ammunition for firearms, there are a few things to consider:

  1. What type of ammunition are you looking to store? Handgun ammunition tends to have a shorter shelf life than rifle ammunition due to the higher pressures involved in firing handgun rounds.
  2. How dry and cool is the environment where the ammunition will be stored? Ammo should be stored in a cool, dry place away from any possibility of moisture or extreme temperature changes.
  3. What type of container will the ammo be stored in? It’s best to use an airtight container, such as a plastic bucket with a lid, or sealable ammo can.

With those factors in mind, here are some general guidelines for how long different types of ammunition can be safely stored:

  • Handgun ammunition: 3-5 years
  • Rifle ammunition: 5-10 years
  • Shotgun ammunition: 10+ years

Of course, these are just general guidelines. Ammo that is well-made and stored properly can last much longer, while ammo that is of poor quality or not stored properly will degrade much faster.

We also recommend that you watch this video

Cruz answered 2 years ago

There are a few things to consider when determining how long ammo can be stored:

1. Different types of ammunition have different storage life spans. For example, live ammo will not last as long as blanks.

2. The type of gun also matters. Rifles and pistols typically have longer storage life spans than shotguns.

3. The climate and humidity in which the gun is stored also play a role in how long the ammunition will last.

With all of that said, it is generally accepted that most types of ammo can be safely stored for at least five years. Some experts even say that you can get up to 10 years out of Ammo if it’s stored properly. So, if you have an Ammo that is more than five years old, it’s probably still good to go.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you live in a very humid climate, for example, your ammunition may not last as long as it would in a drier climate. Also, if you are storing Ammo in an unventilated area, it will not last as long as it would if it was stored in a well-ventilated area.

In short, there are a lot of factors that play into how long Ammo can be stored. However, if you follow the general rule of thumb, you should be able to safely store Ammo for at least five years.