How Long Does Ammunition Last? (A Complete Guide)
How Long Is Ammunition Good For?
Ammunition is a critical part of any firearm, but it’s also a consumable item that has a finite shelf life. Knowing how long your ammunition will last is important for ensuring that it’s still safe to use when you need it.
In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the shelf life of ammunition, how to store your ammunition properly, and how to tell if your ammunition is expired. We’ll also provide some tips on how to extend the shelf life of your ammunition.
So whether you’re a casual shooter or a serious gun enthusiast, read on to learn more about how long your ammunition will last!
| Ammunition Type | Storage Conditions | Storage Life |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle ammunition | Cool, dry, and well-ventilated | 5-10 years |
| Shotgun ammunition | Same as rifle ammunition | 5-10 years |
| Handgun ammunition | Same as rifle ammunition | 5-10 years |
| Revolver ammunition | Same as rifle ammunition | 5-10 years |
| Blank ammunition | Cool, dry, and well-ventilated | Unlimited |
How Long Is Ammunition Good For?
Ammunition is a critical part of any firearm, and it’s important to know how long it will last. The shelf life of ammunition depends on a number of factors, including the storage conditions, the type of ammunition, and the age of the ammunition.
Factors Affecting Ammunition Shelf Life
- Storage conditions: The most important factor affecting ammunition shelf life is storage conditions. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat and humidity can damage ammunition, causing the powder to deteriorate and the primer to become corroded.
- Ammunition type: The type of ammunition also affects its shelf life. Rimfire ammunition (such as .22 LR) has a shorter shelf life than centerfire ammunition (such as .30-06) because the rimfire primer is more susceptible to corrosion.
- Ammunition age: The age of the ammunition also plays a role in its shelf life. Ammunition that is older than 10 years is more likely to have deteriorated than ammunition that is newer.
Signs of Deteriorated Ammunition
There are a few signs that can indicate that ammunition has deteriorated and is no longer safe to use. These signs include:
- Corrosion: Corrosion is one of the most common signs of deteriorated ammunition. Corrosion can occur on the outside of the cartridge case or on the inside of the primer.
- Bulging cartridges: Bulging cartridges are another sign of deteriorated ammunition. Bulging cartridges can occur when the powder inside the cartridge case has expanded.
- Damaged primers: Damaged primers are another sign of deteriorated ammunition. Damaged primers can occur when the primer has been exposed to moisture or heat.
Ammunition is a valuable resource, and it’s important to know how to store it properly and how to identify deteriorated ammunition. By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your ammunition is safe to use and that it will last for many years to come.
Additional Resources
- [Ammunition Shelf Life: How Long Does Ammunition Last?](https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/ammunition-shelf-life/)
- [How to Store Ammunition](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-store-ammunition-4177699)
- [How to Identify Deteriorated Ammunition](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-identify-deteriorated-ammunition/)
How Long Is Ammunition Good For?
Ammunition is a critical part of any firearm, and it’s important to know how long it will last. The shelf life of ammunition depends on a number of factors, including the type of ammunition, the storage conditions, and the age of the ammunition.
Types of Ammunition
There are two main types of ammunition: rimfire and centerfire. Rimfire ammunition is less expensive than centerfire ammunition, but it also has a shorter shelf life. Centerfire ammunition is more expensive, but it will last longer.
Storage Conditions
The storage conditions of ammunition can also affect its shelf life. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Exposure to heat and light can cause the propellant in ammunition to deteriorate, which can lead to a decrease in performance.
Age of Ammunition
The age of ammunition is also a factor in its shelf life. Ammunition that is more than 10 years old is considered to be expired and should be replaced. Expired ammunition may not fire properly, and it could be dangerous to use.
General Guidelines for Ammunition Shelf Life
The following are general guidelines for ammunition shelf life:
- Rimfire ammunition: 10 years
- Centerfire ammunition: 15 years
- Military surplus ammunition: 20 years
How to Store Ammunition Properly
To store ammunition properly, follow these steps:
1. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place.
2. Keep ammunition away from heat and light.
3. Store ammunition in a sealed container.
4. Label the container with the type of ammunition and the date it was stored.
When to Replace Ammunition
If you are unsure about the age of your ammunition, or if you notice any signs of deterioration, it is best to replace it. Signs of deterioration include:
- Bulging or leaking cartridges
- Corroded or discolored cartridges
- Cartridges that are difficult to load
Ammunition is a critical part of any firearm, and it’s important to know how to store it properly and when to replace it. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your ammunition is always in good condition and ready to use when you need it.
Additional Resources
- [How to Store Ammunition](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-store-ammunition-591085)
- [Ammunition Shelf Life](https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/ammunition-shelf-life/)
- [How to Tell if Ammunition Is Bad](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-tell-if-ammunition-is-bad/)
How long is ammunition good for?
Ammunition has a shelf life of 10-20 years, depending on the type of ammunition and how it is stored. Ammunition that is stored in a cool, dry place will last longer than ammunition that is stored in a hot, humid place.
What factors affect the shelf life of ammunition?
The following factors affect the shelf life of ammunition:
- Temperature: Ammunition that is stored in a hot environment will deteriorate faster than ammunition that is stored in a cool environment.
- Humidity: Ammunition that is stored in a humid environment will deteriorate faster than ammunition that is stored in a dry environment.
- Light: Ammunition that is exposed to light will deteriorate faster than ammunition that is stored in a dark place.
- Oxygen: Ammunition that is exposed to oxygen will deteriorate faster than ammunition that is stored in an airtight container.
How can I store ammunition to extend its shelf life?
To extend the shelf life of your ammunition, store it in a cool, dry place, away from light and oxygen. You can also store your ammunition in an airtight container.
What are the signs of expired ammunition?
The following are signs of expired ammunition:
- The ammunition is discolored.
- The ammunition is corroded.
- The ammunition is damaged.
- The ammunition does not fire when it is discharged.
What should I do with expired ammunition?
If you have expired ammunition, you should dispose of it properly. You can dispose of expired ammunition by taking it to a local gun range or by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
How can I tell if ammunition is live or inert?
You can tell if ammunition is live or inert by looking at the primer. If the primer is covered in a red sealant, the ammunition is inert. If the primer is not covered in a red sealant, the ammunition is live.
Can I reload expired ammunition?
It is not recommended to reload expired ammunition. Reloading expired ammunition can be dangerous and may result in a misfire or an explosion.
ammunition has a shelf life of around 10 years, but it can vary depending on the type of ammunition, storage conditions, and climate. It is important to store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you are unsure about the age of your ammunition, it is best to dispose of it.