[neddles]

I am planning a trip which involves river crossing. If i take a shotgun will the shells hold up? Federal Game Shok 8shot.

[rcmodel]

Are you swimming across?

Seriously, modern shotgun shells have held up to combat in the jungle, fox-holes full of water, duck hunting in the rain, and use in shark bang-sticks by scuba divers.

An overnight soak in 10 foot of water probably isn't a great idea, but getting water splashed on them won't hurt them in the least.

If you are really concerned, put them in a waterproof bag, like a Zip-Lock freezer bag for instance.

rcmodel

[neddles]

There will be off and on swimming. It is a canyon trip. Hiking up a river. Some places there are rock cliffs along both sides. But lots of rattlers and i am sure moutain lion are in the area too. So i was thinking about my defensive shotgun with both shot shells and some slug round too. Thought i would get another opinion.

[Bartkowski]

I remember some shells being made(I think winchester?) that were supposed to be 100% water proof. But I have hunted in the rain a fair amount and have never had a problem.

[machinisttx]

Uh, put the shells in a waterproof container when you need to swim?

Winchester Dryloc shells are supposed to be waterproof, but they're only available in steel shot as far as I know.

IMO, you'd be better off with centerfire rifle or handgun ammo that had been sealed using nail polish.

[rcmodel]

Here's another timely tip.

If you swim with a bag full of shotgun shells, you will probably sink to the bottom & drown.

rcmodel

[rbernie]

How do bang-sticks work? Those shot shells are 100% immersed in water, and dang sure have to go BOOM upon demand.

[chas08]

Seriously, you put the shell in a condom or a balloon and tie it up tight. The chambers of the bang sticks I've had association with were oversized enough to accomodate the extra thickness. :)

[La Pistoletta]

condom...tight...tie it up...bang...extra thickness

Hey, keep it clean. :p

[oneounceload]

if you're worried about rattlers and an occasional cat, try a 357 with shotshells and a HP or two...

if this is on some type of tour, what have they done in the past??

[Fleetwood_Captain]

Here's another timely tip.

If you swim with a bag full of shotgun shells, you will probably sink to the bottom & drown.

That has to be the quote of the day :P

[RNB65]

Are shotgun shells waterproof? No.

Do they care? No.

Pull the trigger and they'll go bang. I've shot more than one round of sporting clays in a heavy downpour and neither gun nor shell gave a hoot.

[Zoogster]

Use a waterproof clear coat of something like enamel paint or acrylic like clear fingernail polish to lightly fill in openings. Coat around the primer and where the metal of the shell meets the plastic. The rear of the shell is now waterproof. Use as light of a coating as possibly, and try not to coat the actual primer as you don't want a tough layer that might defeat the firing pin.

For the front of the shells either buy a cheap bag of those tiny children's balloons or coat the top liberaly with the waterproof coating if they will actualy be loaded in the firearm with water.
It is best to only coat those that will actualy be transported in the firearm that way. You don't want to shoot more rounds with heavy coatings through the firearm than necessary as some of that residue will have to be cleaned out if there is a lot.
It is about like some of the Wolf Ammo coating, which can start to gum up if you fire a lot of it through the firearm.


I have used that technique to seal shells I have fired under water while diving a number of times. Sometimes diving with them many times before ever actualy firing them.

P.S. do not fire any firearm with water in it that is not overbuilt for the tremendous pressures water in the bore can create.
Drain the barrel before firing.
Do not shoot any loads near max pressure even after you drain the barrel with some residual water in the barrel or it can spike pressures and kaboom. Use medium or light loads if you may be firing with some droplets in the barrel. No near maximum pressure loads.

[jmr40]

Shells designed for waterfowl hunting are generally pretty water resistant. If fully immersed in water I would be concerned about water coming in from the crimp and making its way into the powder. The crimp on a lot of cheaper promotional shells is open enough for you to see the shot. On better quality shells the crimp is fully closed and sealed.

[daveit]

Plenty of waterproof bag options...check any hiking store.

[Mossberg535]

I wonder if that silicone spray used on fabric to waterproof it would work on a shell ?

[MCgunner]

With enough dunkin's they'll pffft, trust me. I duck hunt. I know.

I carry 'em UNDER my waders now in a fanny pack. I'm done with conventional shell belts. Besides, the salt water rusts 'em out REAL quick.

[Z71]

No. Shotgun shells ain't waterproof.

From previous duck hunting experiences, try your best to keep the ammo dry.

Some are better than others. But I wouldn't bet on any of them being waterproof. Also, even if the inside stays dry, the brass washed steel base will rust.

Same experiences as MCgunner. Keep them dry.