7.62x54

[wmcc75]

I was just wondering if anyone knew the shelf life on old mil surplus 7.62x54r ammo? I got some stuff online that was from the 70s and it shoots just fine. I was thinking about buying a big spam can of the stuff and maybe putting some in a sh*t hit the fan box and was wondering if it would be good in ten, twenty, and so on years.

 

[Tempest 455]

I have shot stuff from the 60's and it was fine. I have plenty from the 70's.

 

[M-Cameron]

let me put it like this.......they are still finding munitions from the Civil war that will still fire.....

im pretty sure that modern made ammo will hold up just fine.....

so long as you store it in semi-habitable conditions.......your great grandkids will be able to shoot it no problem

 

[willypete]

Oldest 7.62x54r I've shot was 50's Soviet issue and it went bang just fine and seemed to group ok.

 

[wmcc75]

That sounds good to me with this stuff as cheap as it is I'm going to have to stock up on it. What are some tips for long term storage. I'm guessing water proof can and low humidity that type of setup.

 

[No4Mk1*]

I would just leave it in the unopened spam can. Buy a little extra to test. I shoot 1940 greek and yugo 8mm with no problems.

 

[karlsgunbunker]

I've fired some 1944 Surplus .303 Brit.
Every one went bang.

 

[brnmuenchow]

The storage of them is key, excessive rust on casing, etc.. Ammo in general can be kept for very long period's of time just as long as it has been stored properly. Excessive moister, heat and extreme cold can play into that if not stored in proper containers and protected from external elements.

 

[BCRider]

It was put into those SPAM cans for a reason. And that was for long term storage. Just put a case or two away and leave it packed just as it came. As long as you don't store the case where the cans inside will be exposed to temperature changes which promote condensation and rusting they'll be fine.

 

[nathan]

As long as the ammo hasnt been subjected to extreme humidity and moisture for a long time it should hold up.

 

[AABEN]

Keep it in the house where the temp is good all year. We keep are house at 70 in the winer and 74 in summer.