ammo storage life

[Snowjob]

What kind of shelf-life ought I be able to expect out of ammo? What factors (temperature, storage containers, regional climate, etc.) make a difference? Do certain ones perform better in this arena? Cheaper Than Dirt sells Wolf ammo that is described as having "longest storage life." Is this accurate? A matter of miniscule proportions? Just a gimmick?

 

[KaceCoyote]

Its my understanding that Ammo lasts longer when stored in a cold dry place. My ammo lives in .50 caliber ammo cans in the basement off in a corner..well or in a bandoleer depending. I would try and get your ammo out've the carboard boxes ASAP though. Its my experience them things suck up water, gun oil, grease cutter, ect ect all of which isnt good. So I'd suggest dump it all, put it naked into .50 caliber cans or those snap tight plastic boxes and shove it somewhere chilly. As for shelf life. Well I've seen 40-50 year old surplus ammo fired before. Really though...is your stockpile gonna last more than 2-3 range visits?

 

[Chipperman]

In a sealed can, and in moderate temperatures/humidity, it will last indefinitely.

I believe the Wolf claim is based on the fact that it is lacquer coated. If you follow the above guidelines, I don't think it would matter.

 

[Snowjob]

Thanks, that helps.
As far as keeping ammo in storage,

Really though...is your stockpile gonna last more than 2-3 range visits?

your point was well-made. However, regardless of how unlikely and improbable, I do intend to have the ammo for at least as long as 1-2 hours after purchase.

 

[No4Mk1*]

If you cool it down to Kelvin 0 it should last about 4 Billion years. The sun is expected to enlarge and destroy the Earth then. Just keep it cool, dry, and minimize temp variation and it will last longer than you do.

 

[Sleuth]

Even in the cardboard, if you keep it in ammo cans (I use 20MM - but I have a lot of ammo), and do your best to keep it from extreme heat, you'll be fine. It does help sometimes to know the lot number, in case of a recall.

 

[Sunray]

A cool, not necessarily cold, dry place. Dry with a steady temperature is best. The absolute best .303 Brit ball ammo I've ever fired while in the Queen's Service, 20 some years ago, was made in 1944. Much more accurate than the '85ish made IVI crap they issued us later.

 

[SteelyDan]

I think there are really two questions here: (1) if you buy brand new good ammo and store it under good conditions, how long will it last, and (2) how well will that surplus 1970s vintage (or whatever) ammo you just bought perform? The first question is relatively easy; it will last a LONG time, 30 or 40 years is a given, and even older cartridges may perform well (though there is some inevitable degregation over time that may cost you a few feet per second). As for the surplus stuff, it's a little more hit-or-miss, because you have no idea how it was stored over the years. Still, I believe there are a lot more problems reported with new, poorly made ammo than with old, well made stuff.

 

[Sleuth]

Sunray, a bit off topic, but do they give you a shilling to join up? What kind of oath did you take - to Canada or to the Queen?