Shelf Life
- Thread starter mcwjr13
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RNB65
Member
As long as it stays dry and shows no signs of brass corrosion, ammo will still be good long after you're dead and 6 feet under. Don't worry about it.
ive seen somewhere on the internet that semi autos will cause the bullet to seat farther down the case. they just showed side by side comparsions of old carry loads compared to new ones not sure how true it is and if it has any affect on your loads so who knows 
XD45GAPER - "ive seen somewhere on the internet that semi autos will cause the bullet to seat farther down the case. they just showed side by side comparsions of old carry loads compared to new ones..."
That has to do with chambering the same round over and over and over and over and over, instead of alternating with a new round. A new round is not going to have a setback of the bullet into the case when chambering in a semi-auto.
L.W.
That has to do with chambering the same round over and over and over and over and over, instead of alternating with a new round. A new round is not going to have a setback of the bullet into the case when chambering in a semi-auto.
L.W.
Geronimo45
Member
No idea on bullet setback - or whether or not it happens in good factory loads. I do note that, after chambering a round repeatedly, you nick the rim a bit (brass being very soft and all). Now, a few hundred chamberings may tear up the rim to the extent that it raises issues on extraction - not sure.
PILMAN
Member
I've heard that leaving the ammo in the magazine is actually less stressful than unloading the magazines or firing it.
El Tejon
Member
I've always been taught maximum of 6 months. I'm usually around 3 or 4 months max.
DMK
Member
Bullet setback was one of the reasons I switched from .40S&W Golden Sabers to 45ACP Golden Sabers as a carry load. A low pressure round like .45 won't be as much of a problem with the higher pressure caused by bullet setback. Oddly, my 230gr .45 rounds don't even seem to even be as susceptible to setback as my 165gr. 40S&W rounds were anyway.
With revolvers, setback is a non-issue.
However, if you aren't re-chambering the same round in a semi-auto over and over, the ammo will be fine for a long, long time if you keep the loaded mags in a cool, dry place. Don't oil the magazines (oil will kill the primers).
Also, Chrome Silicon magazine springs are said to last better under a constant load. Might not be a bad idea to find a set for your mags.
In carry guns, the ammo should be rotated periodically (maybe every 6 months). The gun will be moving through various temperature conditions, be subjected to humidity and the constant movement could wear down the powder.
With revolvers, setback is a non-issue.
However, if you aren't re-chambering the same round in a semi-auto over and over, the ammo will be fine for a long, long time if you keep the loaded mags in a cool, dry place. Don't oil the magazines (oil will kill the primers).
Also, Chrome Silicon magazine springs are said to last better under a constant load. Might not be a bad idea to find a set for your mags.
In carry guns, the ammo should be rotated periodically (maybe every 6 months). The gun will be moving through various temperature conditions, be subjected to humidity and the constant movement could wear down the powder.
johnmcl
Member
On Old Ammo
My experience is the same as Fog's.
I've shot 60 year old 30-06 and 45ACP with zero problems. It went off first and every time, plus went out hot. Kinda fun and a cool historical perspective.
In short, if the ammo is not environmentall abused, it should last a really long time.
My experience is the same as Fog's.
I've shot 60 year old 30-06 and 45ACP with zero problems. It went off first and every time, plus went out hot. Kinda fun and a cool historical perspective.
In short, if the ammo is not environmentall abused, it should last a really long time.
Neo-Luddite
Member
.22 may have a slightly shorter shelf life. I'm not sure why--it just seems that way.
I don't know.
I'm sure I'll have a better idea in a few years.
Btw - for an autoloader, just rotate the rounds a bit if you unload/reload it, so the same round isn't constantly having pressure applied to it when going up the feed-ramp.
Other than that, I think you're fine.
I'm sure I'll have a better idea in a few years.
Btw - for an autoloader, just rotate the rounds a bit if you unload/reload it, so the same round isn't constantly having pressure applied to it when going up the feed-ramp.
Other than that, I think you're fine.
Every few months is good, if for no other reason than to make sure the mags are working properly.
Last weekend, I fired the old Winchester Silvertips that were in my two carry mags (Wilsons) and then fired two mags full of new Winchester Personal Protection ammo, just to make sure they were going to work.
Last weekend, I fired the old Winchester Silvertips that were in my two carry mags (Wilsons) and then fired two mags full of new Winchester Personal Protection ammo, just to make sure they were going to work.
Davo
Member
I noticed a few weeks back that the round in my Makarovs chamber had shortened a bit, its been replaced with a new one.
I also wipe down my HD rounds to limit corrosion or oxidation. It keeps them shiny and slick.
I also wipe down my HD rounds to limit corrosion or oxidation. It keeps them shiny and slick.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Hmm. I've never left any rounds in my carry guns for more than a few weeks.
I shoot at least 2 mags of my carry ammo after any cleaning of the thing so I'm always putting new ammo in.
I shoot at least 2 mags of my carry ammo after any cleaning of the thing so I'm always putting new ammo in.
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