Have you recently rediscovered a forgotten case of bullets and are wondering whether it is wise of you to use it or not?
Well, it probably is. Ammunition is a durable good that, when properly preserved, may survive practically forever.
Ammunition is a durable good that, when properly preserved, may survive practically forever.
However, ammunition often has a limited shelf life due to variables such as its storage space and the amount of humidity it is exposed to, the alterations in the room’s or case’s temperature, the chances of light intensity, its packaging, and the case’s material.
Therefore, another factor that influences its lifetime is whether or not it was properly kept.
How Long Can Bullets Last For?
Modern-day bullets are designed to survive more than a decade (and maybe up to twenty years) if stored properly.
The shelf life of bullets is subject to a number of factors. These are determined by the loading techniques, quality, and products used by each manufacturer, like the gunpowder, the sealant, and the bullets’ case.
For example, steel-cased ammunition rusts more easily than metal-cased ammunition. Moreover, a bullet with uncovered lead is also more prone to disintegrate than one with a complete metallic casing.
Bullet suppliers minimize their exposure to liability by estimating the bullet’s shelf life more carefully and even trying to persuade their customers to opt for more frequent purchases so as to sell more of their products.
Storing Your Bullets In The Right Place Might Help Your Bullets Live Longer
How long your bullets last is determined by the circumstances in which they are stored, as well as how you minimize their exposure to heat or cold, humidity, and other variables.
When you take your bullets out of storage, the countdown to their expiration date starts. Any bullets you bring with you outdoors when going for a hunt or to the range, are the ones you should use first.
A piece of advice is to separate the bullets that you took with you but weren’t shot from fresh ones that have not yet been opened. Even though this by no means means that the former bullets are going to be useless next time you go for a hunt, it is best for you to keep an eye on them and their condition.
Always Rotate Your Ammunition, Particularly When You Secretly Carry A Gun
Having the right ammo storage is essential for guns used in cases of emergency, such as a hidden handgun in your purse, as a pistol like this could be kept unused for ages.
Even though most suppliers advise against using ammunition that is more than 10 years old, it is best to be safe than feel regret later.
If you are firing your gun after many years of it being left unused, utilize those older bullets whenever possible, perhaps by visiting your nearest shooting range.
How To Properly Store Bullets To Prolong Their Life
Store Your Bullets In A Cold, Dry Environment
Keep your bullets in an environment that has very little airflow, a modest temperature range, and low fluctuations of moisture and dampness.
Constant moisture in the air is the leading cause of bullet deterioration and especially rusting. Weapons and bullets need a dry environment, like the one in a professional weapon case with ammunition cutouts.
Bullet Storage Boxes Are The Best Way To Store Them
To prevent substances that might contaminate your ammo, its case must have a tight seal. So, make sure that your case is both water and air-tight and that it comes with humidity absorbents that can save it from corrosion.
An alternative option is to buy thick plastic bullet cans as they are also water-tight and well-sealed.
Use Vacuum Packs To Keep Them Good As New
Another way to preserve your bullets is to store them in some gel packs using a vacuum sealer. Using a sealer means that you will be able to soak all the moisture out of the packet and keep your bullets fresh.
Monitor The Temperature
Ensure that the temperature in the case you are re-keeping the ammunition is cool and always kept the same.
Extreme high and low temperatures change the atmosphere’s humidity, and if this goes into your storage box, an unseen but unavoidable chemical reaction will take effect and gradually begin harming your ammunition.
Avoid The Lights
Limit the amount of time your gun and bullets are exposed to sunlight. Because the light that falls straight to the bullets or is reflected on them can gradually degrade them, try to keep them in a dark spot at home.
Avoid Using Lubricants And Chemicals
Using oils and chemicals is dangerous as they may leak into the cartridge and contaminate the powder or damage the case. To prevent such an issue, avoid keeping such substances in the same general area as your ammunition.
Bullets Should Not Be Stored In Areas That Tremble, Bounce, Or Slide
Storing ammunition in locations subject to motion, like the backseat of your vehicle, is not a smart thing to do as cartridges that collide might eventually deteriorate or sustain damage.
The Bottom Line
To sum it all up, proper storage is essential if you want the finest outcomes from your ammunition. Store your ammunition in a location free of dampness, moisture, and temperature extremes, and far from wind streams and other deteriorating conditions that can impair the cartridge’s chemical makeup.
Proper storage is essential if you want the finest outcomes from your ammunition.
Store your ammunition in a location free of dampness, moisture, and temperature extremes, and far from wind streams and other deteriorating conditions that can impair the cartridge’s chemical makeup.
Every person that owns a gun should invest time in creating the ideal environment for their gun and its bullets.
What I suggest is to use gun and bullet storage containers that are specifically made to keep your equipment fresh and clean, regardless of whether you keep them at home or on with you when you are traveling.
