Author Topic: Ammo life? (Read 243 times)

IK0N · « **on:** September 07, 2004, 08:05:45 PM »

I have ammo from the late 70's, 22 federal and Remington 32, is it still useable after 20+ years?
Still have a 1960's 22 high standard and a Browning 32 side arm.
Been hiding them since the late 70's, The Browning I have never fired but had it checked out by a Gunsmith, purchased the ammo when I left and never got around to firing it.

I had heard that at some point in recent history gunpowder had been altered to not work after a period of time so people didn't stock up on it for a rainy day... Rumor or fact?

IKON

ra · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2004, 08:06:47 PM »

Shoot some of it, and let us know.

rpm · « **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2004, 08:32:00 PM »

I think moisture and primer corrosion would be your only problems.

Bodhi · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2004, 09:08:08 PM »

IKON,

how was it stored... at worst u may have some misfires, but as a whole I'd think you'll be fine. Drop the misfires into a misfire bucket, or away from you to be safe.

VOR · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2004, 09:19:21 PM »

For what it's worth, I regularly fire *military* ammunition 50 years old or older in various calibers and from various countries. I once fired a batch of over 100 .303 rounds with 1919 headstamps without any incidents other than a few duds due to the bullets being poorly seated/crimped and thus allowing moisture to seep in over time.

I realize civil and mil ammo is a little different, but I wouldn't expect any major differences in shelf life. Like Bodhi said, worst case scenario is a dud, not some kind of catastrophic failure involving an exploding firearm or anything like that.

Haven't heard anything about time-sensitive powder being used in any ammunition..so my best guess is "rumor". Take those plinkers out and plink.

1K0N · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2004, 07:14:19 AM »

Thanks for the info! and asnwers!

IKON

lazs2 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2004, 08:28:08 AM »

lot of the surplus stuff I have shot is 30-50 years old and no problem.. I fire some 30-40 year old comercial stuff on ocassion too with no mishaps.. 22's should be even better since they are rimfire with no primer pocket to seal and are outside lubed on the bullet mostly.

lazs

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2004, 08:35:06 AM »

I shoot 50 year old 7.62x54r all the time. It's dirty and smells, but it still shoots.

Maverick · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2004, 10:20:03 AM »

Check for corrosion, especially on the casing. If it is corroded don't bother with it. Not only will it ba hard to chamber but the casing will be weakened at the site of corrosion. Older commercial ammunition wasn't sealed ant the primer and bullet so it is far more likely to deteriorate than sealed military spec ammo. Military ammo is spec'ed to be far more water resistant than straight comercial ammunition.