Many shooters buy ammo, and sit it on a shelf somewhere forgotten until they need it. However, unlike the firearm it goes in, ammo isn’t designed to last forever. Over time, improper storage, fluctuations in temperature or moisture, and even handling can degrade it, potentially leading to misfires or malfunctions. To make sure your ammo fires when you tell it to, it is important to periodically inspect your ammo. A diligent inspection process, combined with proper storage and systematic ammo rotation will ensure your ammunition is reliable whenever you need it.
If you haven’t thought about ammo maintenance before, don’t worry, it is not that complicated. Here, I will cover the essentials of ammunition maintenance, from inspection techniques to ideal storage practices and rotation strategies.
Inspecting Factory Ammo
Factory-produced ammunition typically meets strict manufacturing standards, but even high-quality rounds can show signs of degradation over time, particularly if exposed to moisture, chemicals, or fluctuating temperatures. Inspecting your ammo for signs of wear or damage is critical before use, but what do you look for in an ammo inspection?
An ammo inspection begins with a close look at the casing, which should be smooth and consistent. Dents, cracks, or other deformities indicate physical stress in the case that could compromise the round’s structural integrity. Any defect could affect feeding if it is minor, or could cause significant damage to yourself and your firearms chamber if a major defect leads to an improper detonation.
You should also look for any signs of corrosion or discoloration. Exposure to humidity over time can lead to corrosion which has a greenish hue on copper and brass. Oxidation like this weakens the primer or casing and should not be ignored. Slightly discolored ammo can still be used at the range, but heavily corroded ammo should not be fired, and should certainly not be depended on during a hunt or competition.
Next, look for signs of rust, discoloration, or irregularities on your primer’s surface. Anything abnormal on your primer could cause a misfire. Finally, while rare, powder leakage can occasionally occur if the seal between the bullet and the casing is compromised. Look at the seam around the bullet and casing for any powder granules or residue, which could indicate a defective or damaged round. Factory ammunition is generally reliable and durable when stored correctly, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Inspecting Reloaded Ammo
Reloaded ammunition, though a cost-effective alternative, demands a more thorough inspection. I am sure your reloads are better than mine, but with a larger margin for error, they are worth an extra look. Whether you’re reloading your rounds, using other peoples reloads, or using factory reloads inspecting each round carefully before you use it is essential for safety.
Follow the same inspection process as with factory ammo, checking for dents, cracks, corrosion, and primer issues. Although you want to pay extra close attention to your casing with reloads. Reloads can be more prone to case deformities if casings have been reused multiple times. Bullet seating is also important with reloaded rounds; check to ensure that each bullet is seated evenly within the casing. Uneven or improperly seated bullets can cause issues during chambering and affect accuracy.
Take a moment to assess the overall quality of craftsmanship; visible tool marks or uneven crimping around the case mouth could indicate inconsistencies in powder load or primer seating, which can lead to dangerous pressure levels. If you’re new to using reloaded ammo, start by testing a small batch at the range to ensure reliability and consistency.
Inspecting Reloading Components
If you reload your own ammo, you do not want to use bad raw materials. No matter how good your craftsmanship is or how much attention you pay to ammunition maintenance, the round will be bad from the start. The easy things to look at first are your bullets and casings.
Bullets don’t usually corrode before a reloader uses them, but if you have had them for a while a good once over before you use it is ideal. If there is any corrosion, or any small defect that you wipe off, make sure you weigh the bullet again. If it is off by more than a grain, I would toss it.
You will either buy new brass or wash your brass before reloading, so there is not much chance for it to corrode, but inspect your brass thoroughly for dents, pits, or cracks before using. This is especially true for brass that has been shot before.
The next thing to check is your gunpowder. Gunpowder can have a shelf life of 20 plus years, but excess moisture can cause it to degrade. Bad gunpowder takes on an acidic smell, so that is one way you can test it. The effect of bad gunpowder is going to be a slower projectile, so it will not stop you from firing if it is not totally degraded, but your performance is going to take a hit.
Storing Ammo Properly
Proper storage is key to maintaining ammunition’s reliability and shelf life. By storing ammunition in a cool, dry place, you can avoid most issues caused by environmental factors. Try to keep your storage area at a stable temperature between 55°F and 85°F; extreme heat can degrade the ammo over time, while humidity can cause corrosion in your casings.
In areas with high humidity, a rod-style dehumidifier in a dedicated ammo safe can be beneficial, or you can use desiccant packets in your ammo containers to absorb excess moisture. Keeping your ammo in metal or plastic ammo cans with rubber gaskets helps prevent exposure to air, chemicals, and physical damage. Ammo cans provide a waterproof seal that keeps moisture and contaminants out, but it’s essential to check that the gasket remains intact to ensure an airtight seal. Even with ammo cans, you will get a longer shelf life out of your ammo if you keep it in a dedicated ammo safe with a dehumidifier.
What you put your ammo in matters, but what matters more is where you put it. Low humidity levels and stable temperatures help prevent degradation, so try storing ammunition in climate-controlled spaces like inside the house instead of the garage. This will keep it safe from temperature fluctuations that could impact reliability. You should also use a First In, First Out (FIFO) method with your ammo to ensure older stock gets used before new, helping maintain reliability. Overall, proper storage practices are worth the investment, as they keep ammunition safe, accessible, and dependable for the long term.
If you want to learn a bit more about properly storing ammo, check out our other article dedicated to the topic here: How to Store Ammunition Safe and Secure: A Complete Guide
Limit Ammo Chemical Exposure
Ammunition is sensitive to oils, solvents, and other chemicals commonly used to clean firearms. When cleaning your firearms, store ammo separately to avoid accidental contamination. Otherwise, your ammo could have a tough time feeding through your action. Try to limit how often you handle your ammo too, the natural oils from your skin can gradually corrode the brass over time.
Lastly, if a cartridge has something on it that you want to clean, use a soft, dry cloth and avoid using any cleaning products that could compromise the ammo.
Rotate Your Daily Carry Ammo
For those who carry a firearm daily, regular ammo rotation is a good idea. Daily carry ammunition is always exposed to environmental changes, including temperature fluctuations, body heat, and sweat, all of which can contribute to deterioration. To maintain reliability, inspect your daily carry ammo every month or so to identify any rounds showing signs of wear or corrosion. Moisture from body sweat can cause cartridges to corrode, and temperature fluctuations from being cool inside to hot summer or cold winter temperatures outside can degrade gunpowder over time.
Replace your carry ammo twice a year at a minimum. Ideally, you would replace it every three months. While that can be expensive to do, it ensures your ammo will be in tip top shape if your life ever depended on it. Plus, you can take the opportunity to fire the old ammo at the range and make sure your form is up to par as well.
Use a FIFO Strategy
Using a “First In, First Out” (FIFO) strategy is a tried-and-true approach for ensuring no single box of ammo gets forgotten about. This method is basically to make sure you always use the oldest ammo first, preventing deterioration of rounds that might otherwise sit untouched for years if you shoot the ammo you bought last week.
Store ammo by purchase or reloading date to keep track of its age. This can be as simple as making sure to put new ammo on the back of the shelf, or you can be as OCD as you want and pull out the label maker. Either way, when it’s time to do some shooting, reach for the oldest ammo first.
Long-Term Ammo Storage
If you plan to store ammunition for extended periods, such as military surplus or bulk rounds purchased for preparedness, taking a few extra steps will make sure that ammo is ready to use when the day comes. Sealed containers or vacuum-sealed bags can prevent moisture infiltration, and mylar bags, paired with desiccant packs, create an oxygen and moisture free environment that is ideal for long-term storage.
A long term ammo storage plan should certainly include a dedicated ammo safe. Then you can use a rod-style dehumidifier to keep it dry, and a hygrometer to monitor temperature and moisture levels inside.
Don’t Be Afraid to Toss Bad Ammo
If you have gone through any of the suggestions you found here and you are holding a round, or whole box of cartridges that you aren’t sure is dependable, don’t depend on it. If you expect the gunpowder has deteriorated due to moisture or temperature and you think the ammo may or may not produce factory velocities, that could be good ammo to take for a fun range day. At worst, you can toss it if it doesn’t fire regularly. At best, you were wrong and the ammo works fine, but you had fun at the range and got rid of some iffy ammo.
However, if the ammo has visible dents, cracks, corrosion or improper bullet seating, it is not worth trying to fire. That ammo could detonate in an unexpected way and hurt both you and your firearm. Getting rid of this ammo is the best thing you can do with it. If you are not sure how to dispose of it locally, your local law enforcement agency will have an answer for you.
Last Shot
Ammunition maintenance is a straightforward but crucial aspect of firearm ownership. Regular inspection, careful storage, and a rotation strategy all contribute to the longevity and reliability of your ammo. Treating ammunition as the investment it is by implementing these maintenance practices will ensure that, whether for self-defense or sport, your ammo performs reliably every time you need it.
