Ammo Shelf-Life?

[Rated:RKO]

What is the shelf-life of factory ammo? I have, let's say A LOT of 5.56 Israeli FMJ Military Ammo. I'd say I've been sitting on it for maybe 17 years, in case of Armageddon. It's still good I hope??

[Whiterook]

Should be! I have shot 1930s Turk ammo with almost 100% reliability. Mind you, these are corrosive primers and I have heard the old primers last longer. Could be wrong though. I am also interested in this because I like to stockpile at least 100 rounds of all my ammo.

[DieselPower]

As long as it's kept indoors in a fairly dry enviroment it can last for decades. I have ammo that is close to 40 years old and still shots fine. The main problem you will have with older ammunition is the possibility of primers going bad from moisture entering the ammuntion or (and something to be careful of) is that some of the older powders used 40+ years ago can bleed it's nitro as it ages and become unstable leeding to rounds that will act as if they were over charged. Usually you will get split case necks and or seperating case heads if this happens. If you run into a batch that does this dispose of it.

Your ammunition should be good for many years to come if it's kept in a cool dry place. Also, being military ammunition there's a very good possibility that the bullets and primers are sealed against moisture increasing the possibility of it lasting even longer.

[WHEELGUN357]

keep your ammo in military ammo cans they are airtight and waterproof,,, i have been storing thousands upon thousands of rounds long term in these with no ill effects...