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Thread: Life span of carry ammunition
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October 18th, 2008, 10:58 PM #1
Life span of carry ammunition
I have a Glock 23 and an Ruger SR9. Everyday I carry one of them, depending on the situation. My question is, since I'm fortunate enough not to have been caught in any situations where I have had to use my gun, when should I start thinking of getting new ammunition? I've noticed that my hollowpoints have started to tarnish, this is what first made me think about getting new bullets. However it would be a shame to waste perfectly good ammunition. At the same time I don't want to need to use my gun and not have it go bang because of old ammunition.
Glock 23
Ruger SR9
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October 19th, 2008, 12:09 AM #2
Re: Life span of carry ammunition
As long as it doesn't absorb moisture or oil it will last several decades.
Ammo from WWI is still being sold and used.
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October 19th, 2008, 12:13 AM #3
Re: Life span of carry ammunition
sealed ammo, i would not be concerned, but my rounds are not sealed, so i Freshen up every 1-3 months depending on my activities.
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October 19th, 2008, 12:20 AM #4
Re: Life span of carry ammunition
Typically, you use what's in the gun as practice ammo and then load fresh rounds for carry.
You do practice with your carry ammo on occasion don't you?
That said, modern ammunition stays viable for decades as long as it is stored under decent conditions. Since it's a carry gun, it's unlikely that the ammunition will see extremes of heat or cold. The only things I'd worry about are oil and moisture (sweat or rain). Oil is easy enough to avoid, and I wouldn't worry about moisture unless I really soaked the gun.
Beware chambering the same round over and over also. Repeated chambering can cause bullet setback and increase pressures.
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October 19th, 2008, 12:47 AM #5
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October 19th, 2008, 10:38 AM #6
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January 7th, 2010, 07:51 AM #7Super Member
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Re: Life span of carry ammunition
I try to shoot my 'varry ammo' about every 3-4 months. FWIW
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January 7th, 2010, 09:52 AM #8
Re: Life span of carry ammunition
Sorry for O/T.
BlackIrish, How do you like the SR9? How does it compare the Glock? I know the 23 is a 40SW, but overall how do you like it? Bottom line on any purchase would you do it again?
Thanks
MikeCareful some of those Zombies could be Americans!
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January 7th, 2010, 01:25 PM #9
Re: Life span of carry ammunition
^^^This would be better put into a PM or a new thread, as it is dreadfully off topic.
To the OP: as others have said, your ammo is probably fine... but if in doubt, fire it at the range and get new carry ammo... even for peace of mind if nothing else. I know, personally, I wouldn't want to carry a gun that I was worried about whether it was going to go bang when I needed it. I shoot my carry ammo every few months and replace it with fresh ones. Make sure you are practicing with your carry gun(s) on a regular basis. Personally, I don't practice with my carry ammo because I can't afford to. I practice with my reloads, but the recoil from those and my carry ammo is pretty similar and I don't worry about any differences in POI (point of impact) at the ranges I use a handgun at.
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January 7th, 2010, 09:30 PM #10Super Member
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