Introduction
30 year old ammo is probably not going to be as good as brand new ammo, but it might still be usable. If you’re planning on using it for self-defense, you might want to consider other options, but if you’re just shooting for fun, 30 year old ammo should be fine.
What is 30yearold ammo?
30yearold ammo is ammunition that is at least 30 years old. It may be military surplus, or it may be commercial. It may be factory new, or it may have been reloaded many times. In any case, it is generally considered to be safe to use, provided that it has been properly stored and maintained.
The benefits of 30yearold ammo
30yearold ammo is still good because it is not subject to the corrosive effects of time and weather. It is also less likely to produce lead fouling in your gun.
The drawbacks of 30yearold ammo
Some argue that 30-year old ammunition is still good. This may be the case for some types of ammunition, but not all. The main drawback of 30-year old ammo is that it may not be as reliable as newer ammo. It is also more likely to deteriorate over time and may not function as well in newer firearms.
How to store 30yearold ammo?
Ammunition that’s been stored properly can be used for decades without any deterioration in quality. The three main enemies of ammo are moisture, heat, and light. Ammunition should be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place. An ammo can is a great option because it’s durable, airtight, and waterproof. If you don’t have an ammo can, you can use any airtight container (like a tupperware container) as long as it’s lined with a moisture-absorbing material like dessicant packets or gun oil-soaked rags.
Once you have your containers, make sure to label them clearly with the type of ammunition and the date it was stored. It’s also a good idea to write down the lot number of the ammunition so you can track it back to the manufacturer if there are ever any issues.
Storing your ammunition in an organized fashion will help you keep track of what you have and how long it’s been in storage. A simple method is to store like calibers together in labeled boxes or bags. For example, all of your 9mm ammunition can be stored together in one box labeled “9mm – Lot #XXX – Month/Year”
When you rotate your stock, simply move the oldest boxes to the front so you know they need to be used first. This system works well if you only have a few different types of ammunition. However, if you have many different types it might be better to store them by type first (pistol, rifle, shotgun) and then within each type store them by caliber
How to use 30yearold ammo?
30 year old ammo is most likely still good. If it has been stored properly, it should be fine to use. However, you should always inspect the ammo before using it to make sure that it is in good condition. If the ammo is rusty or damaged, it should not be used.