Is there a shelf life for ammunition?

[AKcharger]

So back to the original question...I think the answer is a definite YES, there is a shelf life, but how well its stored greatly affects it

[polywideblock]

don't forget that older mil. grade ammo used corrosive primers right up to the 70's  .not real good for you barrel 

[greenpigs]

RAAC Akdal MKA 1919 Mag-Fed is what I want next. Yes it shoots 12 gage shot gun ammo.

[Lord Warlock]

I had about 400 rounds of 9mm ammo that was bought in the early 80s when i was in the military and bought enough ammo to practice with prior to qualification with a sidearm, and never used it, keeping it around thinking it should be good.  About 5 years ago, i took my daughter to the gun range so she could experience shooting a handgun (done it with both daughters now) and went thru all 400 rounds.  Almost all of them fired but we did have a problem with them not ejecting or jamming the gun after firing.  Now i try to keep the ammo less than 10 years old, just to be safe.  Haven't felt a need to hoard ammo during the current administration, although i wouldn't mind picking up an extra weapon or two, before they make it illegal to own.

[myk]

I've been thinking about a revolver or a bolt-action rifle, as I don't have those types of weapons yet, but I'm in no rush; at this point I'd rather throw that money at the Charger...

[AKcharger]

....  Haven't felt a need to hoard ammo during the current administration...

You'll be sorry when the great zombie apocalypse hits! 

[Chargerguy74]

Wow, I missed this thread. I have done extensive research on ammunition storage. Extensive by my standards. I store my ammo in Fat 50 ammo cans. I also include an adequate desiccant bag with a moisture indicating card. Check on the contents every couple years, regenerate the desiccant, possibly throw in a new card too. I'll only do it when the humidity is low. You're ammo shouldn't be loose in the can, preferably in the original boxes or what have you to minimize metal to metal contact. Inspect the ammo cans rubber seal to make sure the lid seals properly. Store in a place to minimize temperature fluctuations. Don't stack ammo cans too high if full. You can damage the rubber seals. Do this and the ammunition will outlast you for sure.

In regards to stockpiling ammo. Stack it deep! Don't wait for a reason to stockpile to start stockpiling. Ammunition will only increase in value.

I rotate my stock. Currently going through military surplus from the 60s and 70s. It'll be a LONG time before I get into the 80s and 90s stuff.