what is the shelf life of bullets and what is the best conditions to store them?

[skmiller03]

what is the shelf life of bullets and what is the best conditions to store them?

[Kody]

As long as the brass is not showing signs of deterioration I would venture there is not concern. That would suggest avoiding moisture where they are stored is the key. I have ammo that is 40 years old that shoots to the same point of impact as when it was first reloaded. Military ammo often has a varnish like seal between the actual bullet and the case neck that is done most likely to safeguard the powder from contamination such as moisture. I am sure there is still WW 11 ammunition that is safe and reliable.

[30-CAL]

Kody said it all keep it dry and you will be good. Cabelas sells a sealant for the bullets and primers its in the reloading book.

[DSMbirddog]

I would only add this. Dry storage is important. I have reloads that are years old that are as ggod as the day I reloaded them.

[Johnnie]

"Keep your powder dry." as the saying goes. Keep your ammo stored in a dry environment. Keep it stored in temperatures that are not extreme. Extreme heat may cause deterioration of smokeless powder.
Like the other guys mentioned there are sealants out there for sealing primers and bullets that are in cartridges. Sealant will help keep out moisture.
Also, you could store ammo in a dry box. Cabela's and Midway USA sells them to name two.
Store ammo separately from your firearms.

[Smitty18]

Dry is the most important thing. I have skeet reloads that my grandpa made well over 20 years ago. Makes me think of him every time i bust some clay.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


I have used rifle and shotgun shells from the WW II era, and even before.

If the ammo is properly stored, it should be considered useable.

If you check out The Sportsman's Guide, you'll find useable ammo still for sale from those eras.