Shotshells

[SIP2000GLO]

Gentlemen,

Just wanted to know how long shotshells would last if stored in ammo cans.

I know that if stored properly, rifle and handgun ammos can last for quite a bit of time. But what about shotgun ammos?

What's your experience storing them?

[mk3mitch]

I have shot rifle ammo from the 30's plenty of times with no problems. It will last over a 100 years if stored right. As for shot gun shells. I have fired some from the Seventies and they worked fine. I found a box at my grandfathers house, in the garage. Half of them were rusty, but the ones that werent, worked fine. Also, these were PAPER shells. Not plastic case like today. I would guess with proper storage, A good 50 years.

[SIP2000GLO]

If it can last up to 50 years, it would be great. Since, prices of ammo have up gone up through the roof I thought about stocking up of some of the ammo.

[sargenv]

If stored properly it will probably last a very long time. However I have some component wads I bought several years ago that eventually degraded to a point that if I loaded them they didn't properly seal the powder and they turned into "blooper" loads. I think heat has some influence on the plastic. If you keep it cool and dry though, it should probably be fine. I have factory ammo that is about 20 years old or older and it fires just fine (last time I tried it anyway).

[Fjold]

I just gave my nephew a bunch of Remington 410 ammo with the price marked on them of $2.29/box. I don't know how old they were but I would guess 50 years at least.

[CSACANNONEER]

153 years, 4 months, 17 days and 2 hours. Or, until you shoot it, whichever comes first.

[Two Shots]

153 years, 4 months, 17 days and 2 hours. Or, until you shoot it, whichever comes first.

You left off the 23 minutes and 12 seconds.

[CSACANNONEER]

You left off the 23 minutes and 12 seconds.

I never can wait that long. I end up shooting them by then.