How long can you store Shotgun shells?

[71ragtopgoat 23]

I have some 00 buck sitting in a 50 cal ammo can on a unheated concrete floor. My father says they wont store that long. I figured they were good for many many years. So if anyone has any knowledge please share it.

Thanks

[W2MC 1,699]

I think they will be good for years and years.  What makes him think they won't store that long?

[bhunted 887]

Ammo cans have rubber seals? They are not the old paper shells are they? I don't see any issue as long as they are/were kept dry.

 

 

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[eightyeightmagnum 0]

Ammo cans have rubber seals? They are not the old paper shells are they? I don't see any issue as long as they are/were kept dry.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

They should. Military issue cans should be airtight. Ask me how I know.... Alright ill tell you I bought some cans and one of them had an open sharpie for who knows how long. Once I cracked the can it unleashed a noxious plume of sharpie sent that didn't want to go away.

 

 

As long as the ammo is dry it should be good for years upon years, think mosin surplus ammo

[GRIZ 3,369]

I recently fired some shotgun shells that were 35 years old with no issues. They were kept in a box on a shelf. I would guess in a mmo can they would be good for at least as long.

[bhunted 887]

They should. Military issue cans should be airtight. Ask me how I know.... Alright ill tell you I bought some cans and one of them had an open sharpie for who knows how long. Once I cracked the can it unleashed a noxious plume of sharpie sent that didn't want to go away.

 

 

As long as the ammo is dry it should be good for years upon years, think mosin surplus ammo

Were ya able to walk away with a smile on your face?

 

I know they have seals but had to ask. Ya never know...

 

 

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[eightyeightmagnum 0]

Were ya able to walk away with a smile on your face?

 

I know they have seals but had to ask. Ya never know...

 

 

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It was in my bedroom as I'm sitting on my floor sorting all my ammo:( I had to get the job done

[bhunted 887]

It was in my bedroom as I'm sitting on my floor sorting all my ammo:( I had to get the job done

Ehem.... I mean no feeling loopy? Forget it!

 

 

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[Night Prowler 0]

I have used shells and 22 ammo that were 20 years old in the original box left on a garage shelf. No issues. If you see any signs of corrosion do not use the ammo. Worst part about using older ammo is if the price tag is still on the box.

[mickeyduck 0]

Don't leave anything on the floor, especially a basement...since that's where all the moisture ends up.....low low way low.

Leave a piece of paper or cardboard on your basement floor & you'll see.

Especially during the summer.

 

Put them high on the shelf, way high (unless you have a hot hot room)

[NJKen 23]

I shot up a whole bunch of older than me 410.  They where paper hulls and some of the shot with half the hull stuck on the wad.  They actually tuned themselvs into a sort of slug.  They where stored in a closet in a house with no AC. They all went bang though.

Ken

[tony357 386]

I have some 30 years old good stuff. Think i shot up a 25 box marked 6.99 last year super x 00 2-3/4 magnum load.

[71ragtopgoat 23]

The ammo is new (this year) the cans are sealed.They are on a garage floor in a hidden area. I guess I could put something under them.

I got a deal on 100 rounds. But I have my Mossy 500 two years and have yet to fire it.So it may be a while.

I'm more of a pistol guy. And ammo horder.LOL

[Greydaddy 2]

Won't be any problem unless they've been under water, and even then if they dry they'll probably go BANG!

[MedicYeti 96]

I have some that are 14++ years old that still go bang.

I say ++ because a friend of mine gave me his dads ammo in a huge ammo can after his father passed. His dad would go shooting and instead of leaving the left over shells in a box he would throw them into a large ammo can (he didn like partially filled boxes I guess). It's all factory ammo but some of it is so old the markings have worn off. Some are paper cartrages sealed with wax. It's all factory and it all shoots.

I only shoot this ammo when I'm shooting into a berm (which isn't often) I don't want to be shooting clays with an unknown and have buckshot or slugs flying through the air. That could be bad.

[T Bill 649]

Dry and cool for storage.   In a steel ammo can with a proper seal to keep out moisture, you can store on the floor no problems.  Closer to the floor the better. The cooler the better.   

[average joe 5]

There is no expiration date on ammo for a reason.....they will last longer than you...

[Newtonian 453]

I haven't used my shotgun much since I stopped hunting.

 

But about 3 years ago I went out with my son to shoot some clays. Brought my 15-year-old ammo along, and bought a box as well just in case. The old stuff shot great. Sonny Boy was impressed

[jm1827 284]

I have shot my 10 year old reloads without any problem and 20+ year old factory loads without any problem as well.