FAQ – Questions & AnswersCategory: Ammo FAQHow to tell if ammo is bad?
Ira Brown asked 2 years ago
How long can you store ammo? Can ammo go bad?

6 Answers
Olson answered 2 years ago

Ammo can be bad in a few ways. It can be corroded, it can be wet, or the powder can be damp. All of these conditions will make ammo less accurate and could also cause it to explode when fired.

To check for bad ammo, first, make sure that it is not corroded. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion and then clean the ammo with a mild detergent if necessary. If the ammo is wet, you can dry it off with a paper towel. Check to see if the powder is damp by removing the bullet from the casing and shaking out the powder. If there is any moisture present, you will want to leave the ammo out in the sun to dry before using it.

How to tell if ammo is bad?

Ivan answered 2 years ago

Ammunition can be damaged in a variety of ways, which can affect its ballistics and ultimately its performance when fired. For example, exposure to water can cause lead rounds to corrode, which could lead to decreased accuracy and increased fouling of the barrel. Heat and humidity can also damage ammunition, as can contact with other metals.

In general, if the ammunition looks damaged in any way – including swelling, discoloration, or rust – it’s best not to use it. Additionally, ammunition that has been exposed to extreme conditions (such as being submerged in water for an extended period) is likely unsafe to fire. Always err on the side of caution and discard any questionable rounds.

How to tell if ammo is bad?

Cruz answered 2 years ago

Ammo can become corroded over time, making it less reliable when fired. Additionally, rounds that have been exposed to water – even just a little bit – can also become corroded and dangerous to use.

To test whether or not ammo is still good to use, take a look at the cartridge. If you see any green or black corrosion around the primer (the part of the cartridge that is struck by the firing pin), then the round should be discarded. Ammunition with light corrosion may still be usable, but it’s advisable to test fire these rounds in a safe environment before relying on them in an actual shooting situation.

If you do end up using corroded rounds, they may not ignite properly and could cause damage to your firearm.

How to tell if ammo is bad?

Antony answered 2 years ago

There are a few ways to tell if ammo is bad.

  1. One way is to smell it. Ammo that has been exposed to moisture will have a sour smell, similar to vinegar.
  2. Another way is to look at it. Ammo that has been exposed to moisture will be covered in a white powdery substance. If the rounds are bulging or dented, they may not be safe to fire.
  3. Finally, you can test the rounds by firing them. If they don’t hit the target where you’re aiming, that could mean the rounds are bad and won’t explode when they reach their target.

How to tell if ammo is bad?

Jordan answered 2 years ago

Ammo can be bad in a few ways. It can be corroded, it can be dented or it can be out of spec.

Corroded ammo will have a greenish or blackish hue to it and it often smells bad.

Ammo that is dented may not feed properly in your gun and could cause jams.

Ammo that is out of spec may not meet the manufacturer’s specifications for weight, size, or ballistic performance. Out-of-spec ammo may also not be as safe to use as ammo that meets the specs.

Lewis answered 2 years ago

Ammo can deteriorate over time due to environmental factors such as moisture and extreme temperatures. It can also go bad if it’s been left in a hot car or subjected to a fire.

One way to tell if ammo is bad is by checking the primers. If they’re stuck and the round doesn’t fire, that’s usually a sign that the round is no good. Rust on the rounds can also be a sign that they’re past their expiration date.

How to tell if ammo is bad?