Plastic Shotshell Ammo Shelf-Life

TXplt · 05-12-2008, 10:49 AM

I know that regular factory ammo has a very long shelf life if properly stored (30+ years).

Do plastic shotshells tend to decompose even if stored well over a long period of time ? Just curious if the plastic would hold together like the metal does.

andrew cochran · 05-12-2008, 11:00 AM

It won't do as well but If kept properly it might last as long as you do. You need to keep them dark and cool. But not too cool! i.e fridge: i.e COLD WINTER

unclejer · 09-21-2008, 08:54 PM

I have Buckshot rounds that are 20 to 30 years old fire and cycle like brand new just watch for corrosion on brass.

LakerDad · 09-21-2008, 09:06 PM

wow, I figure my 16 ga. Federal field purple plastic shot shells are 40 years old now, I got a case back 1968. They still go bang. Even the the ones I reloaded back then are good to go.

Capt'n Mil Coll · 09-21-2008, 11:43 PM

I just shot a box of paper shells from the 50's. Were just fine.

05-12-2008, 10:49 AM	#1
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,832 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	Plastic Shotshell Ammo Shelf-Life I know that regular factory ammo has a very long shelf life if properly stored (30+ years). Do plastic shotshells tend to decompose even if stored well over a long period of time ? Just curious if the plastic would hold together like the metal does. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

05-12-2008, 11:00 AM	#2
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,155	It won't do as well but If kept properly it might last as long as you do. You need to keep them dark and cool. But not too cool! i.e fridge: i.e COLD WINTER __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

09-21-2008, 11:43 PM	#5
Capt'n Mil Coll Military Rifle Collector Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right behind you. -NRA Member- Posts: 2,296 Images: 12	I just shot a box of paper shells from the 50's. Were just fine. __________________ Let's light this fuse and see what happens!

09-21-2008, 08:54 PM	#3
unclejer Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 48	I have Buckshot rounds that are 20 to 30 years old fire and cycle like brand new just watch for corrosion on brass.

09-21-2008, 09:06 PM	#4
LakerDad Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 209	wow, I figure my 16 ga. Federal field purple plastic shot shells are 40 years old now, I got a case back 1968. They still go bang. Even the the ones I reloaded back then are good to go.