Hey all, just wondering if it's necessary to get or use a sealer on your reloads? Especially if humid? Sometimes it can get really muggy here in the summer. So, is it necessary to use it?
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Not unless you store them underwater. As long as you keep them in plastic ammo boxes or a coffee can (my favorite for big batches) they'll be good for many years.
Last edited by Taurus Fan; 04-28-2008 at 07:49 PM.
No need unless you are working in a marine enviroment. Even in my military application our standard issue rounds weren't sealed. Only time we got sealed rounds was when we were working in a water based mission. We did run in to problems now and then. So for special ops we had our armours load our rounds and they did seal them, but that was for a jungle enviroment for the snipers or wet work. I owe my life to these guys on many occasions. But for normal application it is not a worry at all. I crimp all my reloads and have never had a problem and the humidity runs high here in the summer.
Hey all, just wondering if it's necessary to get or use a sealer on your reloads? Especially if humid? Sometimes it can get really muggy here in the summer. So, is it necessary to use it?
The various militaries of the world tend to seal ammo at the primer and case rim so that it will remain functional if wet for a long period. Unless you like spending long periods in a swamp (hey, some do), I doubt you need it.
If you DO like hanging out in a swamp, then fingernail polish, applied sparingly, wouldn't hurt, though I still doubt the necessity.
Never used one, never needed one, never had a FTF with my handloads. I think I would consider a sealer if I were to store ammo for years with the expectations of rapid temp changes and frequent exsposure to water etc.
Thanks guys. And out of curiosity, couldn't one use clear nail polish for the same purpose if necessary?
Another thing I'd like to ask, shell holders, you know the things you put or keep the bullets in when doing single loading. Like these, Reloading - Shop Reloading Tools & Supplies at MidwayUSA
Does one really need them or can you use some of the plastic trays that come in/with some ammunition?
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Last edited by GlockMeister; 04-29-2008 at 03:49 AM.
Thanks guys. And out of curiosity, couldn't one use clear nail polish for the same purpose if necessary?
Another thing I'd like to ask, shell holders, you know the things you put or keep the bullets in when doing single loading. Like these, Reloading - Shop Reloading Tools & Supplies at MidwayUSA
Does one really need them or can you use some of the plastic trays that come in/with some ammunition?
I never saw military ammo that wasnt sealed,altho someone says they have.They also say they used reloads,I would like to see that one confirmed.The only reloads I know of were where they esnt casings to mfg,s and received re,manufactured ammo back.Yes,clear nail polish would work as long as you are careful,but I doubt that there would be much benefit.I really cant emagine getting along without the trays. sam.
Have to watch and not get the nail polish on the primer hole or in the powder.
Military did use reloaded ammo, reman ammo. The brass was also used to make blank ammo if not good enough for live ammo.
If we were running a high profile mission for a big target we had had individuals in the arms room who would handload our ammo. The brass was new LC Match. We only had 6 2 man teams working a area so we are not talking 1000's of rounds they loaded. This was to eliminate any chance of a failure in the bush. It would suck spending 3-4 days getting setup on a target and waiting another few days for your shot and when it comes all together for your shot and you pull the trigger and the hammer drops on a dead round. Never happened to me, but what a thought. And I have used unseal general issue ammo. Wrong ammo shipped to your area of operation is a bite in the butt and it does happen. Unsealed ammo for desert and mountain area and sealed ammo for jungle and marine applications.
Although not necessary, I have made it a practice to seal all my rounds when reloading. I also measure each powder load. They are stored in plastic boxes inside a military ammo can with a few silica bags thrown in. Never...repeat Never had a FTF.
I've been reloading for 38 years and have never used a sealer. My ammo has been wet more than once I promise you. I've never had a problem with moisture.
