22 Ammo

FES · January 12, 2009, 11:41 AM

I was wondering how long that a 22 cartridge is still good. Do they get to the place where they will no longer fire?

Thanks
FES

ryalred · January 12, 2009, 01:06 PM

Kept in a cool, dry environment they should last for many years. I have read that some people are shooting surplus centerfire ammo that is 60 years old or more. I'd assume that the .22 would be about the same. However, I've not read anywhere about the longevity of 22lr ammo. I'm not sure if their primers deteriorate at a different rate than centerfire primers or not. I do know that left in a very damp environment they can deteriorate rather quickly.

Scorch · January 12, 2009, 01:38 PM

22LR ammo can last a very long time if properly stored. I have some I have had stored for over 20 years, and they still work fine.

OTOH, lubricant from the lead bullets can melt and kill the priming compound, but they have to get pretty hot to do that.

ballardw · January 13, 2009, 12:35 AM

I have about a brick and a half of Remington Pistol Match 22 from about 1960 that I only use for special occasions. It still fires every time so far but has generally lived in dry basements in a dry climate.

January 12, 2009, 11:41 AM	#1
FES Member Join Date: January 13, 2006 Posts: 48	22 Ammo I was wondering how long that a 22 cartridge is still good. Do they get to the place where they will no longer fire? Thanks FES

January 12, 2009, 01:06 PM	#2
ryalred Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Location: SE Oklahoma Posts: 491	Kept in a cool, dry environment they should last for many years. I have read that some people are shooting surplus centerfire ammo that is 60 years old or more. I'd assume that the .22 would be about the same. However, I've not read anywhere about the longevity of 22lr ammo. I'm not sure if their primers deteriorate at a different rate than centerfire primers or not. I do know that left in a very damp environment they can deteriorate rather quickly. __________________ ryalred rifle & muzzleloader -- exhilarating bowhunting -- obsession reloading -- addicted

January 12, 2009, 01:38 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	22LR ammo can last a very long time if properly stored. I have some I have had stored for over 20 years, and they still work fine. OTOH, lubricant from the lead bullets can melt and kill the priming compound, but they have to get pretty hot to do that. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 13, 2009, 12:35 AM	#4
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	I have about a brick and a half of Remington Pistol Match 22 from about 1960 that I only use for special occasions. It still fires every time so far but has generally lived in dry basements in a dry climate.