Firearms enthusiasts and critics alike often agree on one thing: ammunition is an essential aspect of any gun. Ammo gives a firearm the power to accomplish a wide range of tasks, from self-defense to target shooting. It’s essential to keep your ammunition in good shape if you want to maintain the firearm’s performance and accuracy. Unfortunately, many people neglect their ammo, which can lead to costly mistakes and potentially dangerous situations. In this blog, we’ll explore some ammo handling and maintenance tips to help you extend your ammo’s life and ensure it performs as intended.
Proper Storage
Storing your ammunition in ideal conditions should be your top priority if you want it to last longer. Keep the ammo in a dry, cool, and dark location. Moisture and heat can speed up corrosion and significantly affect ammo performance, rendering it useless or dangerous. A durable ammo container can also help protect it from dust or rust. Remember always to store your ammo separately from your firearm in a secure location.
Lead-Free Ammo
One aspect of ammo maintenance that people frequently overlook is the health and environmental effects of lead in traditional ammo. Every time someone fires lead-shot targets or bullets, lead residues dust off into the air, which is harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Using lead-free ammunition is a more responsible and safer option in terms of both health and environmental issues. It’s also important to note that lead-free ammo reduces the risk of lead build-up in your firearm, protecting both the shooter and the weapon.
Cleaning Your Fired Brass
Reusing your fired weapons brass is an excellent way to help the environment and save money. Nonetheless, proper cleaning and maintenance are necessary to ensure that the brass performs well when reloaded. To clean the fired brass, mix water and white vinegar in a bowl and let the brass sit in the solution for 3-5 minutes. After the cleaning process, rinse the brass properly and let it air dry. Keep in mind that properly cleaned cases ensure proper seal against primer and powder, affecting the ammo’s performance and accuracy.
Labeling Ammo
In the long run, labeling ammo will spare you the hassle of guessing which ammo to use. Keep records of the round count of each box of ammo, which is particularly important for accuracy’s sake. Over time, the recoil will expand or contract the primer on the ammo, affecting both the accuracy and performance. Using the appropriate ammunition for each target also extends the life of your ammunition, letting you avoid costly mistakes.
Proper Handling
Proper handling is the most overlooked aspect of ammo maintenance. If you mishandle ammo, it can damage its structure, reducing its accuracy, and possibly turning an otherwise safe practice into a dangerous one. Proper handling means you must never drop ammo onto hard surfaces, keep ammunition out of extreme weather conditions, and avoid using dirty or corroded ammo. Also, avoid dry firing your firearm as it can damage the firing pin and the chamber.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into hand-loading your ammo or simply an enthusiastic shooter, proper handling, and maintenance of your ammo can lead to better firearm performance and accuracy. It’s crucial to follow the tips we’ve provided and apply them correctly, ensuring your ammo lasts a long time and performs as designed. So, if you are a firearms enthusiast, make sure you don’t overlook the importance of ammunition handling and maintenance. Proper handling and maintenance extend your ammo’s life and are essential for both a shooter’s safety and a firearm’s longevity.
