# How long are bullets viable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 14, 2000, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523 "2000-07-14T04:21:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Inky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7feea3/32.png) [@Inky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky_1)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/1 "2000-07-14T04:21:51Z")
I recently inherited my Grandfathers gun collection. A few beautiful vintage pieces as well as his “working guns”, single action Colt revolvers responsible for the deaths of countless thousands of prairie dogs. Along with these came two thousand plus rounds of (mostly .22 calibre) Winchester bullets, circa 1968-1971. Great condition, stored in a warm / dry basement. Anybody have any Idea is these are still viable? I’d hate to try them only to have a weak or primer-fire lodge a bullet in the barrel. Also. Is there a recommended way to dispose of ordinence? Hate to be responsible for any more lead or mercury pollution than nessasary. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/2 "2000-07-14T05:07:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Inky- \* > \*\*Is there a recommended way to dispose of ordinence? Hate to be responsible for any more lead or mercury pollution than nessasary. \*\* Often the bomb-disposal unit of the local police force will dispose of it for you. ---
**Author:** ![tcburnett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@tcburnett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tcburnett)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/3 "2000-07-14T05:08:09Z")
I have fired .45-70 rounds manufactured in 1914 without problem. If the rounds look mouldy or discolored, take them to any local gunshop or police station for disposal. However, that will probably also mean that they are antique, so you should be able to sell them. The .22 caliber stuff is good forever as long as it’s not corroded. If you don’t like the idea of firearms, sell them to me. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/4 "2000-07-14T05:21:39Z")
I can’t find anything specific on the web, but I seem to recall that manufacturers recommend a shelf life of 10 years. I’m with **tcburnett** , I think it’s safe for much longer than that, provided it’s stored in a cool dry place and there is no obvious sign of degradation. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/5 "2000-07-14T05:26:21Z")
I finally found a relevant site: [http://www.cdi.org/atp/new.html](http://www.cdi.org/atp/new.html) > [@](#): > > According to the Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing Institute, ammunition stored in adverse conditions can still last 20-30 years. ---
**Author:** ![Inky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7feea3/32.png) [@Inky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky_1)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2000, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-are-bullets-viable/25523/6 "2000-07-14T06:30:53Z")
Wow! Thanks bibliophage. Your handle is well deserved.