How long can you store ammunition?

Current ammunition is primarily affected by three primary factors; heat, condensation, and handling. Handling is fairly simple, place ammunition in a secure area and only handle it when your going to use it or inspect the containers. Heat over a period of time will affect the chemical properties of the powder compounds. Keeping your ammunition stored in an area where you can regulate the tempature will increase its shelf life. I have WW II surplus ammo for an M1 and 45 that shoots as well as modern rounds. Condensation is a potential problem with ammuntion. Its not so much the powder getting wet inside of the round itself as it is corrosion on the casing and around the primers. I secured a bulk load of AK ammo from overseas and 90 percent of it was unusable due to corrosion on the cases. Most of todays manufactures use a non corrosive primer. If you intend on buying munitions from a broker that imports it be sure to inspect the primer area when you take delivery. White spots or 'pushed' out primers should be a concern.