People who carry a firearm for personal protection tend to spend a great deal of time thinking about ammunition when they first choose it. They research manufacturers, bullet weights, penetration, expansion, and reliability before eventually settling on a defensive load they trust.
Then something interesting happens.
They load the magazines, put the gun in the holster, and sometimes forget about the ammunition for a very long time.
Unlike ammunition stored properly in its original packaging, carry ammunition lives a considerably harder life. It gets exposed to heat, humidity, sweat, dust, oils, and the normal abuse that comes with being carried every day. Here in Arizona, we can add months of extreme heat to that list.
Ammunition is remarkably durable, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it indefinitely.
Pay Attention to the Chambered Round
One issue deserves particular attention because many people repeatedly unload and reload their carry firearm.
The same cartridge gets chambered, removed, returned to the magazine, and chambered again the next time the gun is carried. Over time, repeatedly feeding the same cartridge can potentially damage it or cause the bullet to move deeper into the case, commonly called bullet setback.
That isn’t something to ignore. Changes to the cartridge’s dimensions can affect feeding and potentially alter pressures when the round is fired.
If a cartridge looks noticeably different from the others, has visible damage, or simply doesn’t look right, don’t carry it. Ammunition is inexpensive compared with the consequences of discovering a problem when you actually need the firearm.
There Isn’t a Magic Expiration Date
People occasionally ask how often they should replace their carry ammunition. Unfortunately, there isn’t one universally correct answer.
How ammunition is carried and stored matters. Someone who carries every day in Arizona heat and frequently unloads the firearm creates a different environment than someone whose defensive pistol spends most of its life secured in a climate-controlled home.
Rather than becoming obsessed with a calendar, periodically inspect your ammunition. Look for corrosion, damaged cases or rims, unusual discoloration, or cartridges that appear different in length from the others.
And every so often, replace it.
Shoot What You Carry
Replacing carry ammunition also creates an excellent opportunity to do something many shooters neglect: actually shoot their defensive ammunition.
Defensive ammunition can feel and perform differently from inexpensive practice ammunition. Periodically firing the ammunition you’ve been carrying confirms that the firearm still functions reliably with it and reminds you what that particular load feels like under recoil.
Afterward, load fresh defensive ammunition and start the cycle again.
You don’t need to fire hundreds of expensive defensive rounds every range session. You simply want reasonable confidence that your chosen firearm, magazines, and ammunition continue to work together.
The Bottom Line
Quality ammunition stored properly can remain serviceable for a very long time. Carry ammunition, however, isn’t sitting quietly in a box. It’s part of equipment that may eventually be called upon under very different circumstances.
Inspect it occasionally. Pay particular attention to cartridges that have been chambered repeatedly, and replace anything questionable.
If it’s time to rotate out your defensive ammunition, C2 Tactical carries a variety of quality defensive loads, and our staff can help you select appropriate ammunition for your firearm and intended use.
There is no prize for seeing how many years you can make one magazine of defensive ammunition last.
If you’re trusting that ammunition with your life, periodically replacing it is probably not the place to economize.