Is military surplus ammo reliable?
Asked by: Ms. Camila Brekke II | Last update: July 6, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (44 votes)
Military surplus ammo is generally reliable for target shooting and plinking, as it is manufactured to strict military specifications. However, reliability heavily depends on how the ammunition was stored, its age, and whether it features corrosive primers. It is generally not recommended for self-defense or hunting.
Is military surplus ammo good?
Military surplus ammo is generally safe, reliable, and affordable for target shooting and training, especially for older bolt-action rifles, but it often has corrosive primers that require prompt cleaning. While durable and designed for long-term storage, it typically offers lower accuracy than modern commercial ammo and may be difficult to reload due to Berdan primers.
What should I know before buying surplus ammo?
In the vast market, sourcing genuine military surplus ammo requires a keen eye. Identifying surplus military ammunition involves scrutinizing elements like bullet weights, type of ammunition, and the presence of berdan primers. These are key indicators of high-quality surplus ammunition.
Why is military surplus so cheap?
Bulk Production: Governments usually purchase military gear in massive quantities, and when they release surplus items to the public, they're often willing to sell at a discount. This can make military surplus items considerably more affordable than comparable civilian products.
Is buying military surplus worth it?
Incredible Value for Money
One of the biggest advantages of shopping military surplus is affordability. Since these items are often excess inventory or discontinued models, they are sold at significantly reduced prices.
Why is Surplus Ammo Dangerous
What is the 8 year rule in the military?
The 8-year provision is a special enhancement to standard Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. It applies when a veteran was rated as totally disabled for at least eight continuous years immediately before death, and the surviving spouse was married to the veteran during those same eight years.
Is surplus ammo safe to use?
Generally speaking, military surplus ammunition is safe to shoot. Of course, one should ensure that their firearm is in good working order before shooting ammunition of any kind. Military surplus firearms in particular should be inspected prior to firing.
What gun is notorious for jamming?
You are right to be concerned about such things -- the 1911 is notorious for jamming frequently. Specifically the ejector mechanism; if the gun is not held steady after firing, the spent cartridge tends to get jammed between the barrel and the slide.
Are guns cheaper at gun shows or gun stores?
Prices. The best gun prices are often found at your local gun show. Traditional retailers have to mark up prices to pay for their more expensive overhead, like utilities, building, marketing, and failed products.
Why is 22 ammo so unreliable?
That's because the priming material spun into the rim of rimfire cartridge isn't always evenly distributed without voids. For recreational plinking, lack of 22 LR reliability isn't a deal breaker, though a definite annoyance. Failures kill a new shooter's confidence. For competition, it's a score-buster.
What is the most trusted ammo website?
Ammunition Depot is recognized by the top firearms publications, including Guns & Ammo, Pew Pew Tactical, USA Carry, Safariland, Gun University, and Survival Stoic, as the best place to buy ammunition online. "Overall Best Place to Buy Ammo.
How long does surplus ammo last?
Most experts agree that with proper storage, ammunition can remain reliable for 10–50 years. Military surplus ammo is proof: rounds from the mid-20th century often still fire today.
Is 115 grain or 124 grain better?
Neither bullet weight is universally "better"; it depends entirely on your intended use.
Is 45-70 more powerful than 308?
The .45-70 Government is generally more "powerful" than the .308 Winchester in terms of raw kinetic energy, momentum, and massive impact on target at close ranges (under 150-200 yards) due to its much heavier, larger-diameter bullet. However, the .308 is faster, flatter-shooting, has better long-range performance, and generates less recoil.
Who makes the most reliable ammo?
The most reliable ammo brands, widely respected for consistent performance, include Federal Premium, Hornady, Speer, and CCI (Blazer). These top-tier manufacturers are preferred for self-defense and high-volume training due to their strict quality control, with Hornady being noted for in-house manufacturing and Federal for consistent availability.
Is military surplus ammo corrosive?
Unless stated on the ammo container, all military surplus ammo that is Berdan primed should be assumed to be corrosive, while Boxer primed ammo will be non-corrosive.
What does "Mexican carry" mean?
"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.
What gun is known as the widowmaker?
The Winchester Model 1911 SL (Self-Loading) shotgun is famously known as "the Widowmaker". It gained this nickname in the early 20th century due to a dangerous, unconventional, and often lethal method required to load and clear the weapon, which involved pushing the barrel against the ground, frequently pointing the muzzle at the user's face.
What is the 26 inch rule?
The "26-inch rule" generally refers to the National Firearms Act (NFA) standard, where a firearm with an overall length (OAL) of less than 26 inches is considered "concealable" and potentially regulated as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) or Any Other Weapon (AOW). If an AR-style firearm is over 26 inches and has no stock, it is usually considered a non-NFA "firearm" rather than a pistol or AOW.
Why do Mexicans like 38 Super?
The .38 Super is revered in Mexico primarily due to historical civilian firearm restrictions. Because Mexican law strictly prohibited citizens from owning military-standard calibers like the 9mm and .45 ACP, the .38 Super became the most powerful semi-automatic handgun legally available.
What race had guns first?
The Chinese were the first to have guns, developing the earliest firearms in the 10th century following their invention of gunpowder.
What has more stopping power, 45 or 357 magnum?
The .357 Magnum generally has higher, more consistent "stopping power" than the .45 ACP, primarily due to its superior velocity, energy, and penetration. While the .45 ACP uses a heavier bullet to create larger wound channels, the .357 Magnum (especially 125-grain loads) is renowned for superior one-shot stops, higher muzzle energy, and better performance against barriers.
Is it bad to keep ammo in your magazine?
While storing ammo in a mag does not damage the spring, it may be good to rotate loaded and unloaded mags every so often. Some recommend rotating magazines and ammunition every six months. This gives you a chance to inspect the magazine and ammo.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
Wyoming is frequently ranked as the most heavily armed state in America per capita, with data showing a high concentration of gun ownership relative to its population. Other top states for gun ownership rates include Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia.
Is it stolen valor to wear military surplus?
Wearing military surplus is generally not considered stolen valor. Stolen valor requires a fraudulent claim to military service, rank, or awards with the intent to gain money, property, or benefits. Simply wearing old, functional, or fashionable surplus clothing, such as field jackets or bags, is usually fine, but wearing full uniforms with insignias or medals can be insensitive or potentially illegal, as stated in.