Keeping ammo polished, clean

qsecofr

I carry a handgun while out backpacking, camping, hiking. I unload after being out in the weather (sometimes it may be rainy). When I unload I simply take a cloth rag and dry polish over the brass.

Should I be doing more than this or will it keep my ammo ready for next time. I am just a little worried that exposing my gun and ammo to the elements may cause something to not work eventually.
Thanks.

11b6r

While you should look at a holster that may offer some weather protection (reason for the flap on military holsters) unless you submerge ammo in water (and leave it there for a long time) what you are doing should be fine. DO NOT use WD-40 or similar sprays on your ammo- capable of penetrating around the edge of the primer, and killing the primer. A zip lock baggie (with a small pack of silica gel) can be used for your extra ammo.

bobski

are they factory loads or reloads?

charliemeyer007

I have picked military ammo that laid on the ground out in the weather for years at the desert training range near where I live. We at talking bakeing sun, snow, rain etc and most of it shot. You are doing fine, cycle the carry ammo exposed to bad weather for the next range time. You might look into primer/bullet sealer if it would make you feel better. +1 for no WD40 or the likes on ammo a and full flap holster if you can find one.

competentone

If you are carrying and not expecting to need to do any "quick draw" of the firearm, a plastic zipper bag can be great to keep a handgun in.

You can put the gun in the bag, squeeze the air out while sealing it up and still carry it in the holster as you normally do. With a little practice, you'll probably find that you can still retrieve the gun in a fairly rapid manner.

Again, it's not a method of carry if you think you'll need to draw and fire very quickly, but by protecting the firearm from moisture (sweat can be extremely corrosive), dust and dirt you are decreasing the likelihood of a malfunction if your life depends on the weapon at some point.

qsecofr

Thanks for the replies. This is factory ammo. I do have a holster with a flap over the top so mostly it is protected. I would require a ultra-fast draw and can do so with this particular holster. I go into the deep woods where the chances of a bad encounter with something that has fangs or claws is high. It sounds like I am doing the right thing and yes good idea about cycling these "exposed" rounds through the next time at the range.

Thanks again for your replies I really appreciate it.

givette

quote:Originally posted by qsecofr
Thanks for the replies. This is factory ammo. I do have a holster with a flap over the top so mostly it is protected. I would require a ultra-fast draw and can do so with this particular holster. I go into the deep woods where the chances of a bad encounter with something that has fangs or claws is high. It sounds like I am doing the right thing and yes good idea about cycling these "exposed" rounds through the next time at the range.

Thanks again for your replies I really appreciate it.


Don't think I'd be using the plastic bag. You mentioned the need for an ultra-fast draw. That means getting jumped by something. Best to always be with an armed companion. Joe

bobski

no problem. hand wipe it and shoot it.