Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about rotating carry ammo. This practice is essentially a form of preventative maintenance that many concealed carries observe. Our mission with this blog post is to describe the practice while also delving into factors of why the practice exists and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s explore the idea of rotating one’s carry ammo.
The term “carry ammo” generically refers to the defensive ammunition one chooses to carry for self-defense purposes. Ammunition of this type will generally feature jacketed hollow point (JHP) projectiles. These defensive loadings are common and are produced by a wide variety of ammunition manufacturers. Defensive ammunition can be acquired from companies such as Sellier & Bellot, Corbon, Underwood Ammo, and more.
Simply put, a concealed carrier will benefit from having the freshest ammunition possible in their carry rotation. This helps to ensure reliable function and performance is achieved. Concealed carriers trust their lives to their chosen pistol and carry ammunition, it just makes sense to ensure both components are at the top of their game. While ammunition doesn’t necessarily expire by any means, one will certainly have peace of mind when carrying some fresh ammunition as opposed to some rusted and setback ammunition.
Projectiles can become setback into the casing during the chambering process. This is especially evident if the same cartridge is rechambered multiple times. The rate at which this occurs is influenced by the specific firearm and ammunition in question. Feed ramps, variances in dimensions between ammunition and chambers, and magazine components can contribute to this phenomenon. Some JHP designs will typically feature projectiles with a geometry conducive to reliable feeding, making this less of an issue with loads of this type. The sleeker and more conical shaped projectiles will simply be fed into the chamber easier than their bulkier counterparts.
A round is not rendered “bad” by any means if it has been chambered more than once, this is just something to look out for. If a projectile is pushed too far back into the case, there can be changes in pressure and introduce new variables to the firing process. A severely setback projectile would be dangerous to attempt to shoot due to increased pressure. One can simply keep an eye on their carry ammo and prevent potential mishaps by rotating out ammunition with excessive setback.
There are methods one can employ to extend the service life of their carry ammo. As mentioned above, projectiles can eventually become setback into a casing after repeated chambering. An individual round with excessive (but not severe) setback can simply be replaced with a fresh round. A way to lessen the impact of excessive rechambering would be to chamber a different round of carry ammo each time the pistol is loaded for carry. Simply put, load a different round than the one which was chambered initially. This practice is comparable to tire rotation. If one round is chambered multiple times, it will likely have a set back projectile. By utilizing different rounds each time, potential wear will be spread out and lessened over time. This process is an easy way to increase the service life of your selected defensive ammunition.
Ammunition exposed to elements can potentially experience things such as rust or corrosion. Granted, one’s exposure to elements will vary depending on one’s present location. Generally speaking, someone in the Pacific Northwest is in a significantly different climate and environment than someone in the American Southwest. The degree of exposure is also influenced by how one chooses to carry.
Exposure to moisture is the most likely culprit for corrosion and rust on firearms. Carry ammo is also subject to the same exposure risks and consequences as firearms. Modern firearms feature coatings and finishes which will generally resist the elements to some degree. While certain ammunition offerings feature some form of protection or resistance, this is not always the case. Brass cased ammunition will typically fall victim to exposure if one does not take preventative measures.
One will find that modern loadings are often optimized in ways to extend their longevity and service life. As mentioned above, some modern defensive loadings feature low-drag projectiles designed to promote smooth feeding. Some defensive ammunition will also feature casings with plating designed to resist corrosion and rust. These types of casings are often nickel-plated and are available from companies such as Federal, Barnes, and Hornady. Besides resisting corrosion and rust, these nickel-plated casings will also feed smoother than their brass counterparts. Certain loadings, like the Ultimate Defense offerings from Remington, feature sealed primers, adding another degree of protection to ammunition.
There is no gospel or doctrine written which prescribes a set interval to rotate one’s carry ammo. Some shooters approach the issue in the same way they approach changing batteries in sights, rotating their ammo on a yearly basis. People will typically pick an easily remembered event which occurs annually, such as a holiday or their birthday, to do the swap. Some concealed carriers will swap their ammo at earlier intervals. There are some shooters who believe in rotating their carry ammunition every six months.
Just because ammunition has been taken out of your carry rotation does not make it useless. An overwhelming majority of the time, this ammunition can be fired as safely and reliably as any other round. Simply put, one should shoot this “old” ammunition as there is still value to be had with phased out carry ammunition. If one wanted to test a particular firearm’s reliability with JHP loadings, they could utilize some of their old carry ammo. Furthermore, one could practice with “old” ammunition identical to their current, fresh carry ammo. By practicing with an identical (or the exact same) loading to what they carry, one will experience great value by essentially practicing with what they will have with them in a defensive situation.
At the end of the day, one should rotate their carry ammunition at an interval which makes sense and is safe for them. While more ammunition will need to be purchased to ensure fresh loadings are on hand, shooters are no strangers to buying ammunition for typical range use as it is. One can find value in practicing with their “retired” ammunition, aiding their development as a shooter in the long run and making them more proficient. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide variety of defensive ammunition in popular calibers such as 9mm Luger and .45 ACP. Regardless of the caliber or specific loading you get, you should train to be proficient and effective. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.
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Discover the disposable nature of magazines with True Shot Academy. Learn about why they wear, how to keep your magazines going, and more.
