Waterproof ammo

[Medic505]

Short version - is there such a thing as waterproof ammo?

Long version- I took a buddy to the range last week that isn't a shooter to try out various pistols as he is wanting to purchase one, but doesn't know what he wants. I grabbed my AR for grins as he's never shot one and it's been a while since I've shot it. After shooting pistols, I drug out the AR. His first question was, "Why would anybody want one of these"? I started him with a 20 round mag and a few instructions. A 30 round mag after that. Then I started wondering if he'd ever lose the grin that was etched on his face. The next question he ask was, is your ammo waterproof? I replied since they were reloads, I really doubted it. After pondering that question for a couple seconds, I ask why he wanted to know. His reply was, in the movies navy SEAL's pop out of the water and start blasting whatever bad guy that happens to be in the way. How do they keep their ammo dry? My only answer was well, that's the movies. I told him I had no clue, but I assured him I could find an answer.

So, to anyone who has a clue, please enlighten us. How do our Warriors keep their ammo dry and functional? Inquiring minds want to know.

The rest of the story- I don't know for sure, but I think the pistol purchase is on the back burner. He has called three times with AR questions. I think he now understands why anybody would want one. We're going back to the range next week to re-shoot a couple pistols and guess what else, yeah the AR. I'm going to take my Sharps in 45-70 along for grinners, can't wait to watch this one.

 

[dickn52]

Yes, the mil spec ammo can withstand a dunking. Sealed primer pockets and a tight crimp.

 

[Outrider27]

Yes, the mil spec ammo can withstand a dunking. Sealed primer pockets and a tight crimp.

Don't know about current manufacture mil spec 5.56 ammo, but way back in the day, issue .308 ammo also used a sealant at the case mouth, too, in addition to the primer.

 

[cfreeman]

I forgot a .223 round in my back pocket that was loaded in twice fired brass with an 80gr SMK with 24grains of Varget. Went through the washing machine and still managed to hit a 10 @600 yards with it at the next match on a prone target with my service rifle.

 

[Shaggy357]

There is water-proof ammo and water resistant ammo. You pay a little more for water-proof ammo, but it is out there. Most typical military ammo is water resistant. Tolerances in primer pockets and neck tension are enough to keep water out....for a while. Keep them dunked very long and the case will absorb moisture whether thru minuscule gaps or condensation. Some military brass has a primer "sealer" that will seal the gap. You can buy it yourself at a lot of reloading retailers. Sealing at the neck has gone through many different processes over the years. I only know of a few that I have seen. I have had shotgun shells that were sealed with a wax covered card over the shot, wax in the crimp, and even crimps that were melted in the middle to seal them. I have had rifle ammo that had gone thru a "paraffin" type dip to seal the bullet in, and have seen several different kinds of ammo that have had the bullet coated with something that seals it in the neck. I am sure all of these methods went through a lot of test due to pressures that increase with the sealing process. For a few hunts in really wet weather, I have sealed shotgun shells with fingernail polish around the primer and a drop of wax in the crimp hole. Worked for me....Not sure what all is available today.

 

[seymour fish]

Short version - is there such a thing as waterproof ammo?

Long version- I took a buddy to the range last week that isn't a shooter to try out various pistols as he is wanting to purchase one, but doesn't know what he wants. I grabbed my AR for grins as he's never shot one and it's been a while since I've shot it. After shooting pistols, I drug out the AR. His first question was, "Why would anybody want one of these"? I started him with a 20 round mag and a few instructions. A 30 round mag after that. Then I started wondering if he'd ever lose the grin that was etched on his face. The next question he ask was, is your ammo waterproof? I replied since they were reloads, I really doubted it. After pondering that question for a couple seconds, I ask why he wanted to know. His reply was, in the movies navy SEAL's pop out of the water and start blasting whatever bad guy that happens to be in the way. How do they keep their ammo dry? My only answer was well, that's the movies. I told him I had no clue, but I assured him I could find an answer.

So, to anyone who has a clue, please enlighten us. How do our Warriors keep their ammo dry and functional? Inquiring minds want to know.

The rest of the story- I don't know for sure, but I think the pistol purchase is on the back burner. He has called three times with AR questions. I think he now understands why anybody would want one. We're going back to the range next week to re-shoot a couple pistols and guess what else, yeah the AR. I'm going to take my Sharps in 45-70 along for grinners, can't wait to watch this one.

Dean, sent you a p.m. Seymour

 

[Medic505]

Thanks to all for the replies. With all this info, I'm thinking about starting an Underwater F-Class league. Open shooters get to SCUBA, F-TR have to snorkel. Why snorkel you ask? 'Cause TR is harder!

pun intended........

 

[madderg]

Finger nail polish does do the trick, choose your colors wisely!!

 

[nicholst55]

Military small arms ammo has lacquer-sealed primers and asphalt-sealed case necks. That's why pulled military bullets typically have 'tar' on the shank.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Military small arms ammo has lacquer-sealed primers and asphalt-sealed case necks. That's why pulled military bullets typically have 'tar' on the shank.

Seen that a few times on older 30.06 military ammo.
I stepped outside one afternoon to pop a few primers on brass I was forming. Dropped one loaded round in the grass. Found it wet from the dew the next morning. Tried to fire it but it ended up being a dud.
Pulled it down to see what happened. Powder was wet and lumpy. Primer didn't go off either.
Sealing each bullet at the neck and around the primer would be my first choice and keeping loaded rounds in your warm/dry pocket would be a very good idea.