What are effects of humidity on .17 Remington ammunition?

Effects on Reliability

Humidity can significantly impact the reliability of .17 Remington ammunition. When cartridges are exposed to high humidity, the case can swell due to moisture absorption, which can cause the cartridge to become difficult to chamber or fire. This is particularly problematic in .17 Remington cartridges, which are already notoriously finicky. A humidity range of 80-90% can cause noticeable swelling, while above 90% can lead to severe swelling and potential failure. To mitigate this, it’s essential to store ammunition in a dry environment and to use cartridges with a proven track record of reliability in humid conditions.

Effects on Accuracy

High humidity can also affect the accuracy of .17 Remington ammunition. Moisture can cause the primer to separate from the cartridge case, leading to inconsistent ignition and potentially catastrophic failures. This can result in reduced accuracy and increased barrel wear. To minimize the effects of humidity on accuracy, it’s essential to use ammunition with a robust primer design and to ensure that the cartridge case is properly seated in the chamber. A good rule of thumb is to use cartridges with a primer that has a minimum of 5mg of primer material.

Storage and Handling Techniques

To minimize the effects of humidity on .17 Remington ammunition, it’s essential to store cartridges in a dry environment with a relative humidity below 60%. This can be achieved by storing ammunition in a sealed container or a humidity-controlled safe. Additionally, it’s crucial to handle cartridges carefully to avoid damaging the primer or exposing the case to moisture. When storing cartridges for extended periods, it’s a good idea to check the ammunition regularly for signs of swelling or primer separation.