How to Inspect Ammunition Before Shooting

How to inspect ammunition before shooting starts with a simple rule: verify the cartridge is the correct type for the firearm, then look carefully for damage, corrosion, contamination, deformation, or signs of improper storage or exposure. Ammunition should be inspected before use, and questionable cartridges should not be chambered or fired.

Ammunition is designed to function reliably when it is properly manufactured, stored, handled, and used in the correct firearm. But cartridges can be damaged by corrosion, chemicals, moisture, excessive heat, physical impact, or repeated handling. A quick inspection can help identify obvious problems before a cartridge goes into the chamber.

Quick Ammunition Inspection Checklist

Before shooting, check each cartridge or the ammunition you are preparing to use for:

• Correct cartridge designation
• Visible corrosion
• Deep dents or deformation
• Significant scratches or damage to the case
• Damaged or deformed bullets
• Contamination from oil, solvents, or other chemicals
• Signs of water exposure
• Damage associated with improper storage
• Evidence of excessive handling or repeated rechambering
• Packaging or labeling that does not match the ammunition

SAAMI specifically recommends inspecting ammunition before use and not using ammunition that is damaged or suspected to be damaged.

Why Should You Inspect Ammunition Before Shooting?

A cartridge contains several components that must work together correctly. Damage to the case or other components can affect chambering, ignition, pressure, or overall reliability.

Some problems are easy to see, such as heavy corrosion or a severely dented case. Others may be associated with exposure that is less obvious. SAAMI notes that extended exposure to high temperatures or humidity, water, solvents, petroleum products, acids, ammonia, and other chemicals can affect ammunition performance.

Inspection is therefore not about making a judgment based on appearance alone. It is about identifying obvious warning signs and separating questionable ammunition from ammunition that appears suitable for use.

1. Verify the Cartridge Designation

The first step is making sure you have the correct ammunition for the firearm.

Check the cartridge designation marked on the ammunition and compare it with the designation specified by the firearm manufacturer. SAAMI’s ammunition-handling guidance recommends checking the cartridge designation on the headstamp against the cartridge designation marked on the firearm.

Do not assume that ammunition is safe simply because it physically fits a chamber.

If you are uncertain about cartridge compatibility, stop and consult the firearm manufacturer’s documentation or another qualified source rather than relying on appearance or physical fit.

2. Inspect the Case for Corrosion

Look closely at the cartridge case for signs of corrosion.

Minor cosmetic differences are not automatically evidence that a cartridge is unsafe, but significant corrosion deserves attention. Corrosion can affect the cartridge case and, depending on its severity and location, may interfere with proper chambering or weaken the case.

SAAMI specifically lists corrosion among the physical damage conditions for which ammunition should be removed from use.

If a cartridge has substantial corrosion or you are unsure whether the damage is significant, do not chamber or fire it.

3. Look for Deep Dents or Deformation

Inspect the case for obvious dents, crushing, or other deformation.

A cartridge does not need to look perfect to function, and not every minor cosmetic mark necessarily represents a dangerous defect. The important distinction is between normal cosmetic variation and physical damage that changes the cartridge’s shape or condition.

SAAMI identifies deep dents as a reason to remove ammunition from use.

Pay particular attention to cartridges that have been dropped, crushed, exposed to rough handling, or stored where they could be physically damaged.

4. Check for Deep Scratches or Other Case Damage

Run a visual inspection around the case rather than looking at only one side.

Look for:

• Deep scratches
• Gouges
• Severe abrasions
• Cracks
• Distortion
• Areas of significant corrosion

SAAMI advises that ammunition showing signs of physical damage, including deep scratches, should not be used.

If you cannot confidently determine whether a damaged cartridge is suitable for use, the safer choice is to set it aside rather than attempt to test it by firing.

5. Inspect the Bullet

Look at the projectile to make sure it does not appear obviously damaged or deformed.

Check for unusual movement, significant deformation, or other visible damage. Also pay attention to cartridges that have been repeatedly handled or cycled through a firearm.

Repeated rechambering can physically affect ammunition. SAAMI notes that repeatedly rechambering a cartridge can damage the case or primer and can also push the projectile deeper into the case, potentially reducing internal case volume and increasing chamber pressure.

For that reason, repeatedly cycling the same cartridge is something to avoid.

6. Check the Primer Area

The primer is another part of the cartridge that should be visually inspected.

Look for obvious damage, deformation, contamination, or other unusual conditions. You do not need to manipulate the cartridge or attempt to repair anything.

If a cartridge has been repeatedly chambered, dropped, damaged, or exposed to questionable conditions and its condition is uncertain, set it aside.

The goal of an ammunition inspection is identification—not troubleshooting a questionable cartridge.

7. Look for Contamination

Ammunition should be kept away from chemicals and contaminants that can affect its components.

SAAMI identifies exposure to solvents, petroleum products, acids, ammonia, and other chemicals as potential sources of ammunition damage. Such exposure can affect the cartridge case and may also affect internal components if contaminants enter the cartridge.

This is one reason ammunition should not be casually stored alongside chemicals or other substances that could contaminate it.

If ammunition has clearly been exposed to a chemical and you are uncertain about its condition, do not fire it.

8. Consider Water or Moisture Exposure

Moisture deserves special attention because ammunition exposed to water may not simply return to its original condition after drying.

SAAMI’s current guidance distinguishes between limited exposure, such as light rain, and ammunition that has been submerged. The type of ammunition, depth of water, and duration of exposure can all affect the situation.

SAAMI also warns that water exposure or submersion can compromise ammunition performance depending on the nature and degree of the exposure.

If ammunition has been submerged or exposed to significant water, do not assume that drying it makes it safe to fire. Follow manufacturer or SAAMI guidance for the specific situation.

9. Think About Heat and Fire Exposure

Extreme heat can create problems that are not necessarily obvious from a quick visual inspection.

SAAMI notes that hidden damage can occur when ammunition is exposed to fire or extreme temperatures, potentially making the ammunition unsafe to use.

This matters after events such as:

• House or vehicle fires
• Severe heat exposure
• Firefighting-water exposure
• Storage in extreme conditions

A cartridge that looks normal after a serious exposure event should not automatically be treated as unaffected.

10. Check Ammunition That Has Been Repeatedly Chambered

If you routinely load and unload the same cartridge, pay attention to its condition.

Repeated rechambering can cause physical damage to the cartridge and can affect the projectile’s seating depth. SAAMI specifically advises against repeatedly rechambering the same cartridge.

This is particularly relevant for ammunition that has been cycled through a firearm multiple times but never fired.

When ammunition has been repeatedly chambered, inspect it before further use. If there is visible damage or you have reason to doubt its condition, do not fire it.

11. Check the Original Packaging

Packaging provides useful identification information.

Keep ammunition in its original packaging whenever practical. The box can help establish:

• Cartridge designation
• Manufacturer
• Bullet information
• Product identification
• Lot information
• Other manufacturer-provided details

Keeping the original packaging also makes it easier to identify ammunition later if cartridges from multiple loads become mixed together.

SAAMI recommends storing ammunition in its original packaging or packaging designed for ammunition.

What Does Damaged Ammunition Look Like?

There is no single visual characteristic that identifies every potentially defective cartridge. However, obvious warning signs include:

Condition	What to do
Significant corrosion	Do not use
Deep dents	Do not use
Deep scratches or gouges	Do not use
Severe deformation	Do not use
Obvious bullet damage	Set aside for evaluation
Chemical contamination	Do not fire if condition is uncertain
Significant water exposure	Follow manufacturer/SAAMI guidance
Fire or extreme-heat exposure	Do not assume it is safe
Repeatedly rechambered ammunition	Inspect before further use
Unknown cartridge designation	Do not chamber until identified

This is not a substitute for manufacturer-specific guidance. The safest approach when ammunition is questionable is to avoid firing it.

What Should You Do With Damaged Ammunition?

Do not attempt to make questionable ammunition usable by repairing, modifying, pulling apart, or otherwise altering the cartridge.

Instead, separate questionable ammunition from ammunition you intend to use and seek appropriate guidance from the ammunition manufacturer or another qualified professional regarding safe handling and disposal.

The correct procedure can depend on what happened to the ammunition and what type of ammunition it is.

What If a Cartridge Does Not Chamber Normally?

A cartridge should not require unusual force to chamber.

SAAMI’s handling guidance states that ammunition should chamber easily and that a cartridge requiring unusual force to close the bolt or breech should not be fired.

If a cartridge does not chamber normally, do not treat force as a solution.

The problem could involve ammunition, the firearm, the chamber, or another compatibility issue. Stop and determine the cause using the firearm manufacturer’s guidance or qualified professional assistance.

Common Ammunition Inspection Mistakes

Assuming New Ammo Does Not Need Inspection

Factory-new ammunition is manufactured under controlled conditions, but SAAMI still recommends inspecting ammunition before use.

A quick inspection is worthwhile regardless of whether the ammunition is new, previously stored, or has been transported.

Assuming Cosmetic Variation Means Damage

Ammunition can have normal differences in appearance between manufacturers and products. Not every discoloration or manufacturing variation means a cartridge is unsafe.

The important question is whether there is evidence of physical damage, corrosion, contamination, or exposure that could compromise the cartridge.

Assuming a Cartridge Is Safe Because It Fits

Physical fit is not enough to establish ammunition compatibility.

Always verify the cartridge designation against the firearm manufacturer’s specifications.

Ignoring Storage Conditions

Ammunition stored in poor environmental conditions may be affected even when the packaging initially looks acceptable.

SAAMI recommends storing ammunition in a cool, dry location and away from heat sources, open flames, solvents, and other chemicals.

Repeatedly Cycling the Same Cartridge

Repeated rechambering can cause physical changes to ammunition. If a cartridge has been cycled repeatedly, inspect it rather than assuming it is unchanged.

A Simple Pre-Shooting Ammunition Inspection Routine

For routine range use, an inspection does not need to be complicated.

Step 1: Identify it.
Confirm the cartridge designation.

Step 2: Check the ammunition against the firearm.
Use the firearm manufacturer’s specifications rather than relying on appearance.

Step 3: Inspect the case.
Look for corrosion, deep dents, deformation, cracks, or significant scratches.

Step 4: Inspect the projectile and primer area.
Look for obvious damage or unusual conditions.

Step 5: Consider exposure.
Ask whether the ammunition has been exposed to water, chemicals, extreme heat, fire, or other damaging conditions.

Step 6: Consider handling history.
Pay attention to ammunition that has been repeatedly chambered or subjected to rough handling.

Step 7: Separate questionable ammunition.
If you are unsure about a cartridge, do not chamber or fire it.

This routine takes little time and can help catch obvious ammunition problems before shooting begins.

How Should Ammunition Be Stored Between Shooting Sessions?

Proper storage helps reduce the conditions that can damage ammunition in the first place.

SAAMI recommends a cool, dry storage location and advises keeping ammunition away from heat sources, open flames, solvents, and other chemicals.

For ammunition stored over longer periods:

• Keep it appropriately packaged.
• Protect it from excessive moisture.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to heat.
• Keep chemicals away from ammunition.
• Keep ammunition secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
• Maintain the original packaging when practical.

Good storage makes the inspection process easier because you have a better understanding of how the ammunition has been handled and stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you inspect ammunition before shooting?

Verify the cartridge designation, then visually inspect the case, projectile, primer area, and overall condition. Look for corrosion, deep dents, significant scratches, deformation, contamination, or signs of water, fire, or extreme-heat exposure.

Should you inspect new ammunition?

Yes. SAAMI recommends inspecting ammunition before use, including ammunition that is factory fresh.

Can you shoot ammunition with corrosion?

Significantly corroded ammunition should not be fired. SAAMI specifically lists corrosion as a physical-damage condition requiring ammunition to be removed from use.

What if ammunition has been submerged in water?

Do not assume submerged ammunition is safe simply because it has dried. Water exposure can compromise ammunition, and the appropriate assessment depends on factors including cartridge type and the nature and duration of exposure.

Can repeated rechambering damage ammunition?

Yes. SAAMI states that repeated rechambering can damage the case or primer and can push the projectile deeper into the case.

What should you do if you find a damaged cartridge?

Do not chamber or fire it. Separate it from ammunition intended for use and consult the ammunition manufacturer or an appropriately qualified professional for guidance on handling and disposal.

Does ammunition need to look perfect to be safe?

Not necessarily. Minor cosmetic variation is not automatically evidence of a dangerous condition. The important issue is whether there are signs of significant physical damage, corrosion, contamination, or harmful exposure.

Final Checklist

Before shooting, remember:

• Identify the cartridge correctly.
• Verify compatibility with the firearm.
• Inspect the case for corrosion and physical damage.
• Check the projectile and primer area.
• Look for contamination.
• Consider water, fire, heat, and chemical exposure.
• Inspect ammunition that has been repeatedly chambered.
• Do not fire ammunition that is damaged or suspected to be damaged.
• Do not force a cartridge that does not chamber normally.
• Keep ammunition properly stored between shooting sessions.

A few seconds of inspection can help identify obvious problems before a cartridge is loaded. When ammunition’s condition or compatibility is uncertain, the appropriate response is to stop and get reliable guidance rather than use the cartridge as a test.