What to Do With Damaged Ammunition

What to do with damaged ammunition depends on the type and extent of the damage, but the first rule is simple: do not fire ammunition that is visibly damaged or suspected to be damaged.

Corrosion, deep dents, significant scratches, water exposure, fire exposure, damaged primers, and other unusual conditions can make ammunition unsuitable for use. SAAMI recommends inspecting ammunition before use and properly disposing of cartridges or shotshells showing signs of physical damage. Disposal should follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The safest approach is to separate questionable ammunition, preserve its identifying information, and get disposal or handling instructions from an appropriate local authority, shooting facility, or the manufacturer.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do With Damaged Ammo?

If you find damaged ammunition:

1. Do not fire it.
2. Do not use it as a test cartridge.
3. Separate it from ammunition you intend to use.
4. Keep it away from heat, flames, solvents, and chemicals.
5. Keep the original packaging if available.
6. Record the manufacturer, cartridge designation, and lot number.
7. Contact the manufacturer or an appropriate local authority for disposal guidance.
8. Follow applicable federal, state, and local disposal requirements.

SAAMI specifically states that ammunition showing physical damage such as corrosion, deep dents, or scratches should be properly disposed of, and that ammunition should only be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

What Counts as Damaged Ammunition?

Not every cosmetic mark means that a cartridge is dangerous. However, certain conditions should be treated as warning signs rather than ignored.

Potentially damaged ammunition can include cartridges with:

• Significant corrosion
• Deep dents
• Deep scratches
• Damaged or deformed cases
• Damaged primers
• Deformed bullets
• Chemical contamination
• Evidence of water exposure
• Fire or excessive-heat exposure
• Other unusual physical damage

SAAMI specifically identifies corrosion, deep dents, and scratches as examples of physical damage requiring attention.

If you cannot confidently determine whether a cartridge is suitable for use, do not chamber or fire it.

Should You Fire Damaged Ammunition to See If It Works?

No.

Using a questionable cartridge as a test is not a safe way to determine whether it is still usable.

A cartridge can have a condition that is not obvious from a basic visual inspection. Water exposure is one example. SAAMI’s current guidance explains that the effects of water exposure can depend on factors such as the condition of the cartridge, primer sealing, duration of exposure, and contaminants in the water. Because the extent of deterioration cannot necessarily be determined for each cartridge, SAAMI advises against attempting to salvage or use previously submerged ammunition.

If ammunition is questionable, the appropriate response is to keep it out of the firearm and seek proper handling or disposal guidance.

What Should You Do With a Dented Cartridge?

A cartridge with a significant dent should not automatically be considered usable.

Do not attempt to straighten the case, reshape the cartridge, or otherwise modify it so that it looks normal.

SAAMI specifically identifies deep dents as physical damage and recommends properly disposing of cartridges or shotshells that show signs of such damage.

If you encounter a dented cartridge:

• Keep it out of the firearm.
• Separate it from normal ammunition.
• Avoid modifying it.
• Preserve the original packaging if possible.
• Record the product and lot information.
• Seek disposal guidance.

What Should You Do With Corroded Ammo?

Corrosion is another reason to stop and evaluate the ammunition.

Light surface discoloration and serious corrosion are not necessarily the same thing, but ammunition showing meaningful corrosion should not simply be cleaned and returned to service.

Do not use abrasives, chemicals, polishing compounds, or other methods to make questionable ammunition look better.

SAAMI recommends disposing of cartridges that show physical damage such as corrosion.

When the condition is uncertain, treat the ammunition as questionable and obtain appropriate disposal guidance.

What About Ammo With a Damaged Primer?

The primer is a critical component of a cartridge, so ammunition with a visibly damaged, deformed, or otherwise abnormal primer should not be fired.

Do not attempt to repair or replace the primer in a loaded cartridge.

Separate the cartridge and follow appropriate disposal guidance.

If multiple cartridges from the same box show primer damage, preserve the packaging and lot information. That information can be useful when contacting the ammunition manufacturer.

What Should You Do With Water-Damaged Ammunition?

Water-damaged ammunition deserves particular caution.

SAAMI’s 2025 guidance states that ammunition that has been submerged in water should not be salvaged or used. The organization notes that water exposure can affect primers, propellant, cartridge sealing, and other components, and that the degree of deterioration cannot necessarily be determined for each cartridge.

Do not attempt to dry submerged ammunition with direct heat.

SAAMI specifically warns that using direct heat to dry cartridges can degrade the propellant and potentially change its burning characteristics.

For ammunition that has been submerged or significantly exposed to water:

• Do not fire it.
• Do not attempt to dry it with direct heat.
• Keep it separate.
• Follow local disposal requirements.
• Contact local law enforcement for disposal instructions when appropriate.

SAAMI’s current water-exposure guidance specifically directs consumers to contact local law enforcement for disposal instructions and says not to ship previously submerged ammunition back to the manufacturer.

What About Fire-Damaged Ammunition?

Ammunition that has been involved in a fire should not be treated as ordinary ammunition.

Heat can affect ammunition even when external damage is not obvious.

SAAMI’s ammunition guidance explains that ammunition exposed to structural fire, wetting, scorching, or flood waters can become unserviceable and should not be returned to commercial sales channels.

Do not attempt to determine whether fire-exposed ammunition still works by firing it.

Instead, contact the appropriate local authority for guidance on handling and disposal.

Can You Throw Damaged Ammo in the Trash?

Do not assume that ordinary household trash is an appropriate disposal method.

Ammunition disposal requirements can vary by jurisdiction and by the condition and type of ammunition.

SAAMI specifically states that ammunition should only be disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. It notes that local law enforcement, fire departments, or shooting facilities may be able to provide disposal guidance.

Before putting damaged ammunition in a household waste or recycling stream, check with the appropriate local authority.

Can You Bury or Dump Damaged Ammunition?

No.

Do not bury damaged ammunition or dump it into a waterway.

SAAMI’s ammunition guidance specifically warns against these disposal methods because ammunition can remain live and potentially be recovered later by children or other people who are unaware of the hazard.

The goal of disposal is to transfer the ammunition into an appropriate disposal process, not simply to hide or abandon it.

Can You Take Damaged Ammo to a Shooting Range?

Possibly, but do not assume that every range accepts damaged ammunition.

Some shooting facilities may provide disposal guidance or have procedures for dealing with questionable ammunition. SAAMI specifically identifies shooting facilities as one potential source of local disposal guidance.

Call first and explain what condition the ammunition is in.

Do not simply arrive with damaged ammunition without knowing whether the facility is equipped or authorized to handle it.

Should You Contact the Ammunition Manufacturer?

Yes, particularly when the ammunition is commercially manufactured and you still have the original packaging.

The manufacturer may be able to provide product-specific guidance based on:

• Ammunition type
• Product number
• Lot number
• Type of damage
• Environmental exposure
• Packaging condition

Keep the box and labels available when contacting the manufacturer.

The lot number can be particularly useful because it identifies a particular production batch.

What Information Should You Record?

Before seeking assistance, record as much information as you safely can without manipulating the questionable cartridges.

Useful information includes:

• Manufacturer
• Cartridge designation
• Product name
• Product number or symbol
• Lot number
• Number of affected cartridges
• Type of visible damage
• Whether the ammunition was exposed to water
• Whether it was exposed to fire or excessive heat
• Whether the original packaging is available

Photographs of the packaging and visible condition can also help document the situation.

What If Only One Cartridge Is Damaged?

You do not need to assume that an entire box is unusable simply because one cartridge has an obvious problem.

Separate the questionable cartridge and inspect the remaining ammunition carefully.

If multiple cartridges show similar damage, or if the entire box was exposed to water, fire, chemicals, or another potentially damaging condition, seek manufacturer or local-authority guidance before using the remaining ammunition.

The lot number and original packaging can help identify whether the cartridges came from the same production batch.

What If Several Rounds From the Same Lot Are Damaged?

If several cartridges from the same lot show similar damage, preserve the packaging and lot information.

Do not assume that every cartridge in the lot is unsafe solely because one cartridge is damaged, but do not dismiss a repeated pattern either.

Contact the ammunition manufacturer with the relevant product and lot information.

The manufacturer can determine whether the reported condition corresponds to a known product issue or whether additional action is appropriate.

What Should You Do With Damaged Ammo From a Shipment?

If ammunition arrives damaged:

1. Photograph the shipping carton.
2. Photograph the ammunition packaging.
3. Keep the original shipping materials.
4. Separate questionable cartridges.
5. Do not fire the damaged ammunition.
6. Record the product and lot number.
7. Contact the seller.
8. Follow the seller’s instructions for the damaged shipment.
9. If disposal is required, obtain appropriate local guidance.

Do not simply return questionable ammunition through ordinary shipping without first receiving instructions.

This is especially important when the ammunition has been exposed to water, fire, or another condition that may affect its safety.

What About Ammunition With Cosmetic Marks?

Not every mark means ammunition is damaged.

Cartridges can have minor cosmetic variations from manufacturing, handling, packaging, or normal use.

The important distinction is between a harmless-looking cosmetic mark and a condition that may affect the cartridge.

If a mark is deep, unusual, accompanied by corrosion or deformation, or otherwise causes you to question the cartridge’s condition, do not use it until you have appropriate guidance.

When in doubt, leave it out of the firearm.

Can Damaged Ammunition Be Repaired?

Do not attempt to repair loaded ammunition yourself.

Do not:

• Reshape dented cases
• Replace primers in loaded cartridges
• Pull bullets from questionable cartridges
• Clean corrosion off questionable cartridges
• Apply chemicals
• Heat cartridges to dry them
• Modify damaged ammunition

The safest approach is to leave the cartridge in its existing condition and obtain appropriate disposal instructions.

How Should Damaged Ammunition Be Stored While Waiting for Disposal Guidance?

If you have identified ammunition as questionable but are waiting for instructions, keep it separate from ammunition intended for use.

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

Avoid unnecessary handling.

Keep the original packaging when practical, particularly if it contains the product and lot information needed to identify the ammunition.

A Simple Damaged Ammunition Checklist

If you find questionable ammunition:

• Do not fire it.
• Do not chamber it as a test.
• Separate it from usable ammunition.
• Do not attempt to repair it.
• Keep it away from heat and flames.
• Keep it away from solvents and chemicals.
• Preserve the original packaging.
• Record the manufacturer and cartridge designation.
• Record the lot number.
• Document visible damage.
• Contact the manufacturer or appropriate local authority.
• Follow applicable disposal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with damaged ammunition?

Do not fire it. Separate it from usable ammunition and obtain appropriate disposal guidance from the ammunition manufacturer, local law enforcement, fire department, shooting facility, or other authority familiar with local requirements. SAAMI says damaged ammunition should be disposed of according to applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Can damaged ammunition be fired?

Ammunition showing signs of physical damage or suspected damage should not be fired. SAAMI specifically recommends inspecting ammunition before use and properly disposing of damaged cartridges or shotshells.

What should I do with corroded ammunition?

Do not fire or attempt to restore questionable cartridges by cleaning or polishing them. Separate the ammunition and obtain appropriate disposal guidance.

Can I throw damaged ammo in the trash?

Do not assume that household trash is an appropriate disposal method. Disposal requirements vary, and SAAMI recommends following applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Can I bury damaged ammunition?

No. SAAMI specifically warns against burying or dumping ammunition because it may remain live and later be recovered by someone unaware of the hazard.

What should I do with ammunition that was submerged in water?

Do not attempt to salvage or use it. SAAMI’s current guidance says previously submerged ammunition should not be used and should be disposed of safely under applicable regulations. It also advises contacting local law enforcement for disposal instructions.

Can I dry wet ammunition?

Do not use direct heat to dry ammunition. SAAMI warns that direct heat can degrade the propellant and potentially alter its burning characteristics.

Should I keep the ammo box?

Yes. Keep the original packaging when possible. The manufacturer, product number, lot number, and other information on the packaging can help identify the ammunition and assist with disposal or product-support questions.

Final Takeaway

Damaged ammunition should be treated as questionable ammunition, not ammunition that needs to be tested.

If a cartridge has significant corrosion, dents, scratches, primer damage, deformation, contamination, or a history of water or fire exposure, do not fire it or attempt to repair it.

Separate it, preserve its identifying information, and follow the disposal instructions that apply in your area. SAAMI specifically emphasizes that ammunition disposal must comply with federal, state, and local regulations and identifies local law enforcement, fire departments, and shooting facilities as potential sources of disposal guidance.

For ammunition that has been submerged in water, follow the more specific SAAMI guidance: do not attempt to salvage or dry the ammunition with direct heat, and contact local law enforcement for disposal instructions.