I have several cases each of both Silver and Brown Bear. Wrapped in plastic. About 12 years now (paid 2.98/box). I have had no problems with either when I opened the last ones. Now once the sleeve is opened, the poly will start to rust. The old lacquer not so much. They will tarnish or get "dull", but no rust (Monarch branded same as Brown Bear). The Silver Bear, no tarnish no rust. They have been out of the case for about 6 years, some in the original box, some loaded in mags. I did not open up any cases wrapped 12 years ago to check, but I believe with the open packages doing well the wrapped ones should be fine.

 

Hey Krinkov, I can't find the reference but there were a number of articles a few years back where simple dry wall, or wall board that is made from gypsum, makes a great desiccant. Whichever ammo you buy put a chunk in the container, ammo can or shoe box, and your steel cased ammo will be better protected. Good Luck.

 

Ever see zinc plated water pipe rust ?
Only where the zinc is missing.
First thought though that the heat from firing might heat up the zinc and high rate firing Might produce a gas you won't like ( could make you sick ) but that's pure speculation . Most shooting is done in the open air, so it's not that great a concern .
I live the smell of burnt gun powder, especially in side ranges. but the zinc gas inside I might not be so eger to test. IMO

 

zinc can oxidize... it creates a white powdery residue on the surface, but if you store it properly, it shouldnt be an issue.

as for arleigh's assertion, zinc doesnt sublimate until over 1670 degrees F... additionally it isnt going to fling out the barrel as the pressure inside of the cartridge is only going to make the plating adhere more permanently to the inside of the case. burning powder can exceed those temps, but not for long enough to transfer that heat into the case and chamber... even if it did get flung out the barrel, its much denser then air and wouldnt be an issue anyway.

nothing wrong with zinc plated cases... i store and have shot quite a bit of silverbear 5.45, have for years, no issues. just store in original packing or repack into ammo cans... just dont have it sitting in a puddle...

 

You shouldn't have a problem depending on where you store your ammo. I store my ammo in a spare bedroom, my home is climate controlled, I keep it at a consistent 76 degrees throughout the year. I have lacquer coated, zinc coated and brass cased ammo, I don't buy the polymer coated stuff myself. If you store your ammo in a cellar or garage that could present a problem if those areas are not climate controlled.

 

You can store it anywhere, as long as you have quality ammo cans (with a good latch and a rubber seal) and use silica gel packs. I have metal cans, but the best cans I have are dense polymer (not the cheap stuff from academy) and have a rubber seal on the lid (look up waterproof boat storage). A sealed can with a couple a good sized silica gel packs, and you'll never have a problem.

 

Thanks guys for the input guys, always been a fan of lacquer because even though it make the rifle dirty, its all in one spot. Ill feed my ak's gravel if the lacqeuor coated ammo ever runs out.