What should you do if ammunition is damaged or expired?

• A. Do not use; properly dispose or return to manufacturer; keep in a secure location away from heat or flames.
• B. Use it after confirming with a range master.
• C. Store near the firearm for easy access.
• D. Recycle as regular trash.

Answer: (A)

Damaged or expired ammunition should never be fired. Damage can alter how the primer or propellant behaves, leading to misfires, hangfires, or a catastrophic failure like a blown case or barrel rupture. Because of that danger, the safest move is to not use it at all and dispose of it properly or return it to the manufacturer, while keeping it in a secure location away from heat or flames until disposal. Do not try to test-fire damaged ammo, and do not store it with live rounds or near your firearm, as heat, friction, or impact could ignite it. If you’re unsure of disposal options, contact the manufacturer or a local range or hazardous-waste program for guidance.