/̵͇̿̿/’̿’̿ ̿ ̿̿ ̿̿⌖ Why Changing Your Carry Ammo Matters
If you carry a firearm for personal protection — whether as a concealed carry permit holder, armed security guard, or off-duty law enforcement officer — you’re trusting your life to that ammo. But how often should you actually rotate or replace your self-defense ammo?
It’s a question we hear often in our Denver firearms training classes, and it’s simpler to answer than you might think.
⏳ So, How Often Should You Replace Your Carry Ammo?
General rule:
✅ Every 6 to 12 months, you should replace your defensive hollow points with a fresh set.
Even though modern ammunition is durable, your daily carry environment can wear it down over time.
💧 What Happens to Ammo When You Carry It?
Your carry ammo gets exposed to:
- Temperature swings: Going from a hot car to cold outdoors stresses your ammo.
- Moisture & sweat: IWB carry soaks your gun and mags in sweat, which can corrode brass or primers.
- Lint & debris: Dust and pocket lint can work into your magazine and feed ramp.
- Repeated chambering: Every time you unload and reload, the top round gets pushed into the feed ramp. Too many times, and you risk bullet setback — shortening overall length and raising chamber pressures.
🔍 Why Rotating Ammo Is Important
Switching out your self-defense ammo helps:
✅ Ensure reliability — so primers aren’t compromised by sweat or oil.
✅ Prevent bullet setback — reducing risk of excessive pressure.
✅ Build confidence — because you shoot your old carry ammo and verify it functions perfectly.
🛠 How Often Should You Rotate, Based on Your Environment?
| Situation | Recommended Ammo Rotation |
|---|---|
| Daily concealed carry (IWB/OWB) | Every 6–12 months |
| Hot, humid climates / heavy sweating | Every 6–12 months |
| Occasional carry / home defense only | Every 12–24 months |
| Security / law enforcement duty | Follow agency policy (often 12 months) |
🔥 Pro Tip: Shoot Your Old Carry Ammo
When you rotate your ammo, don’t just toss it — take it to the range and shoot it. This lets you:
✅ Confirm your firearm cycles your defensive load reliably
✅ Stay used to the recoil & POI of your chosen hollow points
✅ Avoid wasting money on expensive ammo
📝 Quick Ammo Inspection Checklist
Every month or so, give your carry ammo a quick look:
✅ Check for corrosion or tarnish
✅ Look for dents or deformities
✅ Compare bullet seating depth to a fresh round — setback is a problem
✅ Make sure primers aren’t oily or compromised
If anything seems off, swap it out immediately.
⚖️ Bottom Line: When to Replace Carry Ammo
- Rotate your self-defense ammo every 6–12 months.
- Inspect it regularly for corrosion or setback.
- Shoot your old carry ammo to verify performance.
Being proactive means your firearm is always loaded with ammo you can count on when your life depends on it.
🚀 Additional Resources & Training Opportunities
🛡️ Protect Yourself Legally With Self-Defense Insurance
Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility. Make sure you’re legally protected if you ever have to use it in self-defense.
Compare our top self-defense insurance plans here.
👮 Advance Your Career With Security Guard Training
Looking to start or level up your security career? We offer state-compliant armed and unarmed security guard training right here in Denver.
Learn more about our professional security guard courses.
🎯 Get Your CCW Certification
Ready to carry legally in Colorado? We provide comprehensive concealed carry (CCW/CHP) courses, including live-fire qualification and thorough legal instruction.
Sign up for your Colorado concealed carry class today.
🛒 Shop Quality Gear
Outfit yourself with reliable body armor, duty belts, carriers, and more. We carry tested, field-ready gear perfect for CCW holders and security professionals alike.
Shop our tactical gear and body armor.
