Rapid corrosion of ammunition in floodwater

Millions of rounds of ammunition of various calibers and packed in different materials were stored in sea containers which were subjected to floodwater in winter/spring conditions. Within days, there was significant corrosion observed on shotgun shells, 9 mm and 22 caliber rimfire rounds as well as standard issued 5.56mm and 7.62 mm NATO rounds. Over the course of the investigation, weather conditions were reviewed, and the effect of the packaging materials was investigated. Ultimately, field corrosion testing was performed using floodwater retrieved from the loss location in order to reproduce the observed corrosion. While there were some concerns about pre-existing damage to the stored ammunition, the fieldwork performed was able to reproduce the extent of corrosion observed given the immersion fluid sampled.