Ammunition is a valuable investment for gun owners, and proper storage is crucial for maintaining its reliability and safety over time. Whether you're stocking up for home defense, range practice, or hunting, ensuring that your ammo remains in top condition will save you money and ensure you're ready to perform when it matters most.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing your ammunition for long-term reliability, including how to protect it from the elements, how to organize it efficiently, and tips for extending its shelf life.
Why Proper Ammo Storage Matters
Ammunition is designed to last for a long time, but improper storage can affect its performance and safety. The primary threats to ammo integrity include:
- Moisture: Can cause corrosion or rust, damaging the casing and primer.
- Heat: Excessive temperatures can degrade gunpowder and primer, reducing performance.
- Light: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can weaken certain components of the ammunition.
- Physical damage: Storing ammo in a way that causes denting or deforming can cause failures to fire.
Storing ammo properly preserves its reliability, ensuring it works when you need it most.
Best Practices for Ammo Storage
1. Keep Ammo in a Dry, Cool Place
Temperature and humidity are the two most critical factors in ammo storage.
- Ideal temperature: 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) is the sweet spot for storing ammo. Avoid extremes—storing ammo in places that are too hot or too cold can degrade the gunpowder and primer.
- Humidity levels: Keep humidity below 50%. High humidity can lead to corrosion of the casing and primer, causing your ammo to misfire.
Tip: If you live in a particularly humid environment, consider using desiccant packs or humidity control bags to help keep your ammo dry.
2. Use Original Boxes or Airtight Containers
While it might seem tempting to store ammo loose in a drawer or bin, it’s important to keep it in its original packaging or airtight containers to preserve its condition.
- Original boxes: Ammo boxes are designed to protect your rounds from physical damage and to provide protection from humidity.
- Airtight storage containers: For long-term storage, use ammo cans or plastic storage bins that can be sealed tightly. This will help keep out moisture and dust.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: For extended storage, consider vacuum-sealing ammo to keep out oxygen and moisture.
Tip: Label your ammo boxes with the type, caliber, and purchase date to help you stay organized and track shelf life.
3. Store Ammo off the Ground
It’s best to store ammo off the ground to avoid any contact with moisture or dirt.
- Shelves: Use metal or wood shelving units to store your ammo at a safe height.
- Pallets: For larger quantities, consider placing your ammo on a pallet to keep it elevated.
- Ammo cans: Store your ammo cans in a cool, dry location away from direct contact with floors, which can be damp or humid.
Tip: If you’re storing ammo for a long period, check for any potential water damage or moisture buildup in your storage area periodically.
4. Avoid Storing Ammo in Direct Sunlight
UV rays can degrade certain components of ammunition over time, especially plastic or rubber components, causing your rounds to become less reliable.
- Store your ammo in dark, shaded areas like closets, cabinets, or secure storage rooms.
- Avoid windows or places exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
5. Organize Your Ammo by Type and Caliber
Proper organization helps ensure you know what you have on hand and keeps your ammo in the best condition.
- Sort by caliber: Store different calibers in separate containers to prevent confusion.
- Use stackable ammo cans: Stackable metal or plastic cans are a great option for long-term storage and allow for easy organization.
- Label everything: Ensure each box or container is clearly labeled with the caliber, quantity, and the date of purchase to keep track of the shelf life.
Tip: You can also rotate your stock by using older ammunition first, ensuring nothing sits for too long.
Signs Your Ammo Needs to Be Replaced
Even with proper storage, ammo has a shelf life. Keep an eye out for these signs that your ammo may no longer be reliable:
- Rust or corrosion on the casing
- Dents, cracks, or deformities in the bullet or casing
- Discoloration or a dull appearance (which could indicate degradation of the primer or powder)
- Inconsistent or weak primers
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to dispose of the affected rounds safely.
How Long Does Ammo Last?
With proper storage, most modern ammunition can last decades without any significant degradation. While old ammo may still fire, it’s always best to inspect it before use, especially if it’s been stored for long periods.
- Factory-sealed ammo can last 10-20 years or more when stored in a cool, dry environment.
- Ammo in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags can last indefinitely, as long as it's not exposed to moisture or heat.
Final Thoughts
Storing your ammo properly ensures that it remains reliable and ready for use when you need it most. By keeping it in a cool, dry place, using airtight containers, and following these best practices, you’ll maximize the longevity and performance of your ammo.
For a wide selection of high-quality ammo storage solutions, check out KYGUNCO for your ammo cans, desiccants, and other storage products!
