Ammo storage

**Jeff** · 08-23-2009, 09:43 PM

I got thinking about this today. How is ammo supposed to be stored? I mean for your average person that keeps it in the house and doesn't expect it to last 50 years.

I had some ammo cans but got sick of digging them out so I put it on a shelf. The humidity is somewhat controlled by air conditioning in the summer and I don't figure any ammo really sits around for more than a few months so I have no worries.

What about storing it for longer periods? Is moisture the only concern? I know WW2 surplus still shoots fine if it was stored in a sealed can.

**Tim1** · 08-24-2009, 08:58 AM

I was taught that temperature swings should be avoided if you are storing ammo for the long term. You don't want to put it somewhere that it's going to repeatedly heat up and cool down, i.e: in a car, shed, attic, etc. I would suspect that protecting it from moisture is more important but this is also something to consider.

I keep mine on a shelf as well but I'm not storing it long enough to really worry about it yet. When I get into reloading I'll probably have to invest in some ammo cans or something similar for long term storage. I'm in a bit of a bind because if I store the ammo upstairs it's subject to temperature swings but if I store it downstairs it's subject to humidity. Ammo cans kept downstairs with desiccant packets in them are probably my best bet. Keeps it out of the humidity and at a nice constant temperature.

kmussack · 08-24-2009, 11:32 AM

Javerial pretty much summed it up.

**Zer0DazE** · 08-24-2009, 11:43 AM

I have a small room in the basement (temp stays with in 10 deg). I keep everything off the ground, and have a dehumidifier running.

As mentioned before. You want to keep the temp stable, and keep the moisture down.

**ddan24** · 08-25-2009, 07:22 AM

Basement off the ground in a safe with a ton of silica gel and a dehumidifier running. 100% dry.

**OscarWhiskey2** · 08-26-2009, 07:24 PM

I have taken some ammo for long term storage and vacuumed sealed it in those meat bags. I cut the bags and place 30 rounds in a row and seal them. They are flat and stack into an ammo can nicely. Most of my user stock is just in ammo cans (I prefer the plastic to the metal but it does not matter), in the basement on shelves and run a dehumidifier.