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Whats the best way stockpile ammo for a long time( preparing for a shtf situation for example) how to avoid corrosion and what not
Long term storage of reloaded ammo
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Your about to get tons of advice. I keep mine in a very air conditioned environment. If I did not have that available. I would vacuum seal it with silica packets inside, then put it in ammo boxes with again silica packets in them. High and dry is the old but simple explanation. Some of mine is as I descibed and air conditioned.
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I was reading shtf stuff on here and just wondering that we would be resorting to reloading and how we would store the rounds to last a while
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I guess what I'm trying to ask is what's the best way to store ammo for long periods of time? 5 years for example what's the best way to store ammo that won't be shot for at least five years
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11,402 Posts
A) load with military primers. Also for SHTF make sure you seal the bullets and primer. Lacker system is good and
when your reload you do it with brand new powder and components in a dried, clean and controlled environment.
Any contamination has the potential to ruin your long term loads.
B) Find air tight containers. Anything will do. There is no need to vacuum seal the containers but to make sure they
are air tight so no moisture can get inside. Even plastic jars will do if they are completely sealed.
I found some ammo boxes to be excellent and some others plain junk. The material and seal was not so good.
C) Then it is important to store the amunition is a dry and safe area and container and make sure they stay away from
any extreme temperatures. So in a shed ouside is not good. Also some food containers, sealed tool boxes, PVC
are good ways. It depends on your area space and how it is better organized.
Like fullmags said high and dry is better than in a humid basement somewhere in regular ammo boxes although
if one has a dry finished basement with climate control that would be as good as anything else.
Also no attics that are at 120F. in the summer heat and -20 in the frigid winter.
when your reload you do it with brand new powder and components in a dried, clean and controlled environment.
Any contamination has the potential to ruin your long term loads.
B) Find air tight containers. Anything will do. There is no need to vacuum seal the containers but to make sure they
are air tight so no moisture can get inside. Even plastic jars will do if they are completely sealed.
I found some ammo boxes to be excellent and some others plain junk. The material and seal was not so good.
C) Then it is important to store the amunition is a dry and safe area and container and make sure they stay away from
any extreme temperatures. So in a shed ouside is not good. Also some food containers, sealed tool boxes, PVC
are good ways. It depends on your area space and how it is better organized.
Like fullmags said high and dry is better than in a humid basement somewhere in regular ammo boxes although
if one has a dry finished basement with climate control that would be as good as anything else.
Also no attics that are at 120F. in the summer heat and -20 in the frigid winter.
G
Guest
·If you are reloading expressly for the purpose of long term storage here are some tips;
1. After final tumbling of the brass handle while wearing white cotton "conservator's" gloves. This will keep from depositing any oils to the cases and help prevent corrosion.
2. During the reloading process keep the air dehumidified.
3. Pack the finished ammunition in clean new paint cans as sold at Lowes.
4. Include a large desiccant pack inside each can.
5. Label the can with the contents and the date of packaging.
6. Store in a cool dry environment that has a minimum seasonal temperature range (a dehumidified basement).
![]()
1. After final tumbling of the brass handle while wearing white cotton "conservator's" gloves. This will keep from depositing any oils to the cases and help prevent corrosion.
2. During the reloading process keep the air dehumidified.
3. Pack the finished ammunition in clean new paint cans as sold at Lowes.
4. Include a large desiccant pack inside each can.
5. Label the can with the contents and the date of packaging.
6. Store in a cool dry environment that has a minimum seasonal temperature range (a dehumidified basement).
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1,758 Posts
Keep your ammo dry and oil free and it will outlast you. I have fired 100 year old ammo. No need to repack. No need to do anything except keep it dry. If you are in a humid environment throw it in an ammo can with a dessicant pack and you are good to go until the can rusts through or the gasket goes bad.
As a test I stored a GI can full of ammo with dessicant inside in the can - exposed to the NY weather for 5 years and although it was rusted outside, the contents were perfectly preserved and still went bang. Obviously make sure your ammo is in a secure place so children will not get to it etc.
As a test I stored a GI can full of ammo with dessicant inside in the can - exposed to the NY weather for 5 years and although it was rusted outside, the contents were perfectly preserved and still went bang. Obviously make sure your ammo is in a secure place so children will not get to it etc.
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