Why Proper Ammo Storage Matters
The reliability of your firearms and the availability of ammunition are cornerstones of preparedness, self-defense, and recreational shooting. Whether you’re a dedicated prepper, a responsible gun owner, or simply someone who values being ready for unexpected situations, understanding long term ammo storage techniques is paramount. Ammunition, while designed to perform under various conditions, is not indestructible. Without proper care, your investment in bullets and casings can be compromised, rendering your firearms useless when you need them most. This guide delves into the critical aspects of protecting your ammunition, ensuring its longevity and performance for years to come.
The importance of maintaining your ammunition isn’t simply about avoiding wasted money; it directly impacts your safety and ability to protect yourself or others. When stored incorrectly, ammunition can degrade significantly. This degradation can manifest in several ways, including misfires, reduced accuracy, inconsistent velocities, and, in extreme cases, even dangerous malfunctions. Imagine the frustration and potential danger of pulling the trigger in a critical situation, only to have your round fail to ignite.
Beyond functionality, ammunition represents a significant financial investment. The cost of ammunition is not insignificant, and replacing a large supply due to improper storage can be an expensive and avoidable burden. By implementing effective long term ammo storage techniques, you’re not just safeguarding your readiness; you’re also protecting your financial investment.
Moreover, the ability to have a reliable supply of ammunition is crucial for those who prioritize their safety and the safety of their families. The more time you have the more likely the threat is to intensify, so you will be at an advantage. Therefore, the better your ammo storage the better you will be.
The Enemies of Ammunition: Environmental Factors
Understanding the threats your ammunition faces is the first step in protecting it. Several environmental factors can accelerate degradation, and controlling these elements is key to successful long term ammo storage.
Temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in the longevity of your ammunition. Ideal storage temperatures are moderate and stable. Extreme heat is a significant threat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the gunpowder inside cartridges to degrade and become unstable. This can potentially lead to “cook-offs,” where rounds detonate prematurely and unpredictably, posing a serious safety hazard. Conversely, consistently cold temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of propellants and affect the overall performance of your ammunition, especially in the form of velocity.
Humidity
Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, is perhaps the most significant enemy of ammunition. Moisture is the primary cause of corrosion, particularly rust, which can damage the brass casings, primers, and even the gunpowder within the cartridges. Ideally, relative humidity should be kept as low as possible, generally under 35%. Higher humidity levels will hasten the deterioration of ammunition components.
Light
While often overlooked, exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light can also contribute to ammunition degradation. UV light can break down the chemical components of the propellant and potentially affect the overall performance of the ammunition. This is why keeping ammunition stored in a dark place is a prudent practice.
Other Considerations
Air quality can also play a role. Avoiding exposure to corrosive fumes, such as those from certain cleaning products or industrial chemicals, is advisable. Moreover, while ammunition is relatively durable, it’s best to avoid excessive vibration. Over time, constant vibration can potentially affect the consistency of the powder charge and cause it to separate, reducing the accuracy and reliability of your ammunition.
Essential Long Term Ammo Storage Techniques
Now, let’s explore the practical techniques that will help you create an ideal storage environment for your ammunition, which will improve your long term ammo storage.
Choosing the Right Containers
Selecting the appropriate containers is the first line of defense. While the options are many, some are more suitable than others.
Metal Ammo Cans: Military surplus metal ammunition cans are a classic choice and often the best. These cans are typically very durable, airtight (especially with the addition of a gasket), and provide excellent protection against both physical damage and environmental factors. They are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Plastic Ammo Boxes: High-quality plastic ammo boxes also offer a good level of protection. Look for boxes that are airtight, watertight, and made from a durable, impact-resistant plastic. Make sure that they seal properly to provide a watertight environment for your long term ammo storage.
Airtight Containers: You can use specialized airtight containers. These often offer a higher degree of air and moisture resistance.
Avoid Cardboard Boxes: While convenient, cardboard boxes are generally unsuitable for long-term ammo storage. They are easily damaged, offer little protection against moisture, and can attract pests. Cardboard boxes are also very prone to absorbing and retaining moisture.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Once you have the right containers, you need to manage the environment.
Storage Location: Choose a location that offers a stable temperature and is free from extreme fluctuations. A cool, dry location, such as a basement, a climate-controlled closet, or a dedicated safe, is ideal. Avoid storing ammunition in attics or garages, as these areas are often subject to wide temperature swings.
Monitoring: Invest in a reliable thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and relative humidity within your storage area. Knowing the conditions allows you to take corrective action if needed.
Desiccants: Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture. Using desiccant packs inside your storage containers is highly recommended, especially in humid environments. There are various types of desiccant packs available, and you can easily recharge some of them by heating them in an oven.
Climate Control: In areas with significant humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to control the moisture levels in the storage area. In extreme cases, air conditioning may also be helpful to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce humidity.
Organization and Inventory Management
Effective organization is crucial for safe and efficient ammo storage, which is part of every good long term ammo storage practice.
Labeling: Clearly label each container with the caliber, the date of purchase, the manufacturer, and the lot number of the ammunition. This information is essential for tracking and rotation.
Inventory System: Develop an inventory system to track your ammunition. A simple notebook or a spreadsheet can suffice. This helps you keep track of your inventory and monitor the condition of the stored ammunition.
FIFO (First In, First Out): Implement a “First In, First Out” system. Use the oldest ammunition first to minimize storage time and the risk of degradation.
Handling Ammunition
Taking care when handling ammunition is important.
Avoid Dropping: Avoid dropping or mishandling ammunition, as this can damage the projectiles or casings.
Loading/Unloading: Minimize the amount of time ammunition is exposed to the elements when loading or unloading it from containers. The less time the ammunition is exposed the better.
Maintenance and Inspection
Proper maintenance and regular inspection will further extend the life of your ammunition.
Routine Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your stored ammunition, ideally once or twice per year.
What to Look For: Look for signs of corrosion on the casings, discoloration, or any other irregularities.
Addressing Problems: If you find any signs of corrosion, it may be possible to clean or salvage the ammunition if the issue is very minor. However, always err on the side of caution. If the damage is significant or widespread, it’s best to discard the ammunition.
Rotation: If practicable, consider rotating your ammunition on a regular schedule. Using and replacing the oldest ammunition on a regular basis.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Certain common mistakes can undermine even the most careful storage efforts.
Storing Ammo in Attics or Garages: These locations are notorious for wide temperature fluctuations and are, therefore, unsuitable.
Using Incorrect Containers: Avoid using containers that are not airtight, watertight, or durable.
Overlooking Humidity: Humidity is a primary enemy. Ignoring it can significantly reduce the lifespan of your ammunition.
Neglecting Inspections: Regular inspections are essential to identify and address any potential problems before they become critical.
Conclusion
Implementing effective long term ammo storage techniques is an investment in your preparedness and peace of mind. By controlling temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors, choosing the right containers, and implementing good organizational practices, you can significantly extend the life and reliability of your ammunition supply. The more ammunition the better, so investing in long term ammo storage is important. This ensures your firearm is ready for action whenever it is needed. Take the necessary steps to protect your investment and be prepared for whatever the future may hold. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to safeguard your arsenal and ensure its continued functionality for years to come.
