Ammo Storage: Tips for storage..

[Aceman58]

Winter time is here, just wanted to share a little ammo storage hints to you all. Ever see the brass on some (Non-waxed) bullet start to turn brown or tarnish, well moisture is present. Tip, When you buy new electronics, that little package of silica the manufacturer throws into the box. Well don't throw them away, snag them throw them into your 22LR bulk box or military g.i. can. This should help keep moisture out of you ammo for fresh shooting in the spring.. works for me..
Keepem in the Xring...

Note: I'm sure most of you shooters know that, but for the ones that didn't, here you go...

 

[sqhead]

i store my ammo in a metal,vented ,stand-up locker like you used in high school.the one i have stands about 60-70 in. tall w/ 5 diff. lockers.It holds a ton of ammo,and you can seperate types of ammo to each locker.They all have the option of putting locks on them,takes up little room,works great,looks great,and you can paint it the color of your liking.picked it up at an auction for 40 bucks.

 

[riderrick65]

Ammo Storage: Tips for storage

Winter time is here, just wanted to share a little ammo storage hints to you all. Ever see the brass on some (Non-waxed) bullet start to turn brown or tarnish, well moisture is present. Tip, When you buy new electronics, that little package of silica the manufacturer throws into the box. Well don't throw them away, snag them throw them into your 22LR bulk box or military g.i. can. This should help keep moisture out of you ammo for fresh shooting in the spring.. works for me..
Keepem in the Xring...

Note: I'm sure most of you shooters know that, but for the ones that didn't, here you go...

Thanks for the tip Aceman, however when I first started storing ammo in my surplus ammo cans I didn't have an abundance of those little silica packs so I went on line & did a google search and I found a young fella who was selling them dirt cheap so I ordered some, now I have enough to last me a loooooooooooooong time.

 

[ragingyeti]

I store my ammo with the bullet in the back of the target and the brass in the trash.

Seriously though, good tip. I will have to start saving those gelica packets.

 

[Biginge]

Boys, if you are on good terms with your Pharmacist, ask him to save the silica packets for you. Each time he opens a new bottle he throws one away. I've been getting mine there for years.

Regards

Bill

 

[Majorlk]

A real de-humidifier in whatever room you store your firearms and ammo will pretty much eliminate any moisture problems.

Unless you actually store ammo underwater for a few decades, water will have nothing more than cosmetic effects upon ammunition. WWII ammo was pulled from rotted cases in the late 70s and it all fired just fine.

Humidity is more of an issue for firearms than for ammunition.

 

[1 old 0311]

Been using Military ammo boxes for decades. Never had a problem.

 

[67tempest]

Firing 100 year old 30.06

I had found a 5 round stripper of 1911 dated 30.06 years ago in my dad's stuff. I waited until last year when the ammo was 100 years old to try and fire it. The rounds were pretty nasty looking so I picked out the best looking 2 to try. The first one went off without a hitch so I had my hopes up. The second round failed to fire. I tried it several times but no go. Regardless of how ammo was stored or how nasty it looks I wouldn't bet that it won't go off!

 

[crracer_712]

I thought it was candy?

 

[Aceman58]

I also had about 350 rounds of Remignton (purchased in 1989) in a G.I. can, it too turned kinda ulgy in appearance but guess what, it fired in the M&P. Now I did have a few more FTF, but over all it did work. We had an elder women turn in ammo from her ( recently passed away husband) to the front of the PD. This stuff was from WWII, 308, 45 cal. 270 mag. It looked like it was at the bottom of Sea for years, 90% shot fine with a few duds to be expected.

There is nothing like seeing a bulk box of sparkle clean 22LR in a mag, as it is unloaded on a Zombie... Watching the golden brass fill up the floor around me makes me feel like I'm coming into gold... Thanks.

 

[sophie]

I also use military ammo metal boxes and have never had any trouble with corrosion. I also use anti-corrosive paper that you turn the treated side toward whatever you store. Always had good luck.

James

 

[vmumford]

I have read horror stories about bad ammo and the damage it can cause to your weapon. Only after experiencing a squid in my 29 that came from my Dads closet. Didn’t know what I was looking at when I pulled it (the ammo) from the box but had powder around the lead where it was crimped in the brass and a little corrosion on the brass. Wiped it off and loaded it. Most shot fine but one just puffed. I was lucky that I stopped shooting as I hear sending another down the barrel is not the way to clear a stuck shell. Ended the day of shooting because nobody had anything I would use to stick down the barrel to clear it. Moisture kills. Keep your powder dry my friends.

 

[Majorlk]

The best, single purchase you can make for ammo storage is a dehumidifier. I'm not talking about one of those little damp-chaser heat sticks, but an honest-to-goodness compressor-driven dehumidifier such as this:

30-Pint Dehumidifier-LD301EL at The Home Depot

My basement humidity runs about 70 percent without the dehumidifier. With it, it stays at 40 percent and moisture and rust are not an issue for me. Yes, they are expensive, but the cost it far outweighed by the knowledge that your firearms and ammo are stored in a safe environment.

 

[xpistols]

Good Thread!

Thanks to all for the tips. Learn something every time I log on. Like some I started with the silica packs, used what amounts to a rechargeable silica pack in a nice container you can get for the safe, then just broke down and had a dehumidifier installed. It also has an AC/Heater function. The suggestions on temp and humidity level were especially welcome. Living in a hot and humid area is great for the sun tan but maybe not so good for the weapons/ammo. Gonna give that 70/50 temp/hum thing a shot, so to speak.

 

[peterdeb]

I store all my ammo in vintage WWII 50 cal ammo cans. They are very cool as a collectable and are still perfectly functional. I just make sure the rubber gasket is lubed. Throwing a silicone packet in each can is a great tip. I have them in abundance in my safe but never thought they were needed in these nicely sealed cans. However, it wouldn't hurt.

 

[little_airwolf]

I have 60k rounds in ammo cans and sealed containers with silica beads.
They change color when they need recharged.
This is long term storage though. Not 6 months to a year

 

[susieqz]

i'm not sure how much protection ammo actually needs.
last fall. i lost a mag in the brush.
i found it in may. the mag was rusted bad after a whole winter of rain n snow.

i was curious, so i shot the 10 rounds of 22lr.
5 of them fired fine. 5 didn't.

pretty neat.

 

[C J]

I've had ammo stored in wooden crates for 25 years and it's still perfectly fine. The wood absorbs a lot of moisture and keeps it away from the ammo. I've never had an issue with this.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

The truth is that if you're home causes ammo to corrode then you have some serious issues. I can't imagine how damp your basement would have to be to create issues.
I have WWII ammo that I can tell has been through hell and back and it's still shootable. Most of use storing methods that are above and beyond what is needed. I use a dehumidifier in my basement and it's great.

 

[Lordvice]

I place all my ammo (mainly reloads) in plastic ammo boxes
( http://i.imgur.com/2qLM2wa.jpg ) and then store them in 20MM military ammo cans. I just shot some reloads that I made in 1993 and had no issues and the brass looks good too.