How much is too much?

[OldDominion]

It is a common mis-conception about ammo "exploding" in a fire. As has been already said, it merely goes "poot". However....if the ammo is in a firearm, now you have it chambered. Differant story. In an automatic, if there is one in the chamber, it will fire. If in a revolver, all loaded chambers will fire. I think the old saw about "exploding" ammo is partly from Hollywood, and perhaps from 19th century cartidges loaded with "explosive" black powder. They very well could go bang in a fire. Modern smokeless powder, not so much. OD

 

[ChinStrap]

I really think it's subjective. I like to keep 500 rounds of 223/7.72x39 on hand. 1000 of .22lr and 200 or so .45 acp. I like keeping a little more of the rifle ammo on hand because in times of shortages (at least where I live) it's the first stuff to go MIA. I never really seem to have a problem finding .45 acp, someone always seems to have stock. I don't shoot a lot, so these #'s work for me.

 

[kent11202]

There is no rational reason for fear.

Most FDs now know there is almost no risk from ammo, but common household chemicals can be dangerous. In fires ammo can go off, but it doesn't propagate from one shell to the next. They just go off when they reach a critical temperature. Then the bullet just sits where it is, its the case that flys. Low mass and not very solid. They travel a few feet and fall harmlessly to the ground. Won't penetrate jeans or a light jacket, much less fire department turnout gear.

That's the way I understand it as well. I checked with my neighbor - a liberal retired firefighter that owns both an AR and a 357 (maybe he's not so liberal? LOL) Anyway, he says the same thing about ammo in a fire and that's good enough for me.

 

[kent11202]

It is a common mis-conception about ammo "exploding" in a fire. As has been already said, it merely goes "poot". However....if the ammo is in a firearm, now you have it chambered. Differant story. In an automatic, if there is one in the chamber, it will fire. If in a revolver, all loaded chambers will fire.

Yep, forgot to mention that in my other post - thanks!