Proper inside temperature to store ammo

[mojave30cal]

Anybody know what is the recommended temperature range
to store ammo indoors? Will too cold a temperature affect
ammo?

 

[arjay]

Nope,but it will shoot slower

 

[perrazi]

most distributors store it in unheated and not air conditoned warehouses. most important thing would be humidity.

 

[Autococker07]

most distributors store it in unheated and not air conditoned warehouses. most important thing would be humidity.

And variance... humidity is obviously bad, but remember that places which experience wide shifts in temperature can cause problems also... The more stable temp (even if its rather warm/cold) the better.

With that, I have heard that something about the chemicals in a boxer primer don't work as well in the extreme cold as berdan, but I think that just covers burning in the temp range, not storage.....

 

[shawn mccarver]

I will point out that "most distributors" do not keep ammo around very long as it is shipped out to dealers, etc.

For long term storage, ammo is best kept like your medicine - in a relatively cool and dry place.

 

[gdnagle]

As per SAAMI

"Ammunition should be stored in the factory carton or package.
The labeling and identification on the original container help to
assure that future use will be in the gun for which the ammunition
is intended.
Ammunition stored in the home, retail outlet or distributor’s
warehouse over extended periods in factory packaging, subject
to the ordinary variations of temperature and humidity ranging
from tropic to Arctic conditions, can be expected to perform
satisfactorily and safely in the firearms for which it was intended
if such firearms are in proper working order and condition.
Extreme high temperatures (over 150° F) however, should be avoided."

http://www.saami.org/specifications...wnload/SAAMI_ITEM_202-Sporting_Ammunition.pdf

 

[Pisgah]

A reliable rule of thumb -- if it's comfortable for you, the ammo is fine.

 

[alwslate]

Since my ammo is stored inside my home I find the best temperature
for ammo storage is about 70 degrees F.

 

[max]

Think about where the US military has stored ammo over the years. My guess is that unless there are a lot of extremes, it will do just fine. Heck, the extremes may not even hurt it.

 

[blujax01]

Since my ammo is stored inside my home I find the best temperature
for ammo storage is about 70 degrees F.

Depending on the unpredictable whims of my wife's unstable hormonal levels, my ammo is stored between 66 degrees and 84 degrees - sometimes in the same day!

 

[SMSgt]

Or the same hour!

 

[kaaskop49]

attn: mojave30cal

Hi neighbor! Whatever/wherever, not in the garage. I know shooters who store ammo in their garages. This, I cannot abide. Remember the 114-115 degree days this summer? And that is just the official McCarran temp. I've always stored ammo at whatever room temperature I set: 73 degrees in winter and 80 in the summer. No problems.

 

[Engineer1911]

I have stored powder and primers in a half-bathroom vanity that was only sink & toilet by the back door entrance to the house (adjacent to the garage). I stored ammo along the back wall of a closet. Stable temperature and humidity controlled.

 

[flintsghost]

I store my ammo in my home in my basement. Temp is usually running from 60 to 70 degrees. Humidity is usually for near 0 to 40 % depending on the year and time of year. I keep it sealed in GI 50 caliber and a few 30 Cal cans that have good seals. I have it off the basement floor so that if it gets water it won't touch the cans unless really high.

The only ammo one must really worry about is CCI Blazer and to some extent Lawman. That is loaded with a "lead free" primers which have a finite shelf life unlike lead styphinate primers which have an unlimited shelf life.

 

[Gunsnwater]

I keep mine in airtight ammo cans. When I open a can you can smell the ether. You want to keep the powder from drying out and humidity from getting in. Heat is bad, it will dry out the powder and promote decay. Industry claims 10 yrs shelf life, you can get 50 if done right and maybe more.

 

[Engineer1911]

I suspect military surplus ammo has never been "properly stored", just moved about the world to the end user / purchaser.

 

[chief38]

Cool & Dry is what the manufacturers recommend. I would think somewhere around 55 - 65 degrees F and 30 - 35% humidity would be ideal. I keep mine in an A/C and heated environment and have ammo that is older than I am (soon to be 60) in perfect condition.

 

[italiansport]

I live in Arizona so all my ammunition is stored inside. Temperatures in the garage would literally fry it during the Summers here. I have recently shot US Government 45acp ammo that's head stamped from the WW I period without any issues.
Jim