Seeking Ammo Storage Solution

CATI1835

CATI1835

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I have a "fair" amount of ammo, various calibers, stored in my man closet in the garage. For various reasons, fire for example, I would like to move this away from my domicile. My thought is a chest type, metal storage box, lockable, in my shop. Does anyone have any suggestions about an appropriate container? I don't want to spend a fortune, but I will spend what is necessary to insure safety/security. Thanks in advance.
 
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Ammo is not dangerous (even in a fire) to be stored on a shelf. Being contained in a tight metal box raises the danger factor in the event of a fire. I have about 20,000 rounds of various calibers stored in my basement in a nice cool dry environment, and it is where I can get to it quickly when I need it and not subject to someone stealing it easily.
In the event of a fire, the live round will "pop" and scatter contents a couple feet. It will not go off and fire as from a gun where the projectile places you in danger.
 
Hmmmmmm, AMMO BOXES;)


Box_004.jpg
 
I am still pondering what H Richard posted as my concern is related to a fire. One of our fireman members wrote that ammo will not explode in a fire although I'm not sure about it "cooking off".

Regardless, I had a similar challenge. I wanted a lockable container, sturdy, and relatively inexpensive. No children or teens in our home. I opted for the Stack-On GCB 900:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Stack-On-GCB-900-Steel-Pistol-Cabinet/dp/B002TOKR2Q?ie=UTF8&keywords=stack%20on%20gun%20cabinet&qid=1458916890&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4"]Amazon.com: Stack-On GCB-900 Steel Pistol/Ammo Cabinet, Black: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41O9otr-xSL.@@AMEPARAM@@41O9otr-xSL[/ame]

I used two three or four inch wide wood strips and drywall screws to provide a sturdy (for all of the ammo weight) horizontal anchor source between my studs. The holes in the cabinet are not wide enough for the standard stud width. Then I bolted the Stack On cabinet to the strips using the four lag bolts that are included. Installed the two shelves and I was in business. Two keys for the lock are included.
 
I'm not sure about it "cooking off".
Click to expand...
Actually 'cooking off' is when the chamber of a, usually, full auto gun gets so hot it sets of fresh ammo as it is fed into the chamber. Out side of a chamber a round could get so hot, say in a fire, that it 'explodes'. Because it's not contained in a chamber or other tight fitting container, the case and bullet might be projected a short distance but the bullet nor case will go far because the expanding gases aren't confined.
 
When ammo heats up due to a fire, it will go off but it is the lighter weight case that is the projectile not the bullet.

The round is not in a chamber or barrel for the gas to build up velocity.

A recent post on a fire in some house where the media wrote that firefighters where hit with bullets was typical media BS it was the brass not the bullets.
 
shotgun693 said:
Actually 'cooking off' is when the chamber of a, usually, full auto gun gets so hot it sets of fresh ammo as it is fed into the chamber. Out side of a chamber a round could get so hot, say in a fire, that it 'explodes'. Because it's not contained in a chamber or other tight fitting container, the case and bullet might be projected a short distance but the bullet nor case will go far because the expanding gases aren't confined.
Click to expand...
Exectly. The gasses need to be contained in order for the bullet to act like a bullet. Otherwise they just pop as the gasses go everywhere instead of only forward
 
For a small fee, plus postage both ways, plus bonuses, plus incentives, plus depletion allowance, and small penalties for odd lots, and local taxes, recording fees, and the partial removal fee, I will gladly store your ammo for you. I am at EZ Storage Dot Com. My motto is "your money belongs to me".

I will also broker trades for different caliber ammo for a small commission, plus postage both ways, plus bonuses, plus incentives, plus trade fees, plus local taxes, recording fees, and insurance against any losses you might incur. These transactions are through EZ Trade Dot Com. My motto there is the same, "your money belongs to me."

My Satisfaction is guaranteed in writing.
 
SaxonPig said:
For 40 years I have kept ammo on metal shelving in the garage.

Just make sure the shelving is strong enough...


standard.jpg
Click to expand...

Arik said:
I was actually going to buy one of those but most of my ammo is in tin cans of a thousand or more so I guess I'll look for something else
Click to expand...

My shelving,,, Lowes store take-outs,,,

shelf_zps1b9dda73.jpg


I paid about $0.25 per pound for the shelving,,,
 
Arik said:
Yea but I'd have to find one that's going out of sale
Click to expand...


There are shelving units and then there are SHELVING units. I have some industrial key mod heavy duty in my garage for over 20 years. Each shelf is a piece of 3/4" plywood. You could put engine blocks on it.

Look around there are some good ones, I think I saw some at Sams or Costco??
 
Rule3 said:
When ammo heats up due to a fire, it will go off but it is the lighter weight case that is the projectile not the bullet.

The round is not in a chamber or barrel for the gas to build up velocity.

A recent post on a fire in some house where the media wrote that firefighters where hit with bullets was typical media BS it was the brass not the bullets.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I understand that bullets from ammunition in a fire are not the problem. I also know that SAAMI has produced a video for firefighters explaining issues with ammo in a fire. Most of them are relatively minor, low velocity shrapnel from the cases, etc. These are not life threatening issues, but could cause other, permanent damage like loss of sight if you were not protected.

But my real concern about fire is this. I live in a semi-rural area, served by a VFD. Before I go any further let me say that I have the utmost respect and admiration for all volunteer firefighters. If I were younger, I would eagerly join their ranks. That said, simply by the nature of their job, they do not always get all the professional training they need and deserve. Many are just ordinary folk, doing the best they can with what they have. I believe there is a possibility that in the event of a fire at my home, if they were informed that ammunition was present and possibly already enveloped in flame, they would simply back off to a safe distance and let the fire burn itself out. It is a natural reaction for self preservation, life over property. I would do the same. I can't fault them.

It seems to me the best option is to remove the source of the concern and relocate the ammo to a secure location not in my home.
 
This is exactly the broader definition context that I had intended when I used the words "cooking off" in my post. It's also based on my actual experiences in the Marine Corps and in Vietnam. On more than one occasion the Viet Cong fired rockets in to the ammunition dump at DaNang. That fireworks display rivaled anything, anywhere. One of my close friends was injured and permanently disabled that night from the flying shrapnel. I don't have that much ammunition stored, but the principle is the same.

(Emphasis has been added)
CATI1835 said:
Exactly. I understand that bullets from ammunition in a fire are not the problem. I also know that SAAMI has produced a video for firefighters explaining issues with ammo in a fire. Most of them are relatively minor, low velocity shrapnel from the cases, etc. These are not life threatening issues, but could cause other, permanent damage like loss of sight if you were not protected.

But my real concern about fire is this. I live in a semi-rural area, served by a VFD. Before I go any further let me say that I have the utmost respect and admiration for all volunteer firefighters. If I were younger, I would eagerly join their ranks. That said, simply by the nature of their job, they do not always get all the professional training they need and deserve. Many are just ordinary folk, doing the best they can with what they have. I believe there is a possibility that in the event of a fire at my home, if they were informed that ammunition was present and possibly already enveloped in flame, they would simply back off to a safe distance and let the fire burn itself out. It is a natural reaction for self preservation, life over property. I would do the same. I can't fault them.
It seems to me the best option is to remove the source of the concern and relocate the ammo to a secure location not in my home.
Click to expand...

I live in a metropolitan area and have the very same concerns. I also have the highest respect for all firefighters and first responders.
 
I use a potable, lockable large construction type tool box. Mine has an area to protect all but the lockface or area you use your key protected. (In ammo cans, labled of course.) PLus it sits a few inches off the ground and the only place water can enter is two and a half foot off the ground in case of flooding. In which case, I've always wondered if it would float with 600# of old paper shelled duck loads in it!
 
I noted in this thread that several of you store your ammo in the garage and you're also located in the South. Aren't you concerned about heat affecting it during the summer months?
Jim
 
finesse_r said:
For a small fee, plus postage both ways, plus bonuses, plus incentives, plus depletion allowance, and small penalties for odd lots, and local taxes, recording fees, and the partial removal fee, I will gladly store your ammo for you. I am at EZ Storage Dot Com. My motto is "your money belongs to me".

I will also broker trades for different caliber ammo for a small commission, plus postage both ways, plus bonuses, plus incentives, plus trade fees, plus local taxes, recording fees, and insurance against any losses you might incur. These transactions are through EZ Trade Dot Com. My motto there is the same, "your money belongs to me."

My Satisfaction is guaranteed in writing.
Click to expand...

//In my best voice imitation of Davy Crockett// "Dang you beat me to it.''

I was going to say he can ship it to me but the only storage fee would be automatic half ownership of his stash. :-)))
 
I just keep most of mine in wooden wildlife boxes stored in a closet. Noprobs with humidity, heat, Nada.
 
SaxonPig said:
The shelf posted by SweetMK is the one I bought to repleace the one that collapsed. It was $40 cheaper at Home Depot.

standard.jpg


How hot do you think it gets in the South? It would take something more than humans can tolerate to damage stored ammo.
Click to expand...
What's that rated for?

I'm looking for something that will hold stuff like this
243039c264aa96b35b47e98df5600241.jpg


1bb5d812f38d938f914400242ed01a25.jpg


Along with US 30 and 50 cal cans and boxes of 500 - 1000 rounds that come from online suppliers.

The tins are about 25lbs each and I have at least 20 of them that I can think off. Crates typically hold 2 tins and I have 5 of those. 1000 rounds of 45 is about 50lbs ....lets not forget cases of 223 ans 7.62x39 and so on.

So would something like that work with the assumption that more is always on the way?
 
The shelves look nice and organised but I'd be too worried about intruders.
I store most my ammo in the safe. I'm in the process of buying a second safe and then I'll will have firearms and ammunition separated.
 
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