The Best Way To Store Your Ammo

Make your ammunition last for decades by knowing the best way to store your ammo! Learn about useful storage tips and the destructive factors that degrade ammunition quality.

Best Way to Store Your Ammo | Ammo Storage Tips

 

1. Find an Appropriate Container

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The U.S. military got it right with the standard .30 and .50 caliber ammo cans. They have been around for a long time and one of the best ammo storage containers that will work very well for you. You can pick one up at your local military surplus store for a decent price. When you are buying them be sure to inspect every can for structural integrity. You want to be sure to check the condition of the rubber seal under the top lid to be sure that they stay airtight. If you don't want the military ammo cans, be sure to choose the best ammo can that works for you.

2. Keep Your Ammo Dry

Moisture can allow the cartridge to fail so you cannot take this for granted. You want to protect your ammo from the corrosive effects of moisture. To do so, you can use regular silica gel packets or the rechargeable silica gel humidifier. The rechargeable silica gel humidifier will actually cover 3 square feet of area, but you might want to throw one in each canister to be sure.

3. Label Your Ammo

You will always want to know what you are getting so you don't accidentally grab the wrong ammo. When labeling you want to put down the purpose of the ammo (ex. Defensive, Hunting, Range), the quantity (ex. 500 rounds), the weight/characteristics (ex. 230 grain, hollow points), caliber/make (ex. .45 ACP by Speer Gold Dot) and the date it was stored (ex. March 17, 2015). You can place this info on all sides of the can so that no matter where it is you'll know what is inside.

4. Use a  Dehumidifier

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Run a dehumidifier in the room where your ammo and gear is stored. The humidifier takes moisture away from the room and the ideal humidity level can be set. Humidifiers can vary from one model to another but they all operate on the same principle.

 

You can also check out the full video on Ammunition Storage by AnalyticalSurvival:

 Ammunition can last for a very long time. Make sure you're using a reliable airtight ammo can and put a label on it especially if you have several ammo types. Also, note that moisture has damaging effects on ammunition so it's wise to utilize products that dehumidify the room where it's kept. If stored properly, it can last for decades and still be as functional as the day it was made.

Do you have a collection of ammo types in your gun room? How long have you been storing them? Tell us about your own ways of ammo storage in the comments section below!

Up Next: How to Choose Guns and Ammo

 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.