Whether you’re a shooter or a collector, it is important to know how to store your ammo properly. While it is possible to store your ammo in an ammo box, it is not recommended. Here are a few tips to keep your ammo safe and protected from moisture, humidity, and temperature changes.
Can Ammo be Stored in Freezing Temperatures?
Despite the fact that ammunition doesn’t expire, the way in which it’s stored can greatly affect its longevity. The best way to store ammunition is to keep it in a cool, dry, and secure place.
The optimal storage temperature for ammunition is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. While this is ideal, it’s not unusual for temperatures to fluctuate by as much as 20 degrees every day.
Ballistic Properties of Ammunition
The temperature changes also affect the ballistic properties of ammunition. Long-range rifle ammo may not perform as well at freezing temperatures, while pistol-range ammo is not affected.
Aside from the cold, extreme heat can also damage ammo. The powder may lose potency and the primers may show signs of failure. Likewise, UV rays can break down gunpowder.
The most important aspect of ammo storage is the location. It should be stored in an airtight box or container, but you’ll also want to keep it in a cool, dry place.
Can Ammo Get Wet & Still Function?
During the floods that have ravaged homes throughout the south, many gun owners have asked the question, “Can ammo get wet and still function in an ammo box?” There are several factors that determine whether ammo is safe to use when wet.
Misfire & Possibly Cause Injury
Most ammo manufacturers have created a water-resistant seal to protect their ammunition. However, the seal can become compromised after repeated exposure to moisture. This can cause the bullet to get stuck in the barrel. This can result in a misfire and possibly cause injury.
Moisture can also be caused by changes in the weather, humidity, and temperature. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry location. Ideally, ammunition should be stored in a container that is completely sealed to prevent humidity and UV rays from affecting it.
Ammunition may also suffer from corrosion due to moisture. For example, steel cased ammo will rust when exposed to moisture. Keeping the ammo dry will prevent rusting of the primer.
Rotate your Ammo
Taking the time to rotate your ammo in an ammo box is important, not only to avoid ammo failures but to provide you with the best possible ammunition for your self-defense needs. While you may not need to rotate your ammo in an ammo box every day, you may need to do so on a frequent basis. This could be as frequent as once a year, but in some cases, it may be more like once every six months or so.
You should also consider what you’re storing your ammo in. For example, if you store it in a magazine, you may want to rotate the ammo in your magazine once a year. While you’re at it, you should consider cleaning out the magazine and testing the ammo for function. You may also want to consider adding an additional lubricant to the magazine, especially if you’re in an area where humidity is high.
Rotating your ammo in an ammo bin isn’t as simple as popping the top off a can of ammo, but it’s still a good idea to do so. This is especially true if you’re storing your ammo for self-defense purposes.
Ensure your Ammo is Well-Labeled for Easy Identification
Ensure your ammo is well-labeled for easy identification and storage. This can help you create a quick inventory and make it easy to use during emergencies. Taking care of your ammunition also reduces theft and other risks associated with ammo storage.
Whether you are planning to store ammunition for the long or short term, you will need to know how to store it properly. This will help ensure that you are not only able to store your ammo safely, but it will also reduce the risks of other problems associated with ammo storage.
Cause Explosions or Injury
Ammunition is a hazardous material and should be stored in a secured location. It should also be kept away from children and pets. If stored improperly, ammunition can cause explosions or injury. This can be particularly dangerous to young children. In addition, ammunition can be toxic.
Ammunition is often packaged to meet internationally recognized standards. The packaging should contain information about the ammunition, such as the type of ammunition, the calibre, the quantity, and the date of manufacture. Some ammunition is also marked with colors to make it easier to identify.
Last Words:
When packing ammunition, it is important to keep it away from extreme temperatures. For instance, if you are packing ammunition for shipment, it is important to ensure that it is tightly sealed in the shipping container. Ammunition should also be stored in a place where it is not exposed to UV rays. UV rays are destructive to many materials, including several types of ammunition.