Most gun owners, particularly shooting enthusiasts and hunters, store ammunition to some extent.
The one-gun owner who possesses a solo firearm for self-defense may only keep a couple of extra boxes handy at on the top of the clothes closet. Meanwhile, the competition shooter, prepper, or heck, just about any of us, might keep several thousand rounds on hand at any given time.
Basic Guidelines for Ammo Storage
No matter your situation or needs, some basic rules apply to storing ammunition.
Climate-Controlled Storage
A climate-controlled environment is best for storing ammo. We want to avoid extreme heat and cold. This applies to long-term ammo storage at home and even to ammunition we might keep in our vehicles.
I’d suggest periodically rotating ammunition that is kept in your vehicle. A good way of doing this is to use the cartridges that have been exposed to extreme temperatures for practice. A vehicle gets very hot while parked in the summer and can be very cold in some locales in winter. Replace it with fresh ammunition from the sporting goods store or your personal supply.
Cool and Dry: Ideal Ammo Storage Conditions
Cool and dry are the best conditions for storing ammunition. The garage and attic might not be the best places to store ammunition unless they are climate-controlled. If you live in a damp climate, various dehumidifiers or desiccant packets can be employed to keep moisture at bay.
Sealed ammunition containers are a boon for long-term storage and the traditional ammo can is a viable choice. These containers will have a gasket on their closure to help keep the contents airtight.
Choosing the Right Storage Containers
Plastic food containers are another storage option, but personally, I would rate them for interim storage versus long-term. By “interim” I mean ammo we will be using in the not-to-distant future as opposed to cartridges that will be likely stowed for any duration of time.
These inexpensive containers can be especially handy for the hand loader. The see-thru leftover tubs of various sizes have, by convenience, largely replaced the once often-used metal coffee can with masking tape labels.
They are not sturdy enough for transporting or stacking, however. They are best left to short-term use and the plastic ammunition boxes that hold 10-100 individual rounds are a far better choice.
For carrying and storing larger amounts of ammunition, ease of transportation, and pure endurance, I have been very satisfied with various containers from MTM Case Gard.
The Benefits of Storing Ammo in a Gun Safe
Storing ammunition in a gun safe is a good option and I know folks who do just that. This not only provides a protected storage environment from the elements, it also keeps ammo out of the hands of thieves and restricts access only to those who need it.
While a gun safe is a sizeable investment, it’s a sound one. The frugal consumer will closely watch for sales and discounts, like the upcoming Black Friday, to make these sizeable purchases more bearable.
Keep in mind that safes may require added dehumidifying mechanisms like those used in ammo storage containers or plug-in models.
Ammunition Rotation for Long-Term Storage
The concept of ammunition rotation should be considered for the shooter who engages in long-term storage. As we purchase or handload additional cartridges and shoot ammunition, it is wise to use the older supply and replace it with the new.
Write the year of purchase or loading on the box or container to make it easily identifiable. This simple step helps ensure the older stash is used before the fresh batch.
How long does ammo last? If it is stored appropriately, quite a long time. I have some .45 ACP ammunition from the 1960s that appears to be as good as the day it was manufactured.
The ammunition owner living in the desert southwest of the country will face fewer challenges than the person who lives on the humid Texas coast, but in the end, cool and dry wins the race, no matter where you call home.
Proper Ammo Storage Is as Important as Maintaining Your Firearms
Ammunition is valuable and deserves to be cared for in the same manner we treat our firearms. Your arsenal is only as good as the ammunition that runs it. Store it correctly.
