How Proper Ammunition Storage Can Prevent Damage to Your Firearm

Hunters and firearm hobbyists have no doubt noticed the severe shortage in ammo available in the marketplace. When there is a shortage of anything, more often than not, it there is a reluctance to use up current supplies. Consequently, the desire to stock pile supplies is strong. This makes ammunition storage methods more important, now more than ever. But what options are available and what is recommended to preserve the shelf life of ammo as long as possible, while remaining effective? This article will help answer these questions.

It may surprise you to know that with regard to munitions, your worst enemy isn't the guy who is shooting back at you. Instead, it is moisture. Ammo that is properly cared for is ammo that can serve you well. This is why ammunition storage is so important. No matter the size caliber in question, storing the rounds in the right ammo boxes can definitely protect your investment. This is not to say that the boxes that the ammunition is sold in are a bad idea, but as a long term solution there are better alternatives available. For example, such containers are manufactured with paper-based material such as cardboard. Should these come into contact with liquid in any form (e.g. high levels of humidity), the resulting effect will cause the ammo box to deteriorate and promote corrosion on the metal shells.

If you have not yet provided for adequate ammunition storage, there may still be time to rectify the situation even if you have noticed signs of moisture. Be sure to remove all rounds from the affected area and wipe them down thoroughly. If there are no signs of rust and you are certain that no moisture has made its way into the shells, then you should be all right. However, if rust is visibly noticeable, then try to rub the rust away using steel wool. If successful, then place the rounds into better storage containers. If not, then you are better off disposing of the affected rounds.

Storing munitions inside the cardboard containers they come sold in can be adequate if stored inside the home and preferrably not on the floor, no matter where in the home they are stored. This is because levels of humidity can be controlled. For example, storing your ammo on a shelf in the garage may not be the best place for a humid-free environment. However, if you were to store the ammo in a closed container such as a gun safe or even the plastic ammo boxes you find at the store, you would be increasing the shelf life of your investment, protecting you from injury (by avoiding the use of compromised ammunition), and your firearm from possible damage (eliminating the possibility of rust entering your firearm).

For every ammunition storage method suggested, there is likely to be an opposing view with stronger or looser standards involved. Some firearm owners have had no difficulty with storing their ammo in barns for years and have had no signs of degraded shooting potency. Others have taken more extreme measures by placing their munitions inside of military-grade ammo cans and sealing those up with something like wax along the seams. However, as good as this method may seem, it should be noted that taking such measures do not lend themselves to easy access to the ammo when in an emergency. So easy access to the ammo being protected needs to be taken into consideration.

In summary, use common sense when considering your ammo storage options. Identify the proper size ammo can for the caliber you are storing and place it in a location that is relatively cool and free of moisture. Marking the containers with the dates they entered storage will help rotate the inventory. So as new ammo is dated, the older dated ammo can be used first. Doing so can make for more enjoyable target practicing, safer hunting, and more reliable self-protection.