Quick Tip: The Do's & Don'ts of Ammo Storage

Published on March 23, 2020
Duration: 3:53

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety. Avoid storing ammo in cardboard boxes in damp environments, as this leads to moisture absorption and corrosion. Utilize airtight containers like ammo cans and control humidity with desiccants like silica gel packs. Heat accelerates gunpowder and primer degradation, so store ammo at stable room temperatures. Reloading primers are particularly vulnerable to moisture and require strict airtight storage.

Quick Summary

Store ammunition in airtight containers like metal or plastic ammo cans to protect from moisture. Use silica gel packs to absorb humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperatures, as heat degrades gunpowder and primers. Reloading primers require especially strict airtight storage due to their sensitivity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Importance of Ammo Storage
  2. 00:21Risks of Improper Storage (Cardboard Boxes)
  3. 01:34Using Airtight Containers (Ammo Cans)
  4. 02:12Temperature Effects on Gunpowder & Primers
  5. 02:38Desiccants & Humidity Control (Silica Gel)
  6. 03:09Special Storage for Reloading Primers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main risks of storing ammunition improperly?

Improper storage, especially in cardboard boxes in damp areas, leads to moisture absorption, causing brass corrosion and degradation of gunpowder and primers. This compromises reliability and safety. Heat also accelerates chemical breakdown, reducing performance.

What is the best way to store ammunition long-term?

Store ammunition in airtight containers like metal or plastic ammo cans. Use desiccants such as silica gel packs to absorb residual moisture. Keep ammo in a cool, dry place with stable room temperatures, away from heat sources and humidity.

Why are reloading primers more sensitive to storage conditions?

Reloading primers are significantly more vulnerable to moisture than loaded ammunition. Exposure to humidity can render them inert or unreliable. Therefore, they must be stored in strictly airtight containers to maintain their sensitivity and function.

How does temperature affect ammunition storage?

High temperatures accelerate the chemical degradation of gunpowder and primer compounds within ammunition. Storing ammo in cool, stable environments, ideally at room temperature, prevents premature breakdown and ensures consistent performance over time.

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