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

Published on March 23, 2020
Duration: 3:53

This guide, based on expert instruction from Brownells, details essential practices for proper ammunition storage. It emphasizes using airtight containers, managing humidity with desiccants, and maintaining stable temperatures to ensure ammunition reliability and safety. Proper storage is crucial for preventing corrosion and propellant degradation, especially for sensitive components like primers.

Quick Summary

Proper ammunition storage is vital for reliability and safety. Use airtight containers like metal or plastic ammo cans, and incorporate silica gel packs to absorb moisture. Maintain stable room temperatures, avoiding extreme heat or damp environments, to prevent corrosion and the degradation of propellants and primers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Ammo Storage
  2. 00:21Risks of Improper Storage
  3. 01:34Using Airtight Containers
  4. 02:12Temperature and Chemical Stability
  5. 02:38Desiccants and Humidity Control
  6. 03:09Storing Reloading Components

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main risks of improper ammunition storage?

Improper storage, especially in damp cardboard boxes, leads to moisture absorption, causing corrosion on casings and degrading gunpowder and primers. Extreme heat also accelerates this breakdown, reducing reliability and safety. Always use airtight containers and stable temperatures.

What are the best types of containers for storing ammunition?

Airtight containers are crucial. This includes military-style metal or plastic ammo cans, as well as sealed plastic containers like Tupperware. These protect ammunition from environmental moisture and contaminants, ensuring longevity and performance.

How does temperature affect ammunition storage?

High temperatures accelerate the chemical degradation of propellants and primer compounds in ammunition. Storing ammo at stable room temperatures, away from extreme heat or cold, is vital to prevent performance issues and premature aging.

Why are silica gel packs important for ammo storage?

Silica gel packs act as desiccants, absorbing any trapped moisture within ammunition storage containers. This helps maintain a dry internal environment, further preventing corrosion and degradation of the ammunition components.

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