There are very few places that can reach this temperature, but one of them is the trunk of a car during a hot summer day, like we have here in Las Vegas.Ī more dangerous threat to ammunition than temperature is constant changes of temperature. Both components rapidly degrade when exposed to temperatures over 150☏. The gunpowder and the primer compound are sensitive to very high heat. However, it is best to store ammunition for long periods in a controlled climate area if possible. Modern ammunition is generally designed to function reliably in most environments, from the coldest tundras to the hottest deserts. These packs are inexpensive and provide you with peace of mind. However, if you are buying them used, make sure the rubber seals are in good condition, and there are no apparent traces of rust, corrosion, or physical damage like dents or holes.Īlso, consider investing in silica gel packs to keep the inside of your ammunition cans and other storage canisters moisture-free. 50-caliber ammunition cans are a popular choice for ammunition storage. If the ammunition is heavily corroded and the casings look visibly pitted and battered, or if you simply don’t trust it for whatever reason, treat it as you would any other dud rounds and dispose of it safely.ĭisposing of ammunition is a frustrating experience. If the signs of corrosion are minor, you can attempt to dispose of this ammunition by shooting it during a casual plinking session, as long as you remain safe and remain mindful of the dangers of hang-fires. You should never use degraded rounds, particularly if visibly corroded or exhibiting other signs of exposure to moisture, for serious applications such as self-defense.
In most situations, a cool, dry room in your house that is not exposed to frequent changes in humidity will suffice. You should store your ammo in a dry environment. Wet gunpowder may not ignite, primers may fail to detonate when struck, casings and exposed projectiles made of metals like brass or copper may corrode, typically turning into hues of green. Exposure to humidity and moisture rapidly damages every component. Keep Your Ammunition Dryīy far, the biggest threat to your ammo’s shelf life is moisture. It is not uncommon for people to have dedicated workshops or gun rooms where some space is dedicated for ammunition storage. Reloaders, competition shooters, survivalists, and gun owners who buy ammunition in bulk may have upward of several thousands of rounds per caliber. If you own just a few firearms and keep 2-4 boxes of ammunition per caliber, you may not need more than a gun safe or secure gun cabinet to store everything in one place safely. Whether or not you need more ammunition than this baseline minimum is your prerogative, but having an idea of how many rounds you need has a determining effect on how much storage space you’ll need. For them, having access to bulk ammo for the calibers of their choice may well be a necessity. Gun owners interested in competitive or practical shooting disciplines may need to train as regularly as possible, potentially inflating their monthly round count to the thousands. The more diverse the game they hunt year-round, the more comprehensive the range of calibers and projectile types they should possess. Hunters may want to have various types of ammunition at their disposal. It isn’t much, but it may be more than enough for someone who doesn’t use their firearms often.
Shelf life ammo full#
The result is a minimum baseline amount of ammo you should have in storage at any given time.Īn occasional shooter with a Glock 19 who shoots, at most, once or twice a month, and rarely more than 50 rounds, may not need much more than 100 rounds of ammunition two full boxes. Estimate how much ammunition you’re likely to shoot in a month, then double this amount. Your needs should determine your tools, and this principle applies to firearms just as well as for ammunition.Įvery type of gun owner may have different needs. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all firearm that is ideal for all purposes in the hands of all shooters, there are no universal rules on the amount of ammunition a gun owner should possess or store at any given time. With the right knowledge and techniques, it is possible to safely store ammunition for decades and still find it in good condition, even after 30, 40, 50 years, or more. In reality, your ammunition’s shelf life may vary between a few months and indefinitely, depending on the storage methods employed. Most ammunition manufacturers state that factory ammo has a shelf life of 10 years. However, correctly storing ammunition is just as critical. Most people understand the importance of properly storing firearms.
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