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Posted: 12/15/2008 2:13:12 PM EDT
is vacuum sealing ammo a good idea????  i mean ammunition has to has oxygen to work right. if you vac seal ammo, isnt there a good chance the vac will pull air out of the ammo casing???? im sure there is a good chance of it, im just wondering if you shoot ammo that has a vacuum inside it, if it will fire normally?????? maybe im just over thinking it. i vac sealed some ammo the other day, because its stored in a non climate controlled out building inside ammo cans and thought it would be a extra step towards protecting it.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 2:24:54 PM EDT
[#1]
Gunpowder, and other propellants do not need air to burn.  This is why rockets are able to fly through water and outer space.  It is also why the infamous underwater bump-firing commando was able to successfully blow up his AR.

I have been thinking of vacuum sealing my ammo also, so I'm interested in hearing what anybody else has to say on the issue.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 2:31:23 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:


I have been thinking of vacuum sealing my ammo also, so I'm interested in hearing what anybody else has to say on the issue.


I'm interested also

Link Posted: 12/15/2008 2:40:04 PM EDT
[#3]
i vac sealed the ammo a layer at a time. i do not have 50,000 rounds like a lot of people, but, i do have a decent amount.  i need a lot more though...a fat 50 ammo can holds 24 boxes a layer, of pmc .223 ammo..i vac sealed it by the layer. thats 480 rounds in a seal, which is a little much, i just didnt have enough bags to do it in 240 round batches. ill do that later.  i also cleaned and oiled a mess of magazines, and vac sealed them to help prevent rust. i quit using break free for magazines, and started using spray can rem oil, because it coats everything a lot better. although wd-40 would probably work as well and is cheaper.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 3:26:02 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
...i also cleaned and oiled a mess of magazines, and vac sealed them to help prevent rust. i quit using break free for magazines, and started using spray can rem oil, because it coats everything a lot better. although wd-40 would probably work as well and is cheaper.


You do understand that WD40 is not a long term protectant, but a short term water displacer, right?
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 3:32:24 PM EDT
[#5]
It's been said, but just to underscore the point:  The powder in your ammunition has all the oxygen it needs to burn completely.  Your ammunition would fire in the vacuum of space.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 3:37:01 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
It's been said, but just to underscore the point:  The powder in your ammunition has all the oxygen it needs to burn completely.  Your ammunition would fire in the vacuum of space.


Maybe a few minutes after being exposed to a vacuum but after a while the pressure is going to escape from inside the casing and the oxygen along with it.

At least that's my opinion.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 3:44:15 PM EDT
[#7]
The powder it's self contains the oxygen, chemically bonded.  The air in the case is not needed for combustion.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 3:58:32 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
...i also cleaned and oiled a mess of magazines, and vac sealed them to help prevent rust. i quit using break free for magazines, and started using spray can rem oil, because it coats everything a lot better. although wd-40 would probably work as well and is cheaper.


You do understand that WD40 is not a long term protectant, but a short term water displacer, right?



I hope you also understand that penetrating oil can kill primers.  Propane propellant in most spray cans can also kill ammo if exposed long term.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 4:00:32 PM EDT
[#9]
I would not be surprised if gunpowder does slowly get degraded in the presence of oxygen. If you want the gunpowder to
last a hundred years or more, maybe vacuum sealing would help.


Link Posted: 12/15/2008 4:01:04 PM EDT
[#10]
I repackaged some ammo for long storage. Standard 20 round boxes hold 60 rounds nicely with the holder removed. I then vacume packed each box for protection and placed several in a ammo can. Works great.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 4:28:36 PM EDT
[#11]
re: vacuum sealing.
Done it for years, never had a problem.
I think that it helps to keep everything dry and fresh.

BTW, Oxygen is not the problem, moisture is.

WD 40 is not designed as a longterm protectant and it WILL destroy your ammo.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 4:38:38 PM EDT
[#12]
i would never expose ammo to any oil. i only oiled the empty magazines for long term storage ..and your right about wd-40 being a short term lube.( i had forgotten), i lubed a swiss army knife with wd-40, and stored it in a plastic bag in my atv storage compartment. a few years later i decided to use it....... nope..... the wd-40 dried out, and turned into a glue , i tried to clean it with maany different things, but it completely ruined the knife. ill stick to the rem oil, or buy spray break free........ ..
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 4:49:24 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
If you want the gunpowder to
last a hundred years or more, maybe vacuum sealing would help.



This experiment is going to suck to have to wait for the results.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 5:04:32 PM EDT
[#14]
You don't have to do your own experiment.  Real black powder especially, and nitro-cellulose powders, last a long time.  

Just this year a collector got killed by some civil war ordinance he dug up.  A shrapnel shell exploded as he was working on it.  Not something that was stored with care somewhere, this was a shell he dug up out of the clay.

Farmers in France are always digging up WWI ordinance, bomb squads have to come out and dispose of it.  Not sure of any specific instances of them being killed, but I imagine it happens.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 5:41:09 PM EDT
[#15]
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 5:45:09 PM EDT
[#16]
No need to vacuum seal it.

hell old WW2 stuff shoots just fine and it hasn't been vacuum sealed.

It wont hurt but its not needed
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 5:51:54 PM EDT
[#17]
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 6:26:26 PM EDT
[#18]
I vacuum sealed all my Ak, AR and .308 ammo in home made battle packs. The AK and AR ammo is in 240 round vacuum sealed packs in the original 20 round boxes. So far it has worked great.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 7:45:54 PM EDT
[#19]
Yeah Feral, that was part of it. Wanted a easy to transport system. Water proof and easily handled. I can throw a block or two in my pack and have a pretty good load out. Two "bricks" gives me 120 extra rounds. I do keep some loaded magazines in my gear but I go more with a minimalist set-up. Three loaded mags is plenty for any "action" I for see away from home. And the bricks give me the ability to reload the magazines as needed.
Link Posted: 12/15/2008 9:03:22 PM EDT
[#20]
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 12:18:09 AM EDT
[#21]
WD40 is more of a solvent than a lubricant or preservative oil.  

I don't think that O2 is bad for gun powder.  Moisture would be the problem.  You could just put dessicants in the ammo can.  Or, seal it in mylar bags I guess if YOu don't have ammo cans.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 12:26:42 AM EDT
[#22]
you can vacuum pack very well w/ mylar or other iron close bags w/ a peice of tubing & you ability to suck.  You could probably get your mom to help you if you want a better vacuum

Put your shit in the bag, iron it closed but leave about 3/8" un sealed.  Stick the tubing down in there, pinch the bag closed w/ your finger tips on either side of the tube & suck out the air.  Carefully hold the bag tight on the tube & then withdraw the tube till it comes out & pinch the bag flat so air doesn't get in. Then iron it closed.  

It's not that hard.  The vacuum is pretty good.  Used w/ O2 absorbers it is excellent.

You can also use those oil elevator pumps w/ the tubing in a similar manner.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 4:12:29 AM EDT
[#23]
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 5:43:27 AM EDT
[#24]
I don't see how it can hurt it any.

The big advantage I see to storing it this way is in case of a flood the ammo is protected from water.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 6:05:41 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
You don't have to do your own experiment.  Real black powder especially, and nitro-cellulose powders, last a long time.  

Just this year a collector got killed by some civil war ordinance he dug up.  A shrapnel shell exploded as he was working on it.  Not something that was stored with care somewhere, this was a shell he dug up out of the clay.

Farmers in France are always digging up WWI ordinance, bomb squads have to come out and dispose of it.  Not sure of any specific instances of them being killed, but I imagine it happens.


Some WWI and II ordnance has an almost indefinite shelf life as the explosive charges used were either short lived enough that within a decade or two they were
harmless, or they used cast explosives such as TNT that basically will last forever.

There is no real advantage and some minor disadvantage to vacuum sealing modern
propellants.  The plasticizers and solvents used can be drawn out more quickly
under a vacuum.  If the packaging develops leaks it can draw in moisture. The best
long term storage is actually sealed in oxygen-purged, slightly pressurized
containers.  Dry nitrogen is the best purge agent.

Regardless, modern ammunition will last your lifetime, and your kid's lifetime
in unsealed containers if kept cool and dry.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 6:16:01 AM EDT
[#26]
I'd say it does not help, or hurt.  If it makes a fellow feel good, then he should do it.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 6:42:30 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
You don't have to do your own experiment.  Real black powder especially, and nitro-cellulose powders, last a long time.  

Just this year a collector got killed by some civil war ordinance he dug up.  A shrapnel shell exploded as he was working on it.  Not something that was stored with care somewhere, this was a shell he dug up out of the clay.
.


I have bought more then a few old original muzzle loaders that where still loaded. I always after pulling the load put the powder in a slip of paper and lit it....never had a case where the powder DIDN'T go off. And this was after really putting the oil in the bore to make it easier to pull the load.
One old flintlock musket I found was loaded with broken glass....don't know what that fellow was thinking about shooting....Todd
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 6:44:00 AM EDT
[#28]
I agree, if it feels good do it...

but I still have to refer you to Cooking with the Anal Rententive Chef

Link Posted: 12/16/2008 7:22:50 AM EDT
[#29]
Well the guys over in the reloading forum will be glad to hear WD40 will kill primers. Most of us have tried EVERYTHING to kill primers and nothing has worked for me or many others at home. Maybe in a lab with special chamers but YOU CAN'T KILL PRIMERS WITH OIL OR OTHER SOLVENTS.

I filled a case with oil and left it set for 2 weeks, guess what the primer went off.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 7:36:06 AM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Gunpowder, and other propellants do not need air to burn.  This is why rockets are able to fly through water and outer space. It is also why the infamous underwater bump-firing commando was able to successfully blow up his AR.

I have been thinking of vacuum sealing my ammo also, so I'm interested in hearing what anybody else has to say on the issue.



I hear of this from time to time here, what is it about?
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 8:16:35 AM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
Well the guys over in the reloading forum will be glad to hear WD40 will kill primers. Most of us have tried EVERYTHING to kill primers and nothing has worked for me or many others at home. Maybe in a lab with special chamers but YOU CAN'T KILL PRIMERS WITH OIL OR OTHER SOLVENTS.

I filled a case with oil and left it set for 2 weeks, guess what the primer went off.


+1 on oil not killing primers.  But oil sure can mess up your day when it contaminates
powder, because the primer WILL go off and the powder MAY NOT go off and then
you have the bullet stuck inside the barrel and the tap rack bang drill, or just enough
powder to cycle the gun but not exit the bullet can blow the gun
up in your hand.  I've had this twice from overzealous oiling of my pocket gun
and both times something in the hindbrain kept me from pulling the trigger the
second time.  In both cases it was the SECOND round that was the dud because it
was in place to wick oil from the slide.  Mind you, this was after six months of
carry without changing carry ammo and oiling the crap out of the cheap gun to
keep it from rusting from the sweat.  Now I change my carry ammo out monthly.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 11:13:44 AM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Quoted:
...i also cleaned and oiled a mess of magazines, and vac sealed them to help prevent rust. i quit using break free for magazines, and started using spray can rem oil, because it coats everything a lot better. although wd-40 would probably work as well and is cheaper.


You do understand that WD40 is not a long term protectant, but a short term water displacer, right?


WD-40 is just fish oil.

it is edible.

not long lasting and it evaporates.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 11:33:13 AM EDT
[#33]
After having a corosion issue with some shotguns shells(slugs&00) in factory boxes. I'm on a mission to vac seal/ammo can most everything that isn't already in a proven method of storage ie SA battle packs and the like.....

I don't think it's an absolute must for everything but at the cost of ammo now i'm protecting my investment in ammo that was priced right when i bought it.....
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 1:46:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
...i also cleaned and oiled a mess of magazines, and vac sealed them to help prevent rust. i quit using break free for magazines, and started using spray can rem oil, because it coats everything a lot better. although wd-40 would probably work as well and is cheaper.


You do understand that WD40 is not a long term protectant, but a short term water displacer, right?


WD-40 is just fish oil.

it is edible.

not long lasting and it evaporates.


I have heard this myth so many times, I could croak!
It is not fish oil, it is not edible!
Look up the MSDS sheet for WD-40.
The major component is Stoddard's solvent, AKA oderless mineral spirits!

WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:

50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits –– primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
25%: Liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
10-%: Inert ingredients


Link Posted: 12/16/2008 2:06:49 PM EDT
[#35]
What would be the purpose of vacuum sealing ammo???  I can think of no benefit.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 3:42:03 PM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
Quoted:
No need to vacuum seal it.

hell old WW2 stuff shoots just fine and it hasn't been vacuum sealed.

It wont hurt but its not needed


I agree......I've always thought that the bags would fail long before any benefit in terms of storage life was derived.

OTOH, I can see a role for vac packing if you just want to make some handy "ammo bricks" for toting ammo here or there.



That's what I was thinking, that vacumme packing it would be great for organization and convienience.

Link Posted: 12/16/2008 4:01:24 PM EDT
[#37]
.

I have vacuum sealed ammo using MRE bags.  The bags are basically free, and they don't hole easily.  This makes for a good waterproof ammo pack for BOB.  Admittedly, the MRE bagged ammo is harder to open, but a knife makes short work of it.

In the end, I'd say go ahead and seal your ammo if you want.  Vacuum sealing won't hurt it.  And keeping your powder dry is generally considered to be a good thing.
Link Posted: 12/16/2008 4:48:40 PM EDT
[#38]

Water tight.

Maybe someone wants to protect ammo if it gets submerged.


Quoted:
What would be the purpose of vacuum sealing ammo???  I can think of no benefit.


Link Posted: 12/16/2008 5:59:50 PM EDT
[#39]
What is wrong with a good 50 cal ammo can and a moisture absorber?   If you are really anal then throw in an O2 absorber.
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