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Posted: 6/3/2004 9:22:52 PM EDT
I have 3600 rds of IMI m193 on the way and was wondering how you all store your SHTF ammo for the long term. I have some (5 or 6)GI .30 cal ammo cans, but do I just throw the ammo loose in them, or do I keep the ammo in the boxes in the cans? all help is very appreciated
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| A lot of guys here store their ammo in stripper clips, packed in ammo cans. I personally store mine loose, to save space. Leaving the ammo in their boes wastes a ton of ammo can room. You can easily fit 1000 rounds of 5.56 in a .50 cal. can, and around 700 in a .30 cal. packed loose. In boxes, around 800 in the .50. I am not sure about boxes in a .30, I never tried. If you are storing the ammo for long term SHTF , try to store the ammo in an area that is cool, and dry. Dessicant packs in each can will help to preserve the ammo for a long time. I have ammo I loaded in 1992, put in cans with dessicant, and put away in a corner of the basement. Its between 68-72 degrees year round. Heat is on in winter, air conditioning in the summer, so the humidity is pretty consistant year round. I took some of the ammo to the range earlier this spring, to make sure it was still O.K. It worked like I made it yesterday. Works for me. |
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Understand that six months is hardly "long term". Ammo stored in a USGI ammo can (that has a good seal and is LEFT CLOSED) and stored in a cool room will last at least 50 years or more with no special care. The two main enemies of ammo are HEAT and MOISTURE, so if you can protect it from those things, you are good to go. Ammo that is left out and stored indifferently will still last 5-10 years or more with no problems, though especially if it is exposed to high heat, will be degraded. The point is, an ammo can is plenty of protection; no need to go overboard. -Troy |
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