Posted: 12/18/2008 2:58:28 PM EDT
| How long should one store ammo? I rotate my ammo, but for long term storage? I heard the gunpowder turns into some nitrate substance and becomes stronger and can blow the casing and gun? True? I dont know. But how long can you store it? |
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How old are you? If you're under 30 and live until 80 you might want to worry about them going bad at about birthday 79 or so.
It's the constant chambering and ejecting that begins to damage ammo, sooner or later the bullet begins to move back into the case. Once that happens, [begins to shorten] it's time to either shoot it up or toss it. Rotation of ammo can lengthen the time but you really do need to keep an eye on your defense ammo and make sure to catch a bad problem before you fire it. If it moves to far back in the case, you risk damage to the firearm and possibly yourself if it raises the pressures to a high enough level. |
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Given the proper storage conditions, quite a very long time, 50-60 years not being beyond the realm of possiblity. TK What are proper storage conditions,? You'll need: - Ammunition cans (.30cal or .50cal depending upon how much you ammo you are gonna store) - Dessicant packs (size will be dictated by the room you have available inside your ammo can after putting ammo inside) - Secure place to store the sealed ammo cans. Cooler is always better. (mine are stored in a closet in a spare bedroom and my household nevers sees much fluctuation in ambient temperature, usually no lower than 65F in the winter and no higher than 75F in the summer) Stored in these conditions, your ammo will last for a very, very long time, especially if you do not open the ammo cans after closing them up since this reduces the effectiveness of the dessicant packs. TK |
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I use 30 caliber ammo cans, store my ammo loose and put a desiccant pack in there. This is the desiccant pack I use, fits real nice.
Desiccant Packs |
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Why the ammo cans. I store mine in side my safe in factory boxes is that bad? I can store around 800rds of 9mm in a 30 caliber ammo can that i can readily pick up and go with if i wanted too. Plus they have rubber seals to keep moisture out. I'm sure your ammo is fine but I like to have added protection for my ammo investments. |