I'm not if this is the best place for this, but what do you all do as far as storing your ammo. In the field and at home?
Thanks,
J
Thanks,
J
Fieldcraft Ammo Storage
Re: Ammo Storage
Ammo cans. Airtight, water resistant and government approved.
Ammo cans. Airtight, water resistant and government approved.
Re: Ammo Storage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonewolf'</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To touch on what he said; temperature makes a difference. Make sure it's not to hot or cold where you store them. I think 58 is the majic number in a dry area.
Lw </div></div>
LW, I have heard for years that temp is an issue but have never seen any solid info on it. Moisture is a problem I agree but point me in a direction regarding the negative aspect temp has on stored ammo. I'm not talking about drastic temp changes just gradual changes through out the year.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonewolf'</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To touch on what he said; temperature makes a difference. Make sure it's not to hot or cold where you store them. I think 58 is the majic number in a dry area.
Lw </div></div>
LW, I have heard for years that temp is an issue but have never seen any solid info on it. Moisture is a problem I agree but point me in a direction regarding the negative aspect temp has on stored ammo. I'm not talking about drastic temp changes just gradual changes through out the year.
Re: Ammo Storage
Mine are all in cans (Govt approved!) out in the garage...
I usually put a heater on out there when it gets freezing as it has lately.....
Just acquired 600rds of 223 and it's snug in a box as well.
One note though, if you do like me and it's in a cooler place and you bring it inside- make sure you KEEP it inside for a while - otherwise moisture will gather on the cool metal.....same goes for s tereo equipment, rifles, you name it..
Mine are all in cans (Govt approved!) out in the garage...
I usually put a heater on out there when it gets freezing as it has lately.....
Just acquired 600rds of 223 and it's snug in a box as well.
One note though, if you do like me and it's in a cooler place and you bring it inside- make sure you KEEP it inside for a while - otherwise moisture will gather on the cool metal.....same goes for s tereo equipment, rifles, you name it..
Re: Ammo Storage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cowboy_bravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonewolf'</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To touch on what he said; temperature makes a difference. Make sure it's not to hot or cold where you store them. I think 58 is the majic number in a dry area.
Lw </div></div>
LW, I have heard for years that temp is an issue but have never seen any solid info on it. Moisture is a problem I agree but point me in a direction regarding the negative aspect temp has on stored ammo. I'm not talking about drastic temp changes just gradual changes through out the year. </div></div>
I was thinking about something else when I replied lol. As far as I know ammunition so long as it's off the ground can be stored just about anywhere so long as it's in a dry climate. Military ammo 5.56 and 7.62 can be stored anywhere around like -60 to +120 or somewhere in that area.
If I meant something it would be not moving it to a cold area to a much warmer area quickly. Your ammo can sweat and it can rust if it gets wet.
AL used a heater to keep his ammo warm; not sure why lol; but I guess he loves his ammo.
Lw
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cowboy_bravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lonewolf'</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To touch on what he said; temperature makes a difference. Make sure it's not to hot or cold where you store them. I think 58 is the majic number in a dry area.
Lw </div></div>
LW, I have heard for years that temp is an issue but have never seen any solid info on it. Moisture is a problem I agree but point me in a direction regarding the negative aspect temp has on stored ammo. I'm not talking about drastic temp changes just gradual changes through out the year. </div></div>
I was thinking about something else when I replied lol. As far as I know ammunition so long as it's off the ground can be stored just about anywhere so long as it's in a dry climate. Military ammo 5.56 and 7.62 can be stored anywhere around like -60 to +120 or somewhere in that area.
If I meant something it would be not moving it to a cold area to a much warmer area quickly. Your ammo can sweat and it can rust if it gets wet.
AL used a heater to keep his ammo warm; not sure why lol; but I guess he loves his ammo.
Lw
Re: Ammo Storage
Your ballistics will vary when your ammo isn't at a constant 70 degrees.
It WILL effect your Point of Impact.
Even something as simple as keeping it out of the sun on a hot day could keep things on an even keel.
Your ballistics will vary when your ammo isn't at a constant 70 degrees.
It WILL effect your Point of Impact.
Even something as simple as keeping it out of the sun on a hot day could keep things on an even keel.
Re: Ammo Storage
Can I store ammo in military ammo cans that are not made for that specific one? I have cans for .50 cal but I want to put 5.56 in it. Bad idea?
Can I store ammo in military ammo cans that are not made for that specific one? I have cans for .50 cal but I want to put 5.56 in it. Bad idea?
Re: Ammo Storage
ah sweet. I wasn't sure if having too much smaller ammo in the can would be a weight problem or something.
ah sweet. I wasn't sure if having too much smaller ammo in the can would be a weight problem or something.
Re: Ammo Storage
I store alot in ammo cans, but I remove it from the boxes to eliminate any moisture gathering by the cardboard if it is going in and out of storage. I keep most of it in lot # cans, if it is ammo that need to be separated that way. (M118LR, M852, MK262).
It also allows me to use it at the range or while teaching and I don't have to take time getting into the boxes, then keeping the trash policed up. I can open, remove and close, no garbage.
I store alot in ammo cans, but I remove it from the boxes to eliminate any moisture gathering by the cardboard if it is going in and out of storage. I keep most of it in lot # cans, if it is ammo that need to be separated that way. (M118LR, M852, MK262).
It also allows me to use it at the range or while teaching and I don't have to take time getting into the boxes, then keeping the trash policed up. I can open, remove and close, no garbage.
Re: Ammo Storage
Does anyone use any kind of silica gel to keep them dry?
JH
Does anyone use any kind of silica gel to keep them dry?
JH
Re: Ammo Storage
I just store mine in ammo cans.
Idahomie,
I use silica packs everywhere(ammo boxes, gun cases, gun cabinets, and with my reloading supplies).
I just store mine in ammo cans.
Idahomie,
I use silica packs everywhere(ammo boxes, gun cases, gun cabinets, and with my reloading supplies).
Re: Ammo Storage
Ammo cans work best. As for the temp thing, I have yet to see temp have much effect on the ammo as a whole. It's usually after pulling the trigger that temp has the most effect. Of course having you ammo in the sun when it's over 120 out probable isn't the smartest thing.
Ammo cans work best. As for the temp thing, I have yet to see temp have much effect on the ammo as a whole. It's usually after pulling the trigger that temp has the most effect. Of course having you ammo in the sun when it's over 120 out probable isn't the smartest thing.
Re: Ammo Storage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: El Shavewa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ammo cans. Airtight, water resistant and government approved. </div></div>
I use the ammo can and throw a couple dessicant packs in each one.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: El Shavewa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ammo cans. Airtight, water resistant and government approved. </div></div>
I use the ammo can and throw a couple dessicant packs in each one.
Re: Ammo Storage
I keep mine in a steel locker in the garage. Had some in an ammo can (no dessicant) for a while, and when I pulled it out to shoot it, it was corroded. The ammo can was sitting on a concrete floor, which could have had some moisture in it for all I know.
I keep mine in a steel locker in the garage. Had some in an ammo can (no dessicant) for a while, and when I pulled it out to shoot it, it was corroded. The ammo can was sitting on a concrete floor, which could have had some moisture in it for all I know.
Re: Ammo Storage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: St.Michael</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can I store ammo in military ammo cans that are not made for that specific one? I have cans for .50 cal but I want to put 5.56 in it. Bad idea? </div></div>
Dude, it's the same type of can just a different size. Store what you want in any military ammo can. Surprisingly it's one thing they got right.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: St.Michael</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can I store ammo in military ammo cans that are not made for that specific one? I have cans for .50 cal but I want to put 5.56 in it. Bad idea? </div></div>
Dude, it's the same type of can just a different size. Store what you want in any military ammo can. Surprisingly it's one thing they got right.
Re: Ammo Storage
You can always get the dessicant in a can and dry them out in the oven when they change color.
You can always get the dessicant in a can and dry them out in the oven when they change color.
Re: Ammo Storage
really st michael, another brilliant question?
ok, heres mine, whats the shelf life assuming decent storage conditions?
really st michael, another brilliant question?
ok, heres mine, whats the shelf life assuming decent storage conditions?
Re: Ammo Storage
Ammo cans with a Good seal for Most of my stash , keep about 20 loaded AR mags in the gunsafe ..these have been vaccuum sealed in bags 5 clips per bag.. at a secret location at our ranch , my Brother has 5k rounds of .223 he buried in a 8" PVC Pipe w/caps cemented on the ends & a few dessicant bags thrown in ,he does the same for his shotgun shells too
Ammo cans with a Good seal for Most of my stash , keep about 20 loaded AR mags in the gunsafe ..these have been vaccuum sealed in bags 5 clips per bag.. at a secret location at our ranch , my Brother has 5k rounds of .223 he buried in a 8" PVC Pipe w/caps cemented on the ends & a few dessicant bags thrown in ,he does the same for his shotgun shells too
Re: Ammo Storage
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marduk185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">really st michael, another brilliant question?
ok, heres mine, whats the shelf life assuming decent storage conditions? </div></div>
The problem with long term storage is age hardening of the brass case and stress corrosion.
The neck area is under tension and this causes stress corrosion within the brass and the case neck and shoulder can get so hard and shrunk down that it splits on firing . This can vary from just a nuisance of the occasional split case neck up to the case neck ripping right off and going down the barrel with the bullet in extreme cases.
I have just finnished a 10 year storage trial on hand loaded ammo and the effects of storage on neck tensions.
Some of the necktensions were so high I could only pull the bullets in a press collet puller.
For reloaded ammo in several times fired cases I would not store longer than 5 years.
For reloaded ammo in new cases I would not store longer than 8 years.
For new Military ammo that is well sealed I would not store longer than 10 years max.
Assuming storage in air tight military ammo box's in a cool place.
The army fires off or sells and re supplies its magazines of bulk small arms ammo every 7 years or so.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marduk185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">really st michael, another brilliant question?
ok, heres mine, whats the shelf life assuming decent storage conditions? </div></div>
The problem with long term storage is age hardening of the brass case and stress corrosion.
The neck area is under tension and this causes stress corrosion within the brass and the case neck and shoulder can get so hard and shrunk down that it splits on firing . This can vary from just a nuisance of the occasional split case neck up to the case neck ripping right off and going down the barrel with the bullet in extreme cases.
I have just finnished a 10 year storage trial on hand loaded ammo and the effects of storage on neck tensions.
Some of the necktensions were so high I could only pull the bullets in a press collet puller.
For reloaded ammo in several times fired cases I would not store longer than 5 years.
For reloaded ammo in new cases I would not store longer than 8 years.
For new Military ammo that is well sealed I would not store longer than 10 years max.
Assuming storage in air tight military ammo box's in a cool place.
The army fires off or sells and re supplies its magazines of bulk small arms ammo every 7 years or so.
Re: Ammo Storage
thanks good to know, ill burn thru my 80's radway green then
thanks good to know, ill burn thru my 80's radway green then
Re: Ammo Storage
Mlitary ammo is not under neck tension. Its held in place by the tar sealant crap. 50 year old ammo still shoots great!
Mlitary ammo is not under neck tension. Its held in place by the tar sealant crap. 50 year old ammo still shoots great!
Re: Ammo Storage
My shop building has central heat and air. Ammo is boxed, stored in ammo cans with desicant (or dried chalk) in each can. Temp is kept between 60*F in winter and 80*F in summer. I have fired my loaded ammo that was over 25 years old and still was within 3 or 4% of muzzle velocity of what it was when I loaded it. I have a different chronograph now may be part of the different numbers.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
My shop building has central heat and air. Ammo is boxed, stored in ammo cans with desicant (or dried chalk) in each can. Temp is kept between 60*F in winter and 80*F in summer. I have fired my loaded ammo that was over 25 years old and still was within 3 or 4% of muzzle velocity of what it was when I loaded it. I have a different chronograph now may be part of the different numbers.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Re: Ammo Storage
I bought a steel "job box" from tractor central which had two padlocks and sits up in legs to keep it off the concrete floor in my garage. Don't waste your time looking at the aluminum truck ones they are soft as warm butter and most of the ones they had were already damaged/bent
I bought a steel "job box" from tractor central which had two padlocks and sits up in legs to keep it off the concrete floor in my garage. Don't waste your time looking at the aluminum truck ones they are soft as warm butter and most of the ones they had were already damaged/bent
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