stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

[want2Baccurate]

I know several of you have probably found a particular round that really works well with your rifle. For those of you that have, do you leave these loads in ammo cases, or do you place them in something like a mil-surp ammo can?
Is there anything to take into consideration such as bullet setback by storing them in an ammo can? or would that depend on crimping onto a cannelure?

I ask because i have a .30-06 and was considering storing bulk loads in mil-surp .30cal cans.
Is this a good or bad idea?

 

[wfjames22]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

I would be more worried about a fire than "bullet setback"- whatever the f that is. I have never stored ammo long enough for it to shrink, if that is what you are referring to. Not really sure how that could happen?!?

 

[want2Baccurate]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be more worried about a fire than "bullet setback"- whatever the f that is. I have never stored ammo long enough for it to shrink, if that is what you are referring to. Not really sure how that could happen?!? </div></div>

Its a term I picked up in handgun shooting, when the bullet pushes against another object it can sometimes be pushed back into the case. (think feed ramp stoppages in a 1911)

Is it a common occurrence for rounds to fire inside of ammo cans? I know the .mil uses a lot of them.

 

[Sportin Wood]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wfjames22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be more worried about a fire than "bullet setback"- whatever the f that is. I have never stored ammo long enough for it to shrink, if that is what you are referring to. Not really sure how that could happen?!? </div></div>

Bullet setback is when you are firing a mag load of bullets, and the recoil of the firearm cause the crimp on the cases to loosen, allowing the bullet to slip further into the case, jacking the pressure way up on a load. I have never had that happen, and don't really have any ammo that has sat more than a year or two. Maybe its an issue with real old ammo?

 

[wfjames22]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

If that is a potential problem for your rifle reloads sitting in an ammo can, you need more neck tension. Oh yeah, dont throw the ammo cans out of your second story window to load them in your truck to go to the range....may cause bullet setback.

A fire inside your house where said ammo cans are stored full of ammo, not random discharges by ammo sitting in cans.

 

[jasonk]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

You're way over thinking it. Throw em in there, toss in a desiccant pack of some sort, keep them fairly cool and dry and the ammo will be fine 50 years from now.

 

[want2Baccurate]

Re: stockpiling your ammunition in ammo cans?

alright, thanks everyone for the replies. I figured I was probably over thinking it.