storing loaded ammo

[triceratops3]

I searched and couldn't really find anything on this but if there is a thread I missed please show me where I can find it.

I have only loaded a few hundred round of .223 and will begin loading for my .308 more once I get it re-barreled. I, however, have only been reusing factory boxes for .308 loads and a mtm 100 round box for my .223 loads.

I was wondering how you store your loaded ammo. I think i'd like to continue using the mtm ammo boxes because I like the one for my .223 so far. But Im not sure if I should get 100 rounders for .308 or get the 50's.

what do you guys prefer when you use ammo boxes like this and which ones would you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[cali_tz]

Re: storing loaded ammo

It's a good question. For my 308 where I weighted and sorted my brass, I actually use the 20 round boxes the ammo came in. For my 338 where I don't weigh the cases (I was sorta hoping Lapua are very consistent, but I am rethinking that assumption) I use the 100 round MTM and that's very convenient.

Even on my 308 I will probably go 100 round MTMs. Just less boxes to move around all the time, esp if you have hundreds of rounds to store.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I seldom store ammunition for long periods; preferring to make up ammo according to specific needs, mostly within a week or two of an upcoming match. Containers range from plastic freezer bags, to used commercial ammo packages, to handloaders' aftermarket 20rd ammo boxes.

When shipping ammo; the lighter the packaging, the better. I've found that the Lapua factory 20rd ammo boxes, with their vacuformed cartridge holders, contribute the least additional weight. I pick them out of the trash at rifle matches whenever I can find them. They fit very nicely into a generic corrugated cardboard ammunition shipping case/box, and such boxes already bear the necessary labelling for interstate shipping.

Greg

 

[Tripwire]

Re: storing loaded ammo

Depends on what it's for...

The M4's and handgun ammo have a supply of "bulk" that's stored in mil ammo cans.

The rest is stored in 50 round plastic boxes.

 

[triceratops3]

Re: storing loaded ammo

Thanks for the input so far. I'm kinda leaning towards the 50 round .308 boxes because I won't have much ammo on hand. I just don't know if 100 round boxes for 308 will be too big.

 

[trigger29]

Re: storing loaded ammo

100 round plastic MTM boxes for the .243, and 20 round MTM boxes for the .300 mags.

 

[flyrodder]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I find 50-round boxes for 270, 308, 30-06 to be a good size, although I have a few 20-rounders for hunting and special loads. I use different colors to help differentiate loads for different rifles or purposes, and have even painted a few to help with that so I am less likely to end up with the wrong ammo.

 

[Linkless]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I use the 50 round for 308, be sure to avoid the ones with protruding handles because they don't stack.

 

[Conqueror]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I love the MTM boxes. I use 100rd boxes for pretty much everything - handgun, rifle, etc.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I'll add to my previous. I don't store ammo for long periods.

The reasoning is that I believe the best way to store ammo is as separate components, properly preserved in their original shipping containers; which are optimized to extend their longevity.

I believe there is an accuracy advantage to shooting recently assembled ammo.

The practice also allows me to alter my load recipes on the fly, to take advantage of component improvements and recent experience..., without leaving me stuck with stocks of semi-obsolete loads.

My one exception is Zombiefodder, typically factory .44Mag loads, steelcase 7.62x39 FMJ, and/or M2 ball equivalent ammo loaded in Garand clips. That stuff lives in GI ammo cans with silica gel packs inside.

Greg

 

[Jeffvn]

Re: storing loaded ammo

I tend to agree with Greg, in that I do not store my F-Class ammo or even my desert mile+ ammo for any amount of time. I prefer to make it and shoot it within 48 hours at the most. If need be, I can reload it in bulk and let it sit, but I have noticed the ES and SD go up if its sitting there very long.

The only ammo I do reload in bulk and then store is my .45ACP. I make it in bulk and store it in bulk in ammo cans with silica gel inserts.

Jeffvn

If the zombies appear then hell yeah I'll do bulk 338LM, 7WSM, and 6x47L reloading. Even better, I'll let my wife do the reloading so I can do the roof top shooting.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: storing loaded ammo

My teenybopper Grandaughter lives around the corner and is advancing quickly from newbie to seasoned beginner with FV200 match shooting. Making up her own ammo is the next checkoff on the agenda. I'm starting her off with 7.62x39, loaded as if it's .30PPC (which it actually is), to feed the new Savage 10CM Scout of mine that I'm setting her up with as a C/F trainer.

We shall probably review our respective roles in the Local Initiative Zombie Response Reaction Team's T/O shortly.

Greg

 

[Bluesop7]

Re: storing loaded ammo

+1 on the MTM 50 round boxes for 308 or anything else for that matter. They have a very sturdy piano type hinge instead of just a solid plastic one. Stack great and makes storage a breeze.

 

[triceratops3]

Re: storing loaded ammo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Linkless</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the 50 round for 308, be sure to avoid the ones with protruding handles because they don't stack. </div></div>

Which ones have protruding handles and which ones don't? I'd really like to beable to stack them.