Optimal ammunition storage

[steve white]

I have three options on where to store POWDERS, primers, and loaded ammo: 1. in the garage--unheated, but seldom below freezing, but hot in summer, 2. my shop---a/c in summer sometimes, but cold in winter, 3. inside the house, always climate controlled, space is limited.
For loaded ammo--does it really matter
For powders--do they degrade if not kept from extreme heat or cold
For primers--does it matter?
Where do you keep yours, and why?

 

[Rare Breed]

I always store all my supplies powder being the most important in temperature control…said another way, find space my friend

 

[steve white]

I always store all my supplies powder being the most important in temperature control…said another way, find space my friend

And you are including loaded ammunition? Is it not permanently sealed enough.

 

[Firebird]

Loaded ammo and primers and powders all in my house in a locked concrete room-the space in my basement under my front porch. Can control temperature And humidity.
Reasonably safe from children, theft and fire.

 

[Rare Breed]

And you are including loaded ammunition? Is it not permanently sealed enough.

Quick story, I had 30-06 loaded ammunition in my storage barn in GA not climate controlled. The changing temperature caused the cartridges to swell not enough so they would not load but when I shot the first one the pressure blew the bottom plate off. I got rid of all of it and never again stored anything that was not temperature controlled just me

 

[fourfive8]

Ideally in dry, even temp. Cool is ok. Hot is not ok. Wide swings in temp is not ok. I’m lucky to live in dry, cool climate so no issue. Smokeless powder and ammo loaded with smokeless powder would be the most sensitive and can deteriorate chemically in poor storage conditions like variable temps or hot temps. Conversely, black powder is very stable chemically and has a very long shelf life, even under relatively poor storage conditions. Primers are fairly resilient but are sensitive to some types of contamination.

 

[mark-hunter]

For loaded ammo--does it really matter
For powders--do they degrade if not kept from extreme heat or cold
For primers--does it matter?
Where do you keep yours, and why?

Yes, it does. There was one really good post about ammo storage by a short-time forum member who worked in some army arsenal, and he explained.

3. inside the house, always climate controlled, space is limited.

I keep at home, in a climate-controlled space, but limited. So, I keep the maximum amount I can - and restock.
In theory, sealed boxes should be used for long-term storage. (like army ammo cans)