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)

 

[cash_tx]

Stored properly inside the house with controlled temperature and humidity, both loaded ammo and reloading components will keep for a very long time. I'm still using and shooting my late father's components and reloads from the 1970's and 80s with no issue; plus some mil-surp ammo that's even older than that.

 

[mark-hunter]

Speaking of which, I was thinking of vacuum packing some ammo I will not use so soon.
What do you guys think about that?

 

[BryceM]

Smokeless powder has some potential issues. The chemistry is somewhat interesting. Various retardants are used to slow down powder burn rates. Over time, they can deteriorate or become physically separated.

Powder and ammo shouldn’t be stored in a safe, small concrete room, or other tightly restrictive space. Such a construct is essentially a big bomb. On rare occasion, powder can even deteriorate to the point it spontaneously ignites. This is rare, but it can happen. In my town, a friend had a concrete basement vault room under the back patio. Inside he had many dozen collectible shotguns, powder and ammo. One summer day, off it went. His wife was on the back patio when her world exploded. She lived, but was badly burned. The shotgun collection was a total loss.

Look up actual industry recommendations. They’re out there. Ideally, a cool, stable, dry environment is best. Large powder quantities should be physically separated. A wooden box with brass hinges is best. Consider a room with “blowout panels” if you have significant quantities.

For the OP, avoid temperature extremes, especially high heat. A climate-controlled space in the house might be best.

 

[Firebird]

Been going down rabbit holes since reading your post. Each powder manufacturer has similar recommendations-generally a DOT container with other expected restrictions-

 

[steve white]

I wonder if the powder manufacturers themselves store powder in a climate controlled area vs. some warehouse out back, lol

 

[Ray B]

there are three factors that affect powder. Heat, moisture and light. Since it appears the powder is in an opaque container, that leave heat and moisture. Storing in a basement that is dry and cool will solve those issues. this doesn't mean that powder won't deteriorate or copper corrode over time, but it won't do it as fast as when it would be stored in a hot, humid garage.

 

[cash_tx]

Yesterday I shot some of my dad's 8mm Mauser reloads in this old sporterized rifle that were dated November 3, 1967; and they seemed to work just fine, so I think that shows the benefits of proper storage.

Accuracy was good, and the fired cases showed nothing concerning. The load was a 170gr soft point over 51gr of IMR 4064.

 

[camperx]

I keep them in the original shipping boxes and pull what I need for the range visit. They are stacked in the closet. Once a box starts to get empty, I'll consolidate a few together.

This also works out in case I need to sell something. It's boxed up with a hazard label ready to go.

 

[deewayne2003]

I store everything in airtight ammo cans and keep them in closet of climate controlled room.

 

[steve white]

I keep them in the original shipping boxes and pull what I need for the range visit. They are stacked in the closet. Once a box starts to get empty, I'll consolidate a few together.

This also works out in case I need to sell something. It's boxed up with a hazard label ready to go.

I wouldn't consolidate from differing boxes of differing lots...probably will affect grouping.

 

[K-man]

Store your ammo just like you store your guns. Safe, secure, climate controlled and close by when you need it. I have mine in about 12 different places including my truck. It doesn't stay in there long, though.

 

[Flbt]

Smokeless powder has some potential issues. The chemistry is somewhat interesting. Various retardants are used to slow down powder burn rates. Over time, they can deteriorate or become physically separated.

Powder and ammo shouldn’t be stored in a safe, small concrete room, or other tightly restrictive space. Such a construct is essentially a big bomb. On rare occasion, powder can even deteriorate to the point it spontaneously ignites. This is rare, but it can happen. In my town, a friend had a concrete basement vault room under the back patio. Inside he had many dozen collectible shotguns, powder and ammo. One summer day, off it went. His wife was on the back patio when her world exploded. She lived, but was badly burned. The shotgun collection was a total loss.

Look up actual industry recommendations. They’re out there. Ideally, a cool, stable, dry environment is best. Large powder quantities should be physically separated. A wooden box with brass hinges is best. Consider a room with “blowout panels” if you have significant quantities.

For the OP, avoid temperature extremes, especially high heat. A climate-controlled space in the house might be best.

Storing ammo and powder in the home.
At least here the fire department will contain the fire to your property and let the house burn.
There was a few popping off when they got here the guy in charge ask how much ammo is in there.
There 2-3 lbs black powder
And for the 9mm there at least 5000 rounds.
Ok that’s enough guys spray the yard we are letting this one burn to the ground.

The insurance ajester was not happy either until the fire marshal gave them the all clear.
And they still dug down enough it took some where 10-15 loads of dirt to fill the hole.

Just so you know

 

[Flbt]

As for storage I shot up a bunch of ww2 German 9mm in the late 80s
It was in a trunk in a old fl cracker type house that did not have ac at all until the 70s
And it all shot fine.