Quick facts
- Shelf life
- Decades when stored correctly; 50 years or more
- Metal cans
- Best for long-term and harsh conditions; can rust in high humidity
- Plastic cans
- Lightweight, rust-resistant; best indoors
- Humidity control
- Silica gel desiccant pack in each container
- Original boxes
- Keep for lot numbers; not mandatory
- Inspect
- Every few months
Ammunition needs to be stored correctly to stay reliable and safe. Poor storage can lead to corrosion, performance issues, and even safety risks. Here’s a straightforward guide to keeping your ammo in top condition.
How Long Will Ammo Last if Properly Stored?
Stored correctly, modern ammunition stays reliable for decades. Proper storage ensures ammo remains reliable and safe to use even decades after purchase. Key factors affecting longevity include:
With optimal storage: using airtight containers, desiccant packs, and a stable environment, modern ammunition can perform as intended for 50 years or more. Historical examples of properly stored military surplus ammo prove this durability.
Metal vs. Plastic Ammo Cans
Durable and often equipped with superior seals, metal ammo cans are ideal for long-term storage, especially in harsh conditions. They resist physical damage well but can rust if exposed to high humidity.
Lightweight and rust-resistant, plastic cans are good for controlled environments. They work well indoors but can warp under heavy loads or in high heat.
Both options are effective if used correctly, but the choice depends on your storage location and environment.
Should You Keep Ammo in the Box Inside an Ammo Container?
Yes, it’s wise to keep ammo in its original box and then store the box inside an ammo can. Here’s why:
When placed in an ammo box with a good seal and desiccant packs, boxed ammo remains organized, traceable, and well-protected. This approach combines the benefits of factory packaging with the added environmental protection of a sealed container.
HOWEVER - this is NOT mandatory (I do both - loose storage and in box storage)
Importance of a Good Seal
Airtight seals are essential to protect ammo from moisture. High-quality ammo cans feature rubber gaskets that form a tight seal when closed. Always inspect the seal for damage, as a compromised gasket will allow humidity and air to enter, risking corrosion.
Using Desiccant Packs
Silica gel desiccant packs are simple tools to control humidity inside your ammo storage containers.
- Add a desiccant pack to each container for extra moisture protection.
- Replace or recharge desiccant packs periodically, as they lose effectiveness over time.
- Especially useful in humid climates or for long-term storage.
Learn about Silica Gel Beads & Packets (Desiccants)
Risks of Improper Ammo Storage
Poor storage can significantly degrade ammunition over time:
- Corrosion: Moisture can rust casings and primers, affecting reliability.
- Temperature swings: Repeated hot and cold cycles cause condensation inside unsealed containers, which starts corrosion.
- Powder Issues: Heat and moisture can degrade gunpowder, causing inconsistent performance or misfires.
Inspect older or improperly stored ammo carefully before use. Discard any rounds showing signs of damage.
Practical Storage Tips
Ensuring Safe and Reliable Ammo Storage
By controlling humidity, using proper containers, and avoiding moisture exposure, you can keep your ammunition safe and ready to use. A sealed container with a desiccant pack is a simple and effective way to protect your investment, ensuring reliability when it matters most.
Questions this answers
Tap a question for the short answer.
How do I store ammo long term?
Keep it in a sealed metal or plastic ammo can with a silica gel desiccant pack, in a cool, stable spot off the floor. Check the gasket for damage, inspect the rounds every few months, label cans with purchase dates, and shoot the oldest stock first.
How long does ammo last in storage?
Stored correctly, modern ammunition stays reliable for decades. With airtight containers, desiccant packs, and a stable environment, modern ammo can perform as intended for 50 years or more, and properly stored military surplus proves it. Heat degrades gunpowder and moisture corrodes casings and primers, while cold has minimal effect.
Are metal or plastic ammo cans better?
It depends on where you store them. Metal cans are durable, usually seal better, and suit long-term storage in harsh conditions, but they can rust in high humidity. Plastic cans are light and rust-resistant and work well indoors, though they can warp under heavy loads or high heat.
Should I keep ammo in the original box?
It is wise but not mandatory. The factory box carries lot numbers, manufacturing dates, and caliber specs, keeps rounds from rattling loose, and adds a layer of protection from scratches. Put the box inside a sealed ammo can with desiccant. I store ammo both ways, loose and boxed.
Do I need desiccant packs in ammo cans?
Add a silica gel desiccant pack to every container for extra moisture protection. They matter most in humid climates and for long-term storage. Replace or recharge them periodically because they lose effectiveness over time. A sealed can plus a desiccant pack is the simple setup I rely on.
What happens if ammo is stored badly?
Moisture rusts casings and primers, repeated hot and cold cycles cause condensation inside unsealed containers, which starts corrosion, and heat and moisture degrade the powder, causing inconsistent performance or misfires. Inspect older or poorly stored ammo carefully before use and discard any rounds that show damage.
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