How can I safely store ammunition?

Safely Storing Ammunition: Ensuring Security and Longevity

Ammunition is a vital component of firearm ownership. Just as it’s crucial to store firearms safely to prevent accidents or unauthorized use, it’s equally important to store ammunition securely. Proper storage not only ensures safety but also maintains the ammunition’s performance and longevity. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the best practices, considerations, and tips for safely storing ammunition.

Understanding the Nature of Ammunition

Before diving into storage methods, it’s important to understand what ammunition is made of and how it reacts:

1. Components: A typical cartridge consists of a case, primer, gunpowder, and a bullet. Each component has its sensitivities.
2. Sensitivity: While modern ammunition is quite stable, it can degrade or become hazardous if exposed to extreme conditions like moisture, high temperatures, or direct flame.

Safety Considerations

Storing ammunition safely is not just about preserving its quality; it’s also about ensuring it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands or pose a risk:

1. Child Safety: Kids are naturally curious. Ensuring they cannot access ammunition is paramount.
2. Theft Prevention: Just as with firearms, ammunition is a target for theft. Secure storage can deter potential thieves.
3. Fire Safety: While it’s a misconception that rounds can be set off like mini rockets in a fire, they can pop, causing potential harm.

Ideal Storage Conditions

The longevity and performance of your ammunition are directly influenced by the environment in which it’s stored. Here are some conditions to aim for:

1. Cool: While it doesn’t need to be cold, ammunition should be stored in a relatively cool place. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade the gunpowder and primer.
2. Dry: Moisture is ammunition’s enemy. It can lead to corrosion of the case and bullet, and if it penetrates inside, it can degrade the gunpowder, rendering the ammunition useless or even dangerous.
3. Dark: While not as critical as the other conditions, keeping ammunition out of direct sunlight is generally a good idea.

Storage Solutions

Given the conditions above, let’s look at some of the best ways to store ammunition:

1. Ammunition Cans: Military surplus ammo cans are popular and effective storage solutions. They are typically metal (though some modern versions are plastic) with a rubber gasket seal, making them air and water-tight.
2. Ammunition Safes: Similar to gun safes but designed for ammunition, these offer a secure, moisture-resistant environment.
3. Desiccants: These are moisture-absorbing packets that can be placed inside ammo cans or safes to keep the environment dry. They can be purchased or often come with electronics or shoes.
4. Vacuum Sealing: For long-term storage, some individuals vacuum-seal their ammunition to keep out moisture.
5. Original Packaging: Keeping ammunition in its original cardboard and plastic packaging is often recommended, as these are designed to keep the rounds separate and safe from damage.

Rotation System

Just like with perishable goods, it’s a good idea to rotate your ammunition stock:

1. First In, First Out: Use older ammunition before newer purchases to ensure you’re always using rounds in their best condition.
2. Mark Purchase Dates: Using a marker, write the purchase date on each box so you can easily identify older rounds.

Regular Inspections

Even with the best storage solutions, it’s wise to inspect your ammunition regularly:

1. Look for Corrosion: Any signs of green or white corrosion, particularly around the primer or the case mouth, can indicate that moisture has gotten to your rounds.
2. Damaged Cases: Look for dents, scratches, or other deformities. Damaged cases can be dangerous to fire.
3. Old Ammo: Vintage or inherited ammunition should be approached with caution. If you’re unsure of its age or storage conditions, it might be safer to dispose of it rather than risk firing potentially unstable rounds.

Safety in Numbers

If you own a significant amount of ammunition, consider spreading out your storage:

1. Multiple Locations: This reduces the risk of all your ammunition being compromised by a single event, like a flood or fire.
2. Safety Concerns: Remember, each storage location should be secure and out of the reach of unauthorized users or children.

Storing Ammunition with Guns

While firearms and ammunition are intrinsically linked, there are divided opinions on storing them together:

1. For Security: Some argue that keeping firearms and ammunition separate ensures that if someone unauthorized gains access to the firearms, they won’t have ammunition to use.
2. For Readiness: Others believe that a self-defense firearm should be stored with a ready supply of ammunition. If this is your choice, ensure both are secured.

Understanding Local Laws

It’s crucial to be aware of and understand any local laws or regulations regarding the storage of ammunition:

1. Storage Requirements: Some jurisdictions may have specific requirements about how and where ammunition can be stored.
2. Quantity Limits: There might be limits on how much ammunition you can store in a single location or overall.

Long-term vs. Short-term Storage

Your storage solutions might differ based on how long you intend to store the ammunition:

1. Short-term: If you regularly go to the range, keeping a small stock in easily accessible (but secure) locations might be your choice.
2. Long-term: For ammunition you intend to store for years, ensure it’s in airtight, moisture-resistant containers in stable environments.

Safe Disposal of Unwanted Ammunition

Over time, you might accumulate old or damaged rounds that you don’t want to fire:

1. Do Not Throw Out: Ammunition should never be thrown in the trash.
2. Local Police: Many police departments will accept unwanted ammunition and dispose of it safely.
3. Gun Ranges: Some ranges will take old ammunition or might know the best local disposal methods.

In Conclusion

Storing ammunition safely is a multi-faceted endeavor, blending safety concerns with the desire to maintain the quality and performance of the rounds. With an understanding of the nature of ammunition and the potential risks, combined with regular inspections and a proactive approach to storage, you can ensure that your ammunition remains a reliable resource for years to come. Properly stored ammunition not only serves its purpose when needed but also ensures the safety and security of everyone in its vicinity.