Tips for Storing Your Ammunition
Ammo storage is a critical part of owning firearms, yet some owners overlook this area. Negligence in proper storage of your ammunition can lead to various issues, from decreased accuracy and damage to the firearm to accidental discharge or even misfire.
You should be extra careful if you’ve got little children and pets in the house. More than 200 children in the US have died this year because they had access to these items when they shouldn’t. We will go over the basics of ammo storage and provide a few tips for keeping your rounds safe and secure.
5 Tips For Storing Your Ammunition
Follow these tips to properly store your ammunition and keep it safe and ready for use.
Clean Your Ammunition
You need to clean your ammunition to ensure that it won’t cause damage while reloading. This procedure is necessary when you plan to use it or you intend to store it. The dirt buildup and grime on your ammo can easily attach to your firearm and ruin it. So it would be best if you got rid of this fouling before stacking them up for storage.
Cleaning your ammo is pretty straightforward. All you need is a simple procedure and a good cleaning kit. Armory Den offers excellent cleaning kits, including cleaning solvents, lubricants, cleaning brushes, solvent traps, and everything you need. But if you don’t have any of these, you can improvise with household items such as a separator, vinegar, salt, and water.
Fill a container with warm water, and add some drops of dishwashing liquid, salt, and one cup of vinegar. Submerge your ammo in the solution and leave it for about 15 minutes before stirring. After that, leave them for another 30 minutes before rinsing. Use a small primer to remove any debris between the casings and sun-dry them for a couple of days before applying lubricant.
Use Secure Storage Options
Secure storage options are a must-have for every firearm owner. Owning a firearm comes with a responsibility to ensure your safety and those around you. One of the tools that can help you store your ammo more securely is an ammunition lockbox. These boxes come in different sizes, but they serve one primary purpose—to keep the ammunition safe from unauthorized access.
Some lockboxes use a simple padlock for safety, while others use more complex electronic devices that require a code or key to be operated. Whatever type of lockbox you choose, it’s essential to keep it away from children’s reach and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You should consider portability and durability when shopping for an ammo lockbox. For hunters and frequent travelers, ensure that the storage box has a comfortable handle for easy carry-on. Then it should deliver superior strength and durability to protect your ammo from burglary.
Control Humidity
Another vital aspect of ammunition storage is regulating the humidity you expose them to. If the storage environment contains plenty of moisture, it will cause your rounds to corrode. At the same time, too little humidity will cause them to crack and split.
A simple way to control humidity in your ammunition storage compartment is to use a moisture absorber like silica gel packets. You can find them at most hardware stores or online vendors. You need to place them alongside your ammunition, and they will absorb any excess moisture in the air. But how can you strike a balance between excess humidity and extreme dryness?
According to the National Rifle Association (NRA), your ammunition storage compartment should be kept between 30%-50% humidity. So if you use big chambers like a lockbox or safe, you can introduce a mini dehumidifier into that space and set the humidity level within that range. Otherwise, simple silica gel packets will do.
Control Temperature
SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) recommends avoiding extremely high temperatures (above 150°F). The ideal storage temperature is between 55°F and 85°F. Having excess heat or cold in the storage box can cause an undesirable effect on your ammo. When the storage space is too cold, the air becomes moist and fosters mold growth and corrosion. The lubricant wears out when it’s too hot and loses its protective effect.
If you want to maintain a consistent temperature in your ammunition storage space, consider using lockboxes or safes. These devices are great options for controlling the temperature. But when shopping for one, check if it has an inbuilt temperature regulator. Those types are usually costlier but are typically worth the investment.
However, if you already own a version without an inbuilt temperature regulator or you’re on a tighter budget, you can get a mini temperature monitor to do the job.
Use Ammo Labels
It’s essential to keep your ammunition well organized and accounted for, especially if you have an extensive collection. One way to do this is by using ammo labels. These stickers can identify the type of ammunition, the caliber, and even the weight. This arrangement will make finding the right rounds easier when you need them.
These boxes, though, are not a necessity for storing your firearms. They only make the storage more organized. You can do without these boxes if you don’t have plenty of space in your home. Otherwise, you can purchase them from hardware stores or online platforms.
We’ve discussed the ideal storage conditions for ammunition. Ensure that it is clean and the storage space is cool and dry. You can find excellent cleaning solutions at Armory Den. We offer every cleaning and the lubricating item you will need to keep your firearm in perfect condition before storing them.
More-so, consider investing in a solid storage compartment like lockboxes and safes. It helps to keep the children safe and keep the firearms away from the wrong hands in the event of a burglary.
Storage devices may be one expense you are never prepared for while purchasing your firearm. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to have one in your home. The many benefits it has to offer to justify the investment.
References:
- https://www.aftermath.com/content/accidental-shooting-deaths-statistics/
- http://www.foldmagazine.com/level/gun-safe-humidity-level.html
- https://gunnewsdaily.com/best-way-to-store-ammo/
Notice: Please be advised that this article is for information purposes only and Armory Den, Inc., Armory Den, and/or Armoryden.com, does not accept liability for any negligence, injury, death or other personal or environmental consequences that occur from the sourced and unsourced information in this article.
