Ammunition Storage

**ldp4570** · 04-26-2010, 12:09 PM

Seems my old entry has been deleted. So here it is again. Please read as it will save you some money!!

I will address here what should be common knowledge on proper storage of ammunition in the home. It seems from reading various forums that some folks have been given the wrong information, or haven't given much thought as to how to store their ammunition. This will also give some ideas about proper rotation of ammunition that is used on an everyday basis.

OK, before I get started, a little about my background. I have served as a military and civilian Quality Assurance and Surviellance specialist for ammunition and explosives. I have over 15+ years in this field. I don't claim to be the worlds expert at this, but feel that the knowledge I have may benefit some here.

First we will start off with classification of small arms, powders, and components.
1. Small arms ammunition using smokeless powders are classed as a 1.4 fire hazard, which means that even contained inside a ammo can will be very unlikely to explode when exposed to fire. Proper storage inside a home should be someplace away from direct heat, yet stored in such a way to provide air to circulate, one inch or so around large containers is deemed sufficiant. Try not to dogpile your stock.
2. Powder. Smokeless powder that is lose(not loaded) is classed as a 1.3 class. Usually it will not explode but burn. Try to store it seperate from all other components, primers, heat source, and such. If your powders can be contained inside of ammocans ensure you place dessicant bags in the can to help with humidity issues.
2a. BlackPowder. I don't care what you've been told, it is and always has been classed as an explosive, doesn't matter the amount. Its classed as a Low Explosive, and carries the hazard class of 1.1. This if possible should be stored outside of the home. If not possible try to store it somewhere its the least likely to come into contact with a heat source, and where its the least likely to do the most damage to the home(like your garage, place it near the farthest wall from the inside of the home). It should be stored in its own container, in some type of ammocan and should have some type of barracade around it. As little as five pounds can do alot of damage to a house.
3. Primers. Primers rate a 1.4 class as do small arms. Storage should be the same as your ammo, and use dessicant if possible.

Rotation! OK, the majority of your ammunition doesn't need to be rotated every month, or six months Remember these companies for the most part produce ammunition for the military. This ammo sits for years before use, and its always the policy to use the oldest first. The military doesn't store their ammo in nice warm/air conditioned homes, its sits in warehouses, magazines, and outdoor storage, or issued to troops where its exposed to some of the worst extreams known, and it works! So your ammo is going to last along time, even what you have in your carrygun/HD gun, at the worst, unless your standing outside everyday allday, is only going to be in the element for a very short period. Its not going to go bad over night, or in sixmonths. At the least rotate every year, yet you could go longer. I've seen and inspected ammunition/small arms thats been sitting in bunkers/magazines and other places thats older than most people on this board, and its still looks like the day it left the factory. Remember too this was made on the lowest bid, not your top dollar defensive ammo.

**Old Fart** · 04-26-2010, 01:26 PM

Good repost. Thanks.

**ldp4570** · 04-26-2010, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Old Fart

Good repost. Thanks.

Now if I could just get one of the mod's to sticky it.....................

**Zombie** · 04-26-2010, 02:42 PM

great info!!! I learned somethin!

**cznick** · 04-29-2010, 08:38 PM

great info.....thanks

**Biggsly** · 04-29-2010, 08:44 PM

Thanks for the info.

**repete34** · 04-29-2010, 08:51 PM

+100,000,000,000

**sabot_round** · 04-30-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by ldp4570

Now if I could just get one of the mod's to sticky it.....................

I agree with the sticky.

**imhntn** · 04-30-2010, 11:39 AM

Thanks man. I have never had any fail and always wondered about how to store it. I will quit worrying.

**flatwins** · 04-30-2010, 12:35 PM

Thanks Leighton. Glad it's a sticky now.

**ldp4570** · 04-30-2010, 12:58 PM

Thank you to the Mod who stickied it, and to all who have benefitted from it.
If there are any questions on storage, rotation, or any other question relating to loaded ammo, feel free to PM me, or post here. I'll do my best to answer your question's!

Leighton

**operator742** · 05-01-2010, 08:19 PM

great info. thanks!!

**Edgehead918** · 06-09-2010, 11:03 AM

Whats the best type of dessicant to use for ammo storage?

**_CY_** · 06-09-2010, 11:16 AM

many thanks for the repost... got some rearranging to do

**ldp4570** · 06-09-2010, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Edgehead918

Whats the best type of dessicant to use for ammo storage?

Dessicant really isn't needed for loaded components unless your ammo is to be stored outside of your home in a shed or other outbuilding where there is no heat or air. Then it really only needs to be stacked and stored where it can breath. If your storing in MilSpec type cans all you need to do is put a couple of small boards on top of each can so air can circulate, and make sure your cans are off the floor as well if there is a possibility of flooding.

When dessicant is used with military ammunition its more for items such as guided munitions, and its there for the hardware not the explosive. Its very hard to damage selfcontained ammunition such as small arms with the effects of weather.