Storing ammo

[team5150]

I just bought a bunch of ammo - 2k rounds - that were shipped in very sturdy boxes. The rounds are on 20 and 50 round individual boxes.

I'm out of steel ammo cans. Is it OK to store them in the boxes as is or should I get some more cans to store them.

[Gene1986]

I store mine without cans. Just shot some from 3 years ago, 500 rounds no problem.

[Condorguns]

Store them in a cool dry place and you will be fine.

[Full Clip]

Keep dry and relatively cool they will be fine in boxes for decades.

[TurboChrisB]

I have tons of ammo in the original boxes that is 10-20 and 30 years old that I bought new and is in fine shape....and shoots perfectly. I have ammo my pop got in the Navy in 55 (.308) that still shoots perfect. Still in the bandoliers.

Of course all mine is indoors....not out in the garage or subject to the elements.

[stormvet]

Two thousand rounds, that would only last a couple months for me.
But I still have .38 & .357 I reloaded twenty years ago. Hardly ever shoot wheel guns anymore but when I do, those rounds are as good as new. They are stored in a large metal cabinet in plastic ammo boxes that midway has been selling since the beginning of time.

[NapalmCheese]

Yer gonna die!

I just stored a 16 gauge shell in my pants pocket while running it through a wash cycle. I give it a 30/70 shot of going bang when I pull the trigger on it.

Ammo degrades exponentially if you don't store it in metal containers. Ammo manufacturers know this, and that is why they are packaged in cardboard and/or foam, necessitating you're having to buy ammo again.

[jeffyhog]

I've read that some older cardboard boxes were acidic, and caused the ammo to tarnish or corrode. Is this accurate, and if so, can anyone tell us what origin these boxes were from? I'm guessing any recent packaging would not have these issues.

[tmh1]

EDIT: Free shipping must have been a Labor Day promotion - Currently they are screwing their buyers with high shipping charges.

Uncle Sam's has used 50 cal cans currently on sale for $9.99, with free shipping on $100 orders (but you will have to pay sales tax).

IIRC it came out to less than $11/can when you bought 11.

For that kind of money, why take chances?

http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com...21A-p/6743.htm

[gwgn02]

Ammo can be stored in anything that keeps moisture out. Moisture and temp extremes shorted its life. Otherwise it should last for decades.

[musick]

I've read that some older cardboard boxes were acidic, and caused the ammo to tarnish or corrode. Is this accurate, and if so, can anyone tell us what origin these boxes were from? I'm guessing any recent packaging would not have these issues.

All cardboard boxes used for ammo (and in general) is acidic and absorbs moisture unless specifically stated otherwise. Its a cost thing. With that said I have some x39 bought mid 90s and stored in factory boxes and in cans and the only degradation is in the staples holding the box together. Casings are intact but likely coated.

I wouldnt worry too much about it but that is dependent on the source. Store 'em naked in cans with desiccant if longevity is a concern.

[Dee_Dub]

most of my ammo is nekkid as well

[chris]

I keep mine in ammo cans. ammo will last for decades.

I came across a can of .50 cal ammo in Iraq that was dated 1977. shot well so no issues in an ammo can.

my problem now is I have no room anymore.

[NOTABIKER]

i have a automotive parts cabinet that i use for all my unsealed ammo. every time i buy a product that has those little moisture absorbing packets in them i toss them in the cabinet.most of my ammo is 50 year old surplus. funny old surplus mosin ammo never fails me but their is a lot of bad mauser surplus ammo out their. many duds.

[MrSam]

I keep most of mine in a .50 can, with some desiccant packets. When I didn't have cans, I would store them in a cardboard box, again, with desiccant packets.