Storing ammo OUTSIDE (JIC)

[GraveTrain]

When we put together our 72 hour emergency kit, we put a lot of thought and research in it. One of the most important decisions we made was to store much of the key emergency elements OUTSIDE the house. When we redid our landscaping in the backyard, we tastefully put out those gigantic Rubbermaid reach-in storage units. We wrapped all of our equipment in plastic and duct tape and heavy plastic and sealed everything up. We check it year to year and for the past 10 years, no problems except the occasional spider nest. In the event of our house collapsing and/or catching fire, stuff would be safe AWAY from the house.

Now that we've equipped ourselves with firearms, would it also make sense that we keep a stash of ammo outside? If so, what's the best way to keep it dry and maintain it's effectiveness with fluctuations in temperature. Keeping in mind that tents, sleeping bags and clothes are NOT ammo.

[bombadillo]

Sealed plastic or metal Ammo can with a rubber gasket and an ample amount of silica gel. Rotate it as needed and spray it on the outside with a rust resistant paint. The plastic ones seal better IMO but the metal ones have been around an awful long time so that says something.

[f4tweet]

I heard a long time ago to load up the ammo box, drop in a small amount of dry ice, and seal it. I understand the dry ice absorbs or displaces the air/moisture. Any inputs to this everybody?

[kurac]

dry ice is frozen CO2, not sure how that would help. Liquid nitrogen would be better.

[gravedigger]

Pelican cases claim to be "waterproof" so I would think that an investment in one or two of the larger Pelican cases would hold most of the ammo you have.

It doesn't cost much to buy one of the plastic sealer machines. You get the thick plastic sleeves on a roll. Seal one end, cut off a length, fill it with bullets and a few SILCA bags to absorb moisture, and then seal the other end.

Mason jars? Would storing bullets with a SILCA bag or two in a mason jar work? I think it would!

For long term or SHTF storage, buy a thick schedule 40 black ABS plastic sewer tube! Glue seal a cap on one end, fill it with bullets and some SILCA bags, and then seal the other end with another cap. You can bury this "capsule" in the ground, or store it practically anywhere OUT of the sunlight and it should last for years. You can also store a handgun or a rifle in the same thing, making the tube longer for rifles, or a larger diameter for a handgun.

I have other suggestions ... but those are reserved for my "inner circle."

[GraveTrain]

The tube idea sounds great... AND cheap.

[joelogic]

Someone in San Francisco is armed and planning an ammo dump, I just cried a tear of joy.

[postal]

I heard a long time ago to load up the ammo box, drop in a small amount of dry ice, and seal it. I understand the dry ice absorbs or displaces the air/moisture. Any inputs to this everybody?

dry ice is frozen CO2, not sure how that would help. Liquid nitrogen would be better.

****DRY****RICE****

NOT "ICE"!!!!

Uncooked rice absorbs moisture. it is a cheap and effective dessicant- however, if it absorbs a good amount of moisture, it molds over pretty nasty.

If you live in a humid climate and your salt in the shaker starts clumping and sticks together, just a small amount of dry white RICE (like 1/4 teaspoon) in the salt shaker will keep that from happening. The rice is too big to get through the holes in the lid the salt pours out of and stays in the shaker. When you run out of salt, dump the rice and replace with fresh rice and refill the salt.


Regarding outdoor ammo storage, heat is the enemy. Bury at least 18 inches underground- 2 ft or a little more is great. At 2 ft underground, temps are VERY stable most of the year unless you live somewhere with long cold winters. Buried to maintain cool stable temps would extend the shelf life the longest.

Inside a garage or shed would be the worst place for it because the constant severe temperature swings.