how do you store your ammo?

[Maddog5150]

I am trying to decide how to store my ammo and powder. I was thinking about one of those blast cabinet/locker that are red but want to get your guys opinion. Any specific storage and price of it you guys recommend?

[bumpo628]

You could use one of those Sentry gun cabinets - either in Pistol size ($70) or 8 Rifle size ($120). That all depends on how much you have store of course.

[AEC1]

I use an old freezer and put a padlock hasp on it. The insulation and seal on the door keep temps and humidity stable. Also if you have a large supply you dont have to worry about it cooking off in a fire. And you can get it free on Craigs list.

[scarville]

I use an old freezer and put a padlock hasp on it. The insulation and seal on the door keep temps and humidity stable. Also if you have a large supply you dont have to worry about it cooking off in a fire. And you can get it free on Craigs list.

Mine is stored in two old refrigerators. Pretty much for the same reason.

[Maddog5150]

cool. I'll keep that in mind. I was looking for something a little more conventional though. A stack on is no where near big enough btw

[Lead Waster]

Someone mentioned not storing powder in a tightly sealed container, especially metal. If it somehow gets too hot, it might make a mighty large bomb.

I just lock my stuff up in a plastic tool cabinet in my workshop. I also have some sitting on a shelf in my closet.

All guns are in a gun safe though. I really should lock the closet ammo with the other stuff.

Powder is just sitting on a shelf. Primers are in the tool cabinet, possibly foolishly with the ammo, but they are on seperate shelves, for what that's worth.

I think storing for safety is a bit different than storing to protect from thieves. You need the stuff locked up so crooks don't take it, but you don't want it to kill you in a fire. Maybe a sturdy wooden footlocker, bolted to the floor, would be best.

Or maybe despite warnings not to store the ammo with the firearms, maybe the safe is best if it's got a good fire-rating.

[CycloSteve]

Currently I am looking into reloading, and one of my first questions is proper storage of powder.

I have my gunsafe, but that does not appear to be the right place, nor has any space.

I found the following info:


The NFPA mandates to store smokeless powder in a wooden cabinet (not metal) and that all sides are at least 1-inch thick with a shelf separation distance of no more than 3 feet.

Has anyone built their own powder cabinet, and if so, about how big and what sort of materials did you use?

[BillCA]

Storing in a wood cabinet reduces the chance of static sparks igniting the powder and also allows any pressure to escape quickly.

Those using freezers/fridges may want to rethink how much they store. Or at least ensure that the doors can pop open with a padlock in place to release any pressure buildup during a fire.

Do not store primers in bulk.
Do not store primers with powder canisters
Ground any metal cabinets to prevent static discharge.
Use caution with plastic cabinets as plastic can create static discharges.

I store fixed ammo in USGI ammo cans (designed for the purpose) or their original cardboard boxes off the floor and away from sources of moisture.

[zeke2517]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=395286

STORE IT HERE!!!

[chim-chim7]

Storing ammo in a sealed metal container=BOOM! Same goes for powder and primers. I keep my ammo in a large wood storage cabinet, seperate from powder and primers. Those are kept it wooden boxes. Be safe guys, don't create bombs in your house.

[Cowboy T]

Ammo cans

[BillCA]

Storing ammo in a sealed metal container=BOOM! Same goes for powder and primers. I keep my ammo in a large wood storage cabinet, seperate from powder and primers. Those are kept it wooden boxes. Be safe guys, don't create bombs in your house.

USGI ammo cans are safe. Even though they have gaskets and a "locking" lever for the lid, they are designed to "vent" if pressure builds up inside from cooking rounds in a fire.


Plus ammo cans can stack nicely in the garage or large closet.

[Maddog5150]

Haha. Ok stop with the ammo cans. I have too many and ammo cans make it easier for a douche bag to carry off
I guess I will have to look into a plastic cabinet but those are fairly easy to break into

[forgiven]

Ammo cans

[bumpo628]

Haha. Ok stop with the ammo cans. I have too many and ammo cans make it easier for a douche bag to carry off
I guess I will have to look into a plastic cabinet but those are fairly easy to break into

If you're concerned about thieves, why don't you anchor the ammo cans to the floor / walls / each other?
You'll just have to figure out how to make them lockable.

I bought a large lighting storage box from the local surplus store and converted it into ammo storage. Then I screwed it to the bench and the walls.