Even the best gun on the market is useless without ammunition. All you must do is go to any firearm forum or blog, and you will see plenty of discussions about ammunition, especially about buying it in bulk to save money and ensure you have a good supply in the event of another ammo shortage or price increase. Buying in case lots of 500 or 1000 rounds is a great way to save money and have plenty of ammo for the range. However, once that heavy box is dropped off at your door, the next step is storing it properly.

Considerations When Storing Ammunition

Ammunition, like firearms themselves, is a sensitive item. Leaving it lying around is not a good idea for several reasons. For one thing, you do not want anyone who should not be messing around with it, such as children, getting their hands on it. Another consideration is that although ammunition is reasonably durable and, if properly stored, it should have a shelf life somewhere in the decades, it is still not indestructible.

Ammunition is susceptible to several environmental factors, such as moisture, heat, and dust. It can also be damaged by being left loose or banged around. Harsh treatment can dent the cases and cause the bullets to become unseated from the case necks. Fortunately, caring properly for your ammunition is not rocket science.

Use the Proper Container

Storing Ammunition in the proper containers is the first step in ensuring it will be ready for you when you are ready for it. Storing ammunition loose in cans, boxes, or bags is especially bad.

Manufacturers boxes

Ammunition manufacturers put their ammo into boxes specially designed to hold it. Each box has a tray inside that holds each cartridge upright and separates it from the others to protect it. The outside of the box is printed with information about the cartridge, such as bullet weight and lot number. Some also have the muzzle energy and velocity printed on them. Leaving your ammo in these boxes is the best first step in storing it properly.

Sometimes, your new ammo may not be in manufacturer boxes. That may be because you hand-loaded it yourself or purchased it in bulk from a manufacturer that sells ‘reman’ ammo. This ammunition is reloaded using once-fired brass and is suitable for the range and sometimes comes in plastic bags. I generally save empty factory ammo boxes to use in storing bulk ammo and put homemade labels on them so I know what is in them. Another option is to buy plastic ammo trays with lids. Either is better than having ammunition bouncing around loose in a box or bag.

Ammo Cans

Military ammo cans are by far the best containers for storing ammunition since they are made specifically for that purpose. They close tightly and incorporate rubber seals in the lids, are very tough, and will protect ammunition from dust, moisture, and hard knocks. They also make moving ammunition, which is heavy, much easier than something like cardboard boxes since they have handles and will not tear or burst open. When buying military surplus cans, be sure to inspect them carefully to ensure the lids close and the seals are intact.

There are also commercially made plastic ammo boxes on the market. These look like a military ammo can but are made of high-impact plastic. In my experience, they are fine for storing ammo that you will not be moving around much, but their handles and lids are not durable compared to military metal cans. I have had handles break when I tried to lift a full plastic can to move it in the past, so I stick with metal cans now.

Fighting Moisture

When it comes to ammunition, even a little bit of moisture is your enemy. Humidity can corrode brass and aluminum cases and rust steel cases. It can also degrade primers and powder. Ammo is best stored in an airtight container like the ammo cans discussed above. It is also wise to throw a couple of desiccant packets in the can to help absorb any residual moisture. Desiccant packets can be purchased in bulk online or in gun or hardware stores. They are also often included in everything from vitamins to new shoes. These can be saved and used in a pinch. Used desiccants can be dried by putting them on a tray in the oven at 250 degrees for an hour or so. If you live in a particularly humid region, it is also a good idea to install an electric dehumidifier in the room or storage space. Basement storage areas are particularly humid.

Temperature and Light

High temperatures can degrade the propellent in ammunition, making it less effective and possibly even dangerous. Degraded propellant can lead to squib rounds that leave the bullet lodged in the barrel to be hit by the next round fired with catastrophic results. Likewise, bright sunlight can degrade packing materials like boxes and trays and increase the temperature in your storage area. Store ammunition in a cool, dark place or at least out of direct sunlight. A closet in an air-conditioned portion of your home is ideal. You would be surprised how little space ammunition that is well organized and stored in ammo cans takes up. If your only option is a shed or garage, protect the ammunition with an insulated cover to reduce temperature extremes and sudden fluctuations. Even a sleeping bag covered with a heavy-duty survival blanket with the foil side facing up will help.

Organizing Your Ammo Storage

Organization is a critical aspect of ammo storage. It helps keep boxes in good condition, prevents you from having to open multiple cans to find what you are looking for, and reduces the chances of grabbing the wrong ammo. Avoid mixing different calibers and types of ammunition in the same storage container. For example, do not put 9mm and .380 in the same container or even FMJ and JHP. That will save you from having to rummage through all the boxes to find what you are looking for. Organize and stack it neatly according to the contents of each can.

Proper Labeling

Just as your individual boxes of ammunition should be clearly marked, it is also wise to label the outside of ammo cans. Opening every can or box to find out what’s in them increases wear and tear on you and the packaging. Frequently opening them also potentially lets moisture into the cans. Worst of all, not labeling cans or storage boxes can waste time if you need ammunition in a hurry during a crisis. Exterior labels should include the following information:

• Caliber
• Bullet weight and type (FMJ. JHP, etc.)
• Case material (brass, aluminum, steel)
• Brand (if you so desire)
• Use (range, self-defense, hunting)
• Date the ammo was put in your stash

Rotating Your Ammo

Just as you rotate canned foods and batteries, ammunition should be rotated. Individual boxes should have the purchase date marked on them, including boxes you reuse to fill with bulk ammo. The date you put the ammo into storage should be marked on the outside of ammunition cans or wooden boxes. When you add new ammunition to your stash, take the extra time to put the newer ammunition on the bottom of the stack and rotate older ammunition to the top, where it can be grabbed easily for trips to the range or to rotate the ammo in the magazines of your EDC guns.

What and Why to Store

Many external factors like politics, social unrest, and manufacturer or supply chain issues can cause a run on ammo, resulting in higher prices and reduced availability. Obviously, it is wise to keep a nice supply of ammunition available for the most common calibers and those you frequently shoot. If you are concerned about possible SHTF scenarios, common calibers also make good barter material, although I would only trade ammunition with people I know and trust. These include .22LR, 9mm, .45ACP, .223/5.56 .308, and 7.62×39. Shotgun ammunition is also a good item to stock up on, especially a variety of 12 gauge shot and slug rounds. However, keep in mind that shotgun ammo is more susceptible to moisture and heat than metal-cased ammo. Again, if you have a SHTF stock, rotate it as much as possible.

Safety

Some people may have concerns about storing ammunition in their homes for fear of how it might react in the event of a fire. However, modern small arms ammunition made with smokeless power, whether it is centerfire, rimfire, or shotgun ammo, will not explode in a fire. The  Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has produced a video (see below) for use in training firefighters based on tests conducted with 400,000 rounds of sporting ammunition that explains how ammunition reacts in a fire. In short, it does not create a mass explosion or a chain reaction. Cartridges that do cook-off in a fire do not ‘shoot’ the bullet like they would in a firearm because there is no chamber or barrel to contain and channel the propellant’s energy. The case simply ruptures, and any bullets or fragments expelled have a low enough energy and velocity that firefighter’s gear or even a heavy coat will stop them.

Conclusion

I always look for bulk ammo sales, usually 1000-round lots, for range ammo. For defensive ammo, I go for smaller lots of 500 or sale prices on boxed ammo and then buy multiple boxes. I honestly cannot remember the last time I bought one box of ammo. Doing so has both saved me a lot of money and given me peace of mind that I won’t run out of ammunition for my favorite guns over the years. Proper storage ensures that it is ready to go when I need it.