Ammo Storage Reccomendation

Jetpilot007 · October 10th, 2009, 04:55 PM

What is the best method of storing ammo to keep it dry and to preserve shelf life?

Common advice seems to be to store in dry ammo storage boxes like those found at Cabelas. However, what if I simply went to The Container Store, a chain, an purchase a plain ordinary plastic container.

As usual your comments are greatly appreciated!

HITCH KING · October 10th, 2009, 04:59 PM

See no problems with plain contain would suggest an absorb all product or silica package.

Jetpilot007 · October 10th, 2009, 05:05 PM

Where can I purchase the silica packages? Since it absorbs moisture does it have to be replaced often?

HITCH KING · October 10th, 2009, 06:03 PM

They sell some on the internet at can be microwaved to dry them out.

Majorlk · October 10th, 2009, 06:58 PM

As long as you keep it in an relatively low humidity (under 50 percent) no silica gel is needed, although it won't hurt. In the typical air conditioned house, nothing special needs to be done.

Storage in plastic cases is fine; original or replacement cardboard boxes is fine; for reloaders, the 4x4x4 boxes that bulk bullets comes in works, too. I can put 400 9MM or 300 .38/.357 in one of them. They take up much less space than 50 round boxes. Piling the boxes into RubberMade-style tubs is fine, as long as you don't try to lift the loaded tubs!!!

I have 30+ year old ammo that works just fine with nothing special in the way of conditions other than under 80 degrees and under 60 percent humidity.

Ammo is NOT fragile.

Jetpilot007 · October 11th, 2009, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to stop at the container store soon!

gumaro · October 11th, 2009, 12:59 AM

I keep most of my surplus ammo in .30 caliber ammo cans (Army surplus) with silica packs, If you have small boxes some of the silica packs that come in electronics will do.

Ram Rod · October 11th, 2009, 01:05 AM

Army surplus ammo cans are nice. Silica packets found in medication bottles and electronics are more than enough a few to a can. I have some of the oven reactivated desiccants, and they're good for large enclosed spaces like the gun safe and such. If you don't want to spend anything on desiccants, you can always find a friend in construction and put some pieces of sheetrock in your storage spaces and be just fine.

sniper58 · October 11th, 2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetpilot007

Where can I purchase the silica packages? Since it absorbs moisture does it have to be replaced often?

Your local shoe store might have some. Some shoe makers put them in the boxes, some don't. It's worth a try since they're free.

C9H13NO3 · October 11th, 2009, 01:54 AM

I have a bunch of .50 cal ammo cans I keep them in.

October 10th, 2009, 04:55 PM	#1
Jetpilot007 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 289	Ammo Storage Reccomendation What is the best method of storing ammo to keep it dry and to preserve shelf life? Common advice seems to be to store in dry ammo storage boxes like those found at Cabelas. However, what if I simply went to The Container Store, a chain, an purchase a plain ordinary plastic container. As usual your comments are greatly appreciated!

October 10th, 2009, 06:58 PM	#5
Majorlk Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Naugatuck, CT Posts: 839	As long as you keep it in an relatively low humidity (under 50 percent) no silica gel is needed, although it won't hurt. In the typical air conditioned house, nothing special needs to be done. Storage in plastic cases is fine; original or replacement cardboard boxes is fine; for reloaders, the 4x4x4 boxes that bulk bullets comes in works, too. I can put 400 9MM or 300 .38/.357 in one of them. They take up much less space than 50 round boxes. Piling the boxes into RubberMade-style tubs is fine, as long as you don't try to lift the loaded tubs!!! I have 30+ year old ammo that works just fine with nothing special in the way of conditions other than under 80 degrees and under 60 percent humidity. Ammo is NOT fragile. __________________ An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life. - Robert A. Heinlein

October 11th, 2009, 01:05 AM	#8
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,807	Army surplus ammo cans are nice. Silica packets found in medication bottles and electronics are more than enough a few to a can. I have some of the oven reactivated desiccants, and they're good for large enclosed spaces like the gun safe and such. If you don't want to spend anything on desiccants, you can always find a friend in construction and put some pieces of sheetrock in your storage spaces and be just fine. __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock

October 11th, 2009, 01:54 AM	#10
C9H13NO3 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,188	I have a bunch of .50 cal ammo cans I keep them in. __________________ -Ryan All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

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October 10th, 2009, 04:59 PM	#2
HITCH KING Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nassau, NY(Long Island) Posts: 1,775	See no problems with plain contain would suggest an absorb all product or silica package.

October 10th, 2009, 05:05 PM	#3
Jetpilot007 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 289	Where can I purchase the silica packages? Since it absorbs moisture does it have to be replaced often?

October 10th, 2009, 06:03 PM	#4
HITCH KING Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nassau, NY(Long Island) Posts: 1,775	They sell some on the internet at can be microwaved to dry them out.

October 11th, 2009, 12:24 AM	#6
Jetpilot007 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: White Plains, NY Posts: 289	Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to stop at the container store soon!

October 11th, 2009, 12:59 AM	#7
gumaro Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Alvin, TX Posts: 175	I keep most of my surplus ammo in .30 caliber ammo cans (Army surplus) with silica packs, If you have small boxes some of the silica packs that come in electronics will do.