ammo and powder storage temperatures

[Rokman]

What is the maximum and minimum temperature range one could safely store ammo, or powder. I am running out of space in my house for storage of my ammo. I have a few well insulated boxes used to ship medical supplies that I would like to store ammo in. I am wanting to know if it is possible to store ammo in my insulated, but non-heated /cooled garage. I am testing my cooler box with a thermometer which will tell me the temp in the garage and the box. The temp in the box is very steady with little fluxuation as compared to the room temperature. I live in north texas where there can be a big swing in the weather and garage temp any day of the year.

 

[kellyj00]

Ammo is pretty much shelf stable, but I keep mine in my fridge right next to the eggs, on it's own shelf. *kidding*

The military puts ammo through tests, (I've seen it on TV anyway) where they heat it to over a hundred degrees and fire it, then they super chill it and fire it. I think it was the modern marvels on History channel over ammunition where they did this. Great show, btw.

I would trust that a garage would not harm your ammo in any way shape or form. The worst thing that could happen is that it would fail to fire. I seriously doubt you're putting yourself at any safety risk.

How long are you planning on storing it? And how much are you stockpiling? I'm curious. I have no quarms about keeping as much ammunition on hand as you want, I'm just concerned that if everyone's hoarding it there may be a reason I should consider...such as a pending jump in price.

 

[1 old 0311]

It is stored in Russia, China, Romania, and half of the Third World countries, in horid conditions. Decades later it is still fine.

 

[cdrt]

I store my ammo in the garage (have a small storage room) in ammo cans and have not had a problem. I'm in Graham (I'm sure you know where that is) and experience the same weather conditions.
Back in the '70's, we were still shooting .50 Cal that was headstamped 1944. It had been repacked in 1945 in wood boxes with a tin foil insert. Never had any duds.

 

[Rokman]

Kellyjoo, I have been purchasing ammo the last two years to hedge against price increases. So far I have done pretty good considering current prices with all the increases we have seen so far. As far as how long, I don't know. I do know that I don't shoot the volume of ammo that I did a year ago. My main reason for moving to the garage is a recent addition to my family that took my extra storage closet.

 

[brickeyee]

Insulation only slows the passage of heat, it does not stop it.
The mass of the bullets will help stabilize the temperataure though.

I would be more concerned with moisture and corrosion than anything else.
Buy some surpous ammo cans