Ammo Storage

[BubbaRay]

Using “dry boxes” for long term storage, what are the pros/cons to leaving the rounds still in their cardboard boxes? Should I consider placing the rounds of each box into zip lock baggies? I do plan to use small packs of desiccants in each dry box. Thanks for any views.

 

[gutterman]

storing the ammo in the original boxes should pose no problems. Just store in a cool dry environment and you're good to go.

 

[DammitBoy]

I store in the boxes, in 50 caliber ammo cans, in a fire retardent flammable 18ga lockable safety cabinet.

Overkill? Maybe...

 

[HOWARD J]

I have 7.62 x 39 stored in original PMC cardboard boxes since 1985.
There is no corrosion but they are not as shinny as when they were new.

 

[Twiki357]

A couple of years ago I found 200 rounds of 38 special in old factory boxes that I had reloaded back in 1968. No problem. They all fired just as good as they did back then.

 

[FROGO207]

My system is that factory new stays in it's box to ID it. all reloads get a freezer bag with label as to load info on it. Then into ammo can that is labeled for easy ID. Have done this since the early 70's not a problem as of this day. The military spends a lot of time and $$$$ to find the best way to store ammo. So logic says do as the "experts" do to achieve success. BTW I have not tried desiccant packs for what ever reason. YMMV

 

[lightman]

Clean,dry and cool is the way.About half on mine is in boxes on the shelf,the other half is in 50 cal ammo cans.No problems with either,but if a disaster should happen,the stuff in ammo cans would fare much better.It helps,that I bought two pallets of ammo cans for a dollar apice,back during the first gulf war.Have I said that "I like a bargin"? Lightman

 

[Publius1688]

When my grandfather passed away, I came into his firearms and ammo. He had a few boxes of .308 that, by the price, he purchased in the middle seventies. No corrosion, and they shoot fine.

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[DammitBoy]

Wow, .50 caliber ammo cans go for $7 each at the gunshow. Who says you can't find a good deal?! That's a savings of over $100!!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

As long as the enviroment isn't damp, ammo will be fine in cardboard.

 

[dave from mesa]

Maybe my math is wrong but isn't that $16.66 a can?

 

[Hondo 60]

A couple of years ago I found 200 rounds of 38 special in old factory boxes that I had reloaded back in 1968. No problem. They all fired just as good as they did back then.

1968??????????????

My Gosh, The oldest thing in my reloaded ammo area is dated 10/11/2010.

Twiki, I'm not insulting you - please don't take it that way.

I'm just dumbfounded when I read posts like that.

I reload to shoot & have NEVER had any reloaded ammo that was older than 6-8 months.

Although my newest toy is a surplus Yugo Tokarev.
The ammo is so old the cardboard boxes in the spam can are turning to dust.
(sorry I don't read Polish, so I'm not sure on when the can was packed.)

 

[Sport45]

Maybe my math is wrong but isn't that $16.66 a can?

Your math is right. If he bought cans for $7 each he saved over $100 on 12. (Compared to CTD, that is.)

$16.67 ain't bad for a brand spanking new can if it is indeed made to the military specs.