Is ammo storage in a small cooler OK?

[Logistar]

Originally, I thought that storing ammo in the trunk of a car in a small "cooler" was a GREAT idea. Looks innocent... and might keep the ammo from getting cold and then hot.

I am wondering though.... say it was a HOT, humid spring day... then a storm comes through and the temperature drops 20 degrees.... is there a chance that there could be condensation in the cooler?

I'd like to protect my ammo from temperature extremes but I am afraid that condensation (or even high humidity levels) might be a bad thing. Am I just being paranoid again? Should I just add dessicant (sp)? Any ideas?

Logistar

 

[coonan357]

actually the cooler will hold in the higher tempatures longer which degrades the powder I would just store it in the original boxes it came in .

 

[No4Mk1*]

Just rotate the ammo with fresh ammo every 6 months to 5 years. What is wrong with ziploc bags in the cooler to help with the condensation? The cooler will help minimize temperature extremes unless you allow too much time for the contents to heat or cool.

 

[dairycreek]

What No4Mk1*said...............

is a very good idea. Protecting the ammo from moisture with a zip lock back in side a cooler does two things. One it maintains a more constant temperature in a dry place and, two, protects the ammo from moisture due to condensation. It has worked for me for a long, long time. I have a friend who seals each box of ammo using one of those vacuum food sealing thingies. That really protects from moisture and then he also used a plastic cooler for storeage. Also, replacing the ammo periodically is both a good and practical idea too. Whatever works! Good shooting

 

[benEzra]

Storing ammo in a cooler is an excellent idea as it will keep the peak temps down. Since chemical reactions tend to go roughly as the fourth power of the (absolute) temperature, it's the peak temps that do the most damage, and the cooler will keep those WAY down. Yes, the ammo will be somewhat warmer at night than it otherwise would be, but the net effect will be beneficial.

Ziplocks are a great idea. You could also get some sort of waterproof tape (electrical tape, duct tape, even packing tape) and tape around the gap between the cooler lid and body if you wanted to keep moisture out.

 

[blades67]

How long are you planning to store that ammo in the trunk of your car? If you're talking about a few days the cooler should be fine. Any longer than that and you might as well keep it in the house until you go to the range.

 

[JohnDog]

Where's the beer stored - in the ammo can?

JohnDog

 

[hksw]

I've been storing and carrying my ammo in a couple of those smalle Coleman coolers for the past couple of years now. It has been working fine. The coolers also work in a pinch as portable seats.