What's better for long term ammo storage?

[msmp5]

Metal GI type ammo cans? Or the original "factory" cardboard cases (for case lots) of ammo. I'm thinking this could be for a storage time frame of maybe 5 to 10 years. Ammo is reasonably modern stuff, various (common) calibers. Storage location is Southwest USA, fairly dry climate, but the summers do get very hot. Basically what I am asking is: Do you Much-Smarter-Than-Me guys think I should I take it out of the original factory cardboard cases and put it in GI metal cans ..... or not?

 

[N555]

The ammo cans are air tight.

 

[.38 Special]

I use cans myself, either G.I. or plastic.

I also use all sorts of other things, including original and aftermarket cardboard, zip lock baggies, and rolling around loose under the furniture. So far, it all has worked. Five or ten years under any kind if reasonable condition is hardly anything at all.

 

[lightman]

I don't see any reason to take it out of the original boxes. Just put it in a dark corner of a closet in a temperature controlled room. If getting wet is a possibility you might put the boxes in an ammo can. I doubt this will be a problem where you are at.

 

[nettlle]

I keep them away from heat and humidity in the house. I have a vacuum sealer and could vacuum seal if I wanted. That's a bit too much for me.

 

[Riomouse911]

I saw discoloring starting in a case of Win .45 ACP that had been stored in the styrofoam trays in the factory cartons for ten years or so. It left a ring of dark brass with a hint of roughness at the line. I guess it got moister in the little wells where the cartridges sat for so long or there was some sort of reaction to the combo.

Other than this one flukey scenario, they have usually been fine for ages kept in the factory cartons or stored loose in ammo cans.

Stay safe.