Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: chrisb on December 13, 2009, 02:59:50 PM

Title: Ammo Storage
Post by: chrisb on December 13, 2009, 02:59:50 PM: So I've got a lot of ammo that is taking up a ton of space in my safe. I was thinking about moving it out and storing it in a really big ammo can that i have outside of the safe. It would be kept in the garage. My question is this: Is this safe? What temperatures would the ammo hold up to should (Hope this never happens) there be a fire? and what about moisture or humidity and the affects on the usability of the ammo long term? How do you guys store your ammo?
Title: Re: Ammo Storage
Post by: Jerry on December 14, 2009, 12:14:18 PM: My understanding when it comes to storing ammunition the things to worry about are humidity and temperature. The 2 together is what gets the ammo. It doesn't get hot for extended periods on the west side. The humidity can be handled just as in the safe.....use some good desicants.
Title: Re: Ammo Storage
Post by: chrisb on December 14, 2009, 02:40:14 PM: What about in a fire? would these be protected enough in a large metal ammo can or can the heat cause them to go off?
Title: Re: Ammo Storage
Post by: shoot-em-dead on December 14, 2009, 02:56:51 PM: I was told that a police dept burned lots of ammo in a pit that I used to work in. They used metal pots with lids that did not lock on because the lead would melt before the powder could be ignited. I have not tried it and don't know how true it is but if it is true, you shouldn't have a problem. :dunno:
Title: Re: Ammo Storage
Post by: Jerry on December 15, 2009, 07:09:30 AM: Quote from: shoot-em-dead on December 14, 2009, 02:56:51 PM
I was told that a police dept burned lots of ammo in a pit that I used to work in. They used metal pots with lids that did not lock on because the lead would melt before the powder could be ignited. I have not tried it and don't know how true it is but if it is true, you shouldn't have a problem. :dunno:

Our hunting camp burned one year. My ammo was stored in a .50 cal ammo can. The exterior of the can looked like there was a small guy inside trying to beat his way out with a ball peen hammer. Several rounds made it through. Several rounds that weren't in an ammo can also "fired". Several 180 gr Noslers in .30-06 and a couple of 240 gr .338 win mags were found outside of the tent area. Just the lead, not the brass.

The ammo in the can did "fire" as they were packed in pretty tight. The brass cases came apart and a lot of the lead melted. So...if the ammo is not "confined" the brass will go further than the lead if the powder goes. It's a matter of physics.

If I rememer correctly....powder won't ignite at temperatures under around 450F (I think).
Title: Re: Ammo Storage
Post by: sisu on December 15, 2009, 01:14:24 PM: Keep it in a cool, dry area where it's safe from children and meth maggots.