The Complete Guide to Storing Ammunition at Home: Everything to Know

Guns, ammo, and related accessories are among the top 20 best-selling items on any major retailer’s website. Just like with guns, interest in buying ammunition has gone up by more than 20% during 2020.

This is because more people are getting convinced that they need to protect themselves when they are at home. Once you buy a gun and store it in your house, you need to have ammunition on hand as well.

But what should you do to keep your ammunition safe? Should you have your ammunition stored at a gun or ammo store? What else should you consider?

If you are wondering what is the best way of storing ammunition at home, here is a guide that you will want to keep in mind.

Where To Store Ammunition At Home

From the perspective of someone who has never stored ammunition at home before, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here is a list of where to store ammunitions:

In a Dry and Cool Location

If ammunition is not stored correctly, it can deteriorate and become dangerous. Ammunition should be stored in a desiccant packet to keep moisture out. 

Ammunition Can or Gun Safe

An ammunition container or a gun safe, as they are made of sturdy materials and are designed to keep your ammo locked and protected. The most essential thing when it comes to storing ammo is to utilize a container that is made just for that purpose.

Away From Combustible Materials

It includes both obvious materials like lighter fluid and matches, but also less obvious things like cleaning solvents and paint thinners. A good rule of thumb is to keep any ammunition at least five feet away from anything that could potentially ignite it. This will help to ensure that your ammunition is always safe and ready to use.

Labeled Ammunition Containers That Are Sealed Tight

Labeled ammunition containers that are sealed tight are a great way to store ammunition. It is important to keep ammunition away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Once the ammo is in the container, it should not be removed until you are ready to use it.

Ammo Storage Temperature

The ideal temperature for storing ammunition is between 55° and 85°F. Relative humidity should be kept low, below 65%. Heat can cause ammunition to degrade and become unstable.

Away from Magnets

Magnets are often used to store ammunition at home. Yet, this is not the safest way to store ammunition. Magnets can cause the ammunition to become magnetized, which can cause problems when the ammunition is fired. The ammunition can become stuck to the side of the gun barrel or to the inside of the magazine, which can cause misfires.

Magnets can also interfere with the accuracy of the ammunition. Protect your ammunition by keeping it away from strong magnets, as they can sometimes cause the bullets to explode.

Hidden And Out Of Reach From Children

It is important to make sure that your ammunition is hidden and out of reach from children. You should never store your ammunition in a place where children can easily access it. 

Preparing an Ammo Storage

When it comes to cost, the biggest factor is how much ammunition you need to store. A rule of thumb is to have at least 1,000 rounds of ammunition per caliber, per person in your household. This will ensure that you have enough ammunition for both practice and self-defense.

When it comes to accessibility, you want to make sure that your ammunition is easy to get to in case you need it in a hurry. The best way to do this is to store it in a place that’s easy to get to, such as a nightstand or a dresser that’s in the same room as your bed.

Organizing Ammo for Storage

While you know where to store your ammunition, you must also know how to organize it. Because ammunition varies in type, size, and weight, you must find the appropriate containers to store it.

Use larger, more sturdy containers for large and heavy ammunition, and store them lower on the shelf, if you have one, to avoid the rack from falling over. You can use smaller boxes for smaller, lighter ammo and bullets, but don’t pack them too tightly since you don’t want to produce too much pressure, which could break the box or damage the bullets.

Storing a Once Fired Rifle Brass

When storing your once fired rifle brass, it is important to keep it in a dry and safe place. A good option is to keep it in a lockable container, such as a safe or a gun case. You should also keep it away from children and pets. If you must keep it in a humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier.

You can find out more from diamondkbrass.com about handling once fired rifle brass.

How to Properly Dispose of Ammunition

To dispose of ammunition simply take it to a certified ammunition recycling center there are many of these centers across the United States, and they will safely and responsibly recycle the ammunition. If there is not a certified ammunition recycling center nearby, the next best option is to contact your local law enforcement agency to see if they have a disposal program. 

Another option is to bury the ammunition. This should be done deep enough that animals cannot dig it up and children cannot find it. Bury it in a metal container to further discourage people from finding it.

The most important thing is to make sure that the ammunition is not accessible to anyone who should not have it. Improperly disposing of ammunition can lead to tragic results.

Life Expectancy Of Stored vs. Not Stored Ammunition

Ammunition has a shelf life and will degrade over time. The rate of degradation is affected by the environment in which it is stored. Ammunition that is not stored properly will have a reduced lifespan.

Improperly stored ammunition is more likely to suffer from moisture damage, which can lead to corrosion and deterioration of the brass casings. This can cause the ammunition to malfunction and be less accurate. Additionally, sunlight can also cause the ammunition to break down and degrade.

Knowing About Storing Ammunition At Home Is Important

Storing ammunition at home is important because it helps keep your family safe. Ammunition can be very dangerous if it is not stored properly. If you have any questions about how to store ammunition properly, you should contact your local police department.

Keep browsing our blogs for more tips and tricks.