Ammunition Storage Tips
Firearm enthusiasts sometimes need to store a relatively large amount of ammunition in order to avoid making a trip to the gun store whenever they want to use a gun. However, if you need to store any amount of ammunition, there are some mistakes you should look out for in order to avoid potential degradation that may result in misfires, failures, or a loss of potency.
Not Keeping The Ammunition In Its Original Containers
The more you handle the ammunition, the more chances there are for damage to occur. Damage to the exterior casing of the ammunition can be a substantial problem. In addition to potentially making the ammunition no longer fit to fire correctly, it can also result in weak spots that can become an issue when subjected to the extreme pressures created during discharge. Keeping the ammunition in its original container until you are ready to use it will minimize the amount of time you spend handling your ammunition, making this kind of damage less likely.
Not Considering Humidity
Ammunition should be stored in an extremely dry area. A humid environment will increase the risks of condensation forming on the ammunition, which can lead to casing corrosion, primer deterioration, and ruined powder.
For those that live in humid climates, this can seem like a challenge, but there are a couple of effective options for reducing the amount of humidity in your storage space. If the humidity in your area is extremely high, placing a dehumidifying system in the storage area can actively remove the moisture from the air so that the humidity can be kept low. When the humidity is high, but not too high, you can use moisture control packets placed in with the ammunition to keep the humidity in the immediate vicinity of the ammunition low.
Install Fire Suppression Systems For The Ammunition Area
When you store a large amount of ammunition, it is important to have suitable fire safety upgrades in place. In addition to basic smoke alarms, you will also want a fire suppressing system. This can prevent the ammunition from being ignited by a fire, which can lead to uncontrolled discharges. In situations where this develops, it could make it impossible for the fire department to safely extinguish the flames, which may lead to the fire eventually consuming the entire home. Fortunately, the costs of installing a fire safety system in this area of the home will be relatively low compared to the damages that it could prevent.
