We can all agree that any firearm is useless without ammo. This is why proper ammo storage is as equally important as firearm storage.
All ammo has a shelf life and it is typically measured in years and sometimes decades.
This doesn’t mean that your ammo is going to reach full shelf life no matter how you choose to store it. In reality, your ammo lifespan will mostly depend on the conditions it has been kept.
In this article, we will lay down some simple pistol ammo storage principles and organizational tips, and introduce you to some of the best ammo storage products currently on the market.
Keep your pistol ammo in a cool place
Extreme temperatures can have a great impact on your ammo’s integrity. If the temperature is too high, your ammunition will perspire, turning the nitrocellulose into gas.
This gas will start to seep out of the cartridge, causing an imbalance inside the ammo while interfering with the gun chamber pressure at the same time.
On the other hand, severe cold doesn’t cause as much damage as excessive heat, but it can still affect ballistic bullet performance.
Ideally, a room where you store your ammo shouldn’t be prone to extreme temperature changes, and the ideal temperature should fall between 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep your pistol ammo in a dry place
Moisture is to ammo what kryptonite is to Superman. All pistol ammo is made out of metal and any moisture exposure will result in corrosion.
At first, you might only spot the rust on the bullets’ surface and maybe you’ll assume that sanding it off will fix the problem. But when it comes to rust, even the smallest amounts of it can interfere with your ammo performance.
If the rust advances to the point where you can no longer send it off, your ammo will become useless.
This is why keeping your pistol ammo in a dry place must be your crucial storage principle. Try to avoid basements, attics, and garages when you store your ammo. These rooms tend to have major variations in temperature, which can lead to more moisture accumulation.
Keep your pistol ammo in a dark place
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause significant damage to your ammo.
Keeping your ammo in a dark place is a fairly easy task to do. You only have to make sure your ammo is protected from the direct UV light. You can do this either by placing it in ammo cans or placing it in a room that has no windows.
Organize your ammo storage
Organizing your ammo storage is very important, especially if you own more than one firearm and store different types of ammo.
Some calibers are very close in size and can easily be mistaken for one another.
For example, if you try firing a .45 ACP caliber from the 9mm caliber pistol, you risk severe personal injuries to yourself or anyone near you.
The easiest way to store your ammo is to keep it in its original boxes. This way, you will know what type of ammo is stored and the date it was manufactured. Use the older ammo first and make your way up to the newest one.
If you choose to store your ammo in containers, make sure you label them with the manufacture date and ammo type. This is especially important if you store ammo calibers that are close in size, like 7.62 ammo and .308 ammo caliber.
There are many ammo storage products on the market, so we’ve created a list of the five best ones to help you make the right choice for you.
Top 5 ammo products for pistol ammo
Ammo containers, cans, cases, crates, and boxes vary in their shapes, sizes, water and heat resistance abilities, etc., and what’s the right fit for someone else might not be the right fit for you. We recommend examining the features of each product listed below to find your match.
MTM Case-Gard P-100 Series Handgun Ammo Box
This box is made to store 9mm Luger, 380ACP, 30 Luger, 32 S&W, and 9mm Markov bullets. It has a scuff-resistant textured surface, stacking feet, mechanical hinge, and load labels.
It weighs 0.15 pounds which makes it suitable for transport while the shape of this box allows you to easily stockpile multiple boxes in your ammo storage room.
Sheffield 12632 Field Box
This box is designed to hold pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. It has three locking mechanisms and a base-to-lid interlocking system that provides great safety and stackability and reduces the risk of tipping over.
It is also water and dust-resistant due to its compression-fit lid. Because it is made out of hard plastic, it is perfect for outdoor and range usage.
Plano Flip Top Handgun Ammo Case
This case can hold up to 100 bullets. It is made out of durable hard-shell plastic and it has dependable closures and deep individual slots for better security and organization.
It weighs around 159 grams and is available in .357/.38, .41/.44/.45LC, .45ACP/.40/10mm, and 9mm/.381 calibre sizes.
Berry’s Plastic Ammo Can
This can is made to hold .223 Rem. (550 rounds), 9mm caliber (1000 rounds) and, .38 Special (650 rounds).
It is designed after the military can and it carries a lifetime guarantee. It is made out of tough polymer, it has a gasket-sealed lid, a cam-lock latch, and a collapsible handle for easier stacking.
MTM 5-CAN Ammo Crate Mini
This rugged crate is made to store multi-caliber ammo. It has carry handles and tie-down points on both ends for ATV attaching. It is also very durable as it’s made out of rugged polypropylene. It comes with five O-ring seals and is easy to transport, carry, and stock.
Summary
Remember to always keep your ammo in cool, dry, and dark place for longer shelf life. Be organized with your ammo storage and always put safety first.
We hope our article helped you understand why proper ammo storage is important and how to best organize it for easier access and safer usage.