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Letter Re: Advice on Long Term Ammunition Storage Techniques
Sir,
Could you address storing ammo? Regarding ammo cans, vacuum sealing, and
what that actually accomplishes? Also would 02 absorbers or silica
gel be in any
way useful? I'm currently using vacuum pack on my surplus after I inspect them
and remove any surface dirt/corrosion,then into ammo cans for storage. I also
like the idea of vacuum packing small amounts, any thoughts on that? Thanks,
- SP
JWR Replies: Be sure to buy military ammo cans with rust-free
interiors and seals that are still soft and free of any cracks. This will provide
an essentially
air
tight seal. Adding a 1 to 4 ounce bag of silica gel desiccant is definitely
worthwhile, to remove
any
moisture
from
inside
the can.
As I have mentioned twice before in the blog, DO NOT vacuum
seal loaded ammo. Doing so can unseat bullets! A very light vacuum
might be acceptable, but even a home vacuum packing machine such as a Tilia
FoodSaver, can achieve enough of a vacuum to unseat bullets that are not crimped
into cartridge necks.
Oxygen absorbing packets are not the best choice for ammunition storage. (These
are designed to kill insect larvae in storage foods.) If you are worried about corrosion, it is much more practical and cost effective to use silica gel desiccant packets.
