How to Store Ammo for 50+ Years Without Expensive Gear.

Ammo storage isn’t just about keeping your rounds organized – it’s about ensuring they stay safe, reliable, and effective for decades. Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies, self-defense, or long-term security, proper storage can mean the difference between rounds that fire flawlessly and those that misfire when you need them most. The good news? You don’t need high-end gear or climate-controlled vaults to keep your ammunition in perfect condition. With a few simple strategies, you can store ammo for 50+ years without breaking the bank.

Why Proper Ammo Storage Matters

Unlike perishable goods or household chemicals, ammunition doesn’t degrade quickly under normal conditions. However, exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and improper handling can shorten its lifespan. Corroded brass casings, damp powder, or excessive heat exposure can make your ammo unreliable – or even dangerous.

Many people assume that ammunition is a fire hazard, but in reality, properly stored ammo does not explode in house fires like Hollywood movies suggest. Instead, it burns at a slow rate, making it far less dangerous than people assume. The real concern is keeping it dry, cool, and safe from unauthorized access.

Keep Ammo in Its Original Boxes

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to store ammunition long-term is to keep it in its original factory packaging. Manufacturers design these boxes to protect rounds from environmental conditions while providing clear labeling. Original boxes tell you caliber, grain weight, bullet type, and lot number, which can be essential when keeping track of different ammo types.

If you reload your own ammo, use plastic ammunition boxes and label them carefully. Include details like powder charge, bullet weight, and caliber to avoid mix-ups in the future. Handloaded rounds should be stored just as carefully as factory ammunition to ensure reliability.

The Best Containers for Long-Term Ammo Storage

While factory boxes work well, they aren’t airtight or waterproof. For serious long-term storage, a military-grade ammo can is one of the best options. These metal cans are designed to be waterproof, dustproof, and resistant to temperature changes, making them an ideal solution for decades of storage.

Most military surplus ammo cans come with a rubber O-ring seal, ensuring that moisture and contaminants stay out. When storing ammo inside these cans, it’s best to keep it in the original boxes instead of loose rounds. This prevents dings and scratches on casings, which can impact performance.

Plastic ammo cans can also be effective, but make sure they have an airtight seal. Some cheaper plastic containers may allow humidity to seep in, so choose quality storage solutions if you go this route.

Humidity: The #1 Enemy of Ammunition

Humidity is the single biggest threat to ammunition longevity. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to corrosion on brass casings, primers, and even the powder inside. If you’re serious about long-term storage, controlling moisture is essential.

The easiest and most cost-effective way to protect your ammo is by using silica gel packs. These moisture-absorbing packets can be placed inside ammo cans to pull excess humidity out of the air. They are inexpensive, widely available, and can extend the life of your ammo significantly.

For an extra layer of protection, consider vacuum-sealing individual boxes of ammunition before placing them inside an ammo can. This eliminates air exposure entirely and adds another level of moisture resistance.

Temperature Control: The Silent Killer

Extreme temperatures and rapid fluctuations can degrade ammunition over time. High heat can break down powder and primers, while extreme cold can cause metal components to become brittle.

To avoid this, store ammo in a consistent, cool environment. A basement, climate-controlled storage unit, or closet inside your home is far better than an attic or garage, where temperatures swing dramatically throughout the year. Avoid storing ammo in direct sunlight or near heat sources, such as radiators or water heaters.

Why You Should Store Ammo Separately from Firearms

For both safety and legal reasons, it’s a good idea to store your ammunition separately from your firearms. This prevents unauthorized users, such as children or intruders, from having immediate access to a loaded weapon.

Using a locked storage cabinet or safe is an excellent way to ensure ammo stays out of the wrong hands. If you have multiple calibers, consider labeling each storage container clearly so you can quickly find the right ammo when needed.

Is It Safe to Store Ammo Indoors?

A common concern is whether storing ammunition indoors poses a fire or explosion risk. Fortunately, small-caliber ammo stored in a house is not a danger. Even in the event of a fire, ammunition will not explode but instead burn at a slow rate.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has conducted controlled fire tests, proving that ammunition burns but does not detonate in a house fire. The real danger comes from ammunition inside a loaded firearm, as a chambered round can discharge under extreme heat.

For peace of mind, store ammo in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. A simple ammo can inside a locked cabinet provides plenty of protection.

How Long Can Ammo Last?

When stored properly, ammunition can last well over 50 years. In fact, military surplus rounds from World War II and earlier still function reliably today because they were stored in sealed containers under ideal conditions.

The key to keeping ammo viable for decades is preventing moisture exposure, temperature swings, and physical damage. If stored in an airtight container with silica gel packs in a climate-controlled space, your ammo should fire just as reliably 50 years from now as it does today.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Ammunition

Even with the best intentions, some mistakes can ruin otherwise good ammo. Avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Storing ammo in a damp basement or attic – Humidity can corrode casings and primers.
2. Leaving ammo in a car – Temperature swings can degrade powder and primers.
3. Handling rounds with bare hands – Oils from your skin can cause corrosion over time.
4. Storing loose rounds in an open container – Dust and debris can work their way into casings.
5. Forgetting to rotate stock – Use older ammo first, just like with food storage.

Budget-Friendly Ammo Storage Hacks

You don’t need to spend a fortune to store ammo properly. Here are some cheap but effective solutions:

• Use repurposed food storage containers – Airtight plastic bins with rubber seals work well.
• Add rice or baking soda – Both absorb moisture in a pinch if silica gel isn’t available.
• Wrap boxes in plastic wrap – This adds a basic moisture barrier for long-term storage.
• Vacuum-seal ammo boxes – A food vacuum sealer keeps air and humidity out entirely.
• Check local military surplus stores – You can often find ammo cans for cheap.

Store Smart, Stay Ready

Ammo storage doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By keeping your rounds in a cool, dry, and sealed environment, you can ensure that they remain functional for 50 years or more. Whether you use ammo cans, plastic containers, or simple zip-lock bags with silica gel, the key is consistency and protection from moisture and heat.

With these simple and cost-effective storage techniques, you can build a long-term ammo stockpile that will be ready whenever you need it – without spending a fortune on high-tech gear.