How to Store Ammo: The Ultimate Guide
When using quality shooting gear, you must get the most out of it. Your ammunition is integral to the shooting experience, catering to various shooting disciplines with its multipurpose features. But how long is ammo good for? Correctly storing your ammo will keep it looking and feeling new for decades; however, this can only be achieved by implementing effective storage techniques.
RangeCraft stocks a vast range of .22LR ammunition and 9mm ammo, ensuring all shooters have the best. Whether you’re stocking up on ammo to effectively budget or want extra peace of mind in maintaining the quality of your shooting gear, you can find everything you need here.
While this guide is designed to provide detailed advice on storing your ammo, please read up on laws relevant to your state via our US State Gun Laws blog to ensure ethical practice.
What are the different types of ammo?
.22LR ammo
If your shooting experience involves firearms, such as rifles, shotguns or pistols and occurs in hunting or competitive domains, it is most likely you have used .22LR ammunition. At RangeCraft, thanks to its top-quality products, which repeatedly demonstrate world-class accuracy.
Shooters can use this equipment at different stages of their shooting career, whether just starting or looking for new ways to reinvent or progress their abilities. So, whether it’s your very first hunt or you’re a seasoned competitor, your ammo will always have you performing at your best.
Our .22LR ammunition comes with minimal recoil, making it perfect for competitive shooting with maximum accuracy. The ammo features noise-reduction qualities for hunting or pest control, allowing you to complete all tasks easily.
9mm ammo
Shooting competitors are always keen to ensure their performance can reach new heights, which is why our 9mm ammo collection is exclusively made of ELEY products.
This ammo type is perfect for any competitor implementing dynamic, speedy movements into their shooting performance. With 9mm ammo providing unfailing consistency and accuracy with every use, you can confidently approach every practice session and achieve your best results during USPSA or Steel Challenge matches.
Our 9mm ammunition selection includes pistol ammunition, PCC ammunition and Steel Challenge ammunition to cater to various shooting styles and disciplines.
How long is ammo good for?
You can store 9mm and .22LR ammo for decades, provided you store it appropriately.
Ammunition does not degrade over time but loses its quality if exposed to humidity or changing room temperatures when in storage. Such inconsistencies will cause the grease on the ammo to dry out, creating a white and chalky effect and decreasing its levels of safety and usability. Further information on the potential hazards of old ammo can be found below.
Loss of power, precision and accuracy
Over time, the gunpowder in your ammunition will lose its power and will, therefore, not react fully to the primer of your firearm. This loss of power will be a detriment to the precision and accuracy you usually achieve, so you must test out any old ammo in a practice range to ensure it functions correctly.
Jellification
When jellification occurs within ammunition, the bullet could refrain from firing. Such an obstruction will cause future rounds to be unpredictable and should, therefore, be tended to immediately.
You will be aware of jellification if when upon firing, your firearm fails to release the ammunition or makes an irregular sound. If this malfunction does occur, carefully unload your gun and place a rod through the barrel to remove the bullet and clear any obstruction.
Explosive crystals
The longer ammunition is stored, the more likely a chemical process will cause explosive crystals to form. This build-up will magnify the explosive power of the ammo, making it more potent and prone to damaging your firearm. Once fired, your gun will come into contact with acidic fumes that could increase misfunctioning.
What is the best way to store ammo?
How to store ammo
• Store your ammo in a cool, dry area indoors. A consistent, cool temperature will help maintain your ammo’s original condition. You should also prevent your ammo from air exposure and place it in an environment with no moisture or humidity.
• You can also store your ammo using a metal ammunition box, as its rubber seals prevent moisture from accessing the rounds. The airtight, weather-resistant qualities also minimize the chance of your ammo rusting.
• Vacuum sealers are a great way of preserving the quality of your ammunition. If using this technique, pack some silica gel packets into the sealer to absorb moisture.
Be practical when storing your ammo
Before purchasing your ammo, consider how often you intend to shoot. For ease, identify the type of shooter you are using the following categories:
• Casual shooters can store 2,000 – 5,000 rounds
• Frequent shooters can store 5,000 – 10,000 rounds
• Professional shooters can store 10,000 – 50,000+ rounds
You should gauge whether your storage space can hold our recommended quantities and make necessary adjustments. If you are aware of any sales alterations where your ammo may not be available to buy in future, buy extra while you research suitable replacements.
How to budget for your ammo
Buying your ammo in bulk is often cost-effective if you have the space to store it. Check out our website frequently for sales or special offers to get as much ammo for as little as possible!
Buy the best ammo from RangeCraft today!
RangeCraft is devoted to providing shooters with top-quality equipment, constantly prioritizing the safety and performance of our customers. For .22LR shooters, our ELEY Tenex Rimfire Cartridges are the world’s most accurate, while the ELEY Minor 9mm 115gr Competition Pistol bullets provide maximum safety and consistency.
Purchase your favorite ammo from RangeCraft today and qualify for same-day dispatch when placing an order before 14:00!