The Secret to Long-term Ammo Storage (Hint: It’s Not What You Think!)
No matter what you’re prepping for, keeping your store of ammunition well-stocked is likely at the top of your priority list. And with prices rising, store inventories dwindling, and the state of the world getting crazier, it’s no wonder why.
Although we tend to think of ammunition as a long-term investment, ammo does eventually go bad. Most rounds do have a long shelf life, lasting far beyond the 10-year expiration date stamped on the box, but all that goes out the window if you don’t adhere to proper ammo storage techniques. Things like high temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on ammunition over time, shortening its lifespan and leaving you with useless, corroded rounds.
We already know the golden rules of ammo storage: keep bullets in a cool, dry place; store them in an airtight container (ideally an ammo can); and check in on them every now and then to make sure they haven’t degraded. But if you’re extra vigilant about keeping your supply in top condition, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything else you can do to extend the shelf life of your brass.
Fortunately, there’s a surprising solution for removing moisture and humidity from your ammo stores, and the odds are good that you already have a few lying around your house – silica gel packs.
Using Silica Gel Packets for Ammo Storage
Yep, that’s right. The secret to keeping your ammo in tip-top shape for years to come is as simple as tossing a few of those little silica gel packs into your ammo cans to absorb moisture and keep your rounds nice and dry.
Wait. Are you talking about those tiny packs that always come in shoeboxes and are stamped with “throw away” and “do not eat” for some reason?
Yes. Those silica gel packs.
But aren’t ammo cans supposed to protect your stash from water and humidity already?
As much as we love our trusty ammo cans, even the best gear does fail from time to time. And being that silica packs are small, cheap, and incredibly effective, there really is no reason not to utilize this backup protection, even if it is just for peace of mind. Besides, a 50-pack of silica gel packs costs as little as $5 and can protect dozens of rounds from corrosion… the math just checks out.
So if you don’t have a climate-controlled gun safe or bunker, don’t worry. Simply toss a few gel packs into your ammo can, spread them around so they’re mixed into the ammo for even coverage, and check in on them occasionally to replace them as needed. And that’s it! A trusty long-term solution to ammunition storage that doesn’t break the bank.
What Are Silica Gel Packs, and Where Can I Find Them?
Using silica gel packets, also known as desiccants, for ammo storage is not only a great backup option for keeping moisture out of your ammo cans, but they’re also incredibly inexpensive and easy to come by.
These small packs are usually only an inch or two in size and are filled with tiny desiccant beads, which are a drying agent designed to absorb moisture. They’re often found in product packaging for items like shoes, electronics, and leather goods to protect them from humidity during transit – and they work.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to head to the nearest mall to raid all their shoeboxes. In fact, you can buy a large bag of silica packets online for anywhere between $5-10. They also come in all shapes and sizes depending on the type of container you’re storing your ammo in.
Other Ammunition Storage Tips
The method you choose for storing ammo all comes down to how much you have, the space available, and your budget. But no matter what your situation, there are a few things you can do to keep moisture, temperature, and humidity at bay to extend the life of your brass (in addition to keeping a few silica gel packs nearby!).
- Store your ammo in a sealed container. A sealed canister, ideally an ammo can, is by far one of the best ways to keep moisture away from your bullets. These airtight, waterproof containers are specifically designed to seal out any air or water they may be exposed to. Plastic or metal ammo cans are available online for pretty cheap, depending on the size.
- Keep them in a low-humidity, temperature-controlled environment. We can’t all afford a climate-controlled gun safe to keep our ammo in. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be mindful about where we choose to keep our rounds. A cool, dry place like a closet is a good choice, for example, while your bathroom cabinets are not (obviously).
- Use a dehumidifier. If you live in an area where “climate controlled” isn’t really a thing (I’m lookin’ at you, Florida), a dehumidifier isn’t a bad idea. This is especially helpful if you’re storing your ammunition in a tight space like a closet or a small room. It might run you somewhere between $100-300 to invest in a good dehumidifier, but it’s well worth the money if humidity is impacting your ammo.
Summary
Using silica gel packets for ammo is a great way to keep your stash in top condition when storing long-term. Not only is it a cheap and effective solution, but it’s one you can start right away to keep moisture and humidity from damaging your ammunition.
You can find a variety of these packs on Amazon for as little as $5. But that’s not the only thing you can do to keep your gear in top condition – carrying your firearm in a proper holster is one of the best ways to keep it scratch and grime-free. If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, head to our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
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