How to Store Ammo: Dos, Don'ts, and 5 Calibers to Keep

Perhaps due to social tension and impending legal restrictions, you worry things might get real ugly any time soon and want some kind of protection. Well, you never know, right?

Perhaps you're a licensed hunter just looking forward to that next big game season. That venison steak is too good to miss, isn't it? Or someone in between. You stockpile both for self-defense now and to feed your family in an apocalyptic world. A tactical prepper... why not?

So, you paid your bank a visit. Sometime later, there you have those boxes with 50,000 rounds of ammo (I trust your rationale and math on this one) sitting in your house. Now what?

Where and how are you going to store them to make sure every round stays in good condition until you or your grandchildren need them?

Knowing the right way to store ammo is just as important as knowing how to fire a gun. The last thing you want is to stockpile trucks of ammo for your favorite firearm only to find them rusted and their powder turned to mold years later.

That's why today, we'll make sure you're not ruining (or about to ruin) your pricey ammo. You'll learn the dos and don'ts of ammo storage plus expert tips and recommendations.

Know What Ammo to Store

Ammo comes in various sizes, designs, and materials. But if we break it down, it all comes down to your purpose: what are you going to use it for?

For hunting, almost any ammo and gun can be used. The bigger the target animal or game, the bigger you'd go with the caliber size and power.

For self-defense, while some rounds work better than others, any round can be repurposed for the sake of protecting yourself and your family.

Ultimately, focus on the type of firearm you have and are proficient with.

If you want versatility and can handle different types of firearms, here are 5 recommended calibers to focus on stockpiling.

1. The .22 Long Rifle

Due to its small profile, you can store thousands of rounds without taking much space. It's relatively quiet. It's enough to hunt small game (birds, rabbits, squirrels) because you want to kill the animal, not burst it into pieces. And if needed, it's good enough to intercept an attacker.

The best part? You can buy a lot without breaking the bank.

2. The 9mm

This caliber has been the common standard for pistols and handguns. It isn't one-shot-one-kill and it isn't great at long range, but it's excellent for up-close-and-personal self-defense.

Since it's the most popular caliber, with a cheap price and light recoil, it's also an excellent barter item when things go sideways.

3. The 5.56mm or .223

Unlike other calibers of the same range, 5.56mm is lighter with almost non-existent recoil. It's a perfect deer-hunting caliber. Loaded in an AR-15, both young and small-frame hunters will find shooting comfortable.

For self-defense, it's very good both at close range and intermediate distances (about a hundred yards away).

4. The 6.5 Creedmoor

If you're planning to hunt much bigger game like moose or elk from a distance, the 6.5 Creedmoor is your go-to. It's also adequate for large predators like black bears. Hunters, competitive shooters, and even the military love it because it's as versatile as it is effective.

Self-defense-wise? The cartridge stays accurate and supersonic out to roughly 1,000 yards. On top of that, the U.S. Department of Defense chose the 6.5 Creedmoor for their long-range sniper platform. That's saying a lot.

5. The 12 Gauge

A shotgun is probably the most versatile firearm in the world. It's great for taking down really big animals (both game and predators), home defense, breaching structures, and just about anything else.

And when you're surrounded by zombies, a 12-gauge shotgun is your best bet.

How NOT to Store Your Ammo

Now that you've bought loads of ammo based on your skill and preference, it's time we talk about the next critical step: storage.

Here's the thing: ammo doesn't "expire." Many manufacturers claim a 10-year shelf life, but that's just the minimum estimate. Stored right, it can last indefinitely. Stored improperly, expect it to last no longer than most celebrity marriages.

That said, let's start with the don'ts.

1. Don't Be Fooled by the Price

This applies to both directions: expensive doesn't always mean "quality," and cheap doesn't always mean "junk."

Instead, focus on the manufacturer (credible), the retailer (expert in handling and storage), and the product labels (easy to read, recently made, and certified).

2. Don't Haphazardly Throw Ammo in Drawers

Cartridges are like batteries: they contain chemicals and can be dangerous at high temperature. When they're mixed up with other random stuff and within anyone's reach, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

3. Don't Store Ammo in Your Car on a Hot Sunny Day

Rick Patterson, Managing Director of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI), explains:

"With extremely high temperatures, you get rapid degradation of the ammunition components. The case and cartridges are relatively inert in terms of temperature, but the chemical properties of the gunpowder and priming mixture can be affected. Over time, you'll see a drop in performance, perhaps to the point of going click rather than bang." Rick Patterson, SAAMI

4. Don't Store Ammo in Its Cardboard Factory Boxes

Cardboard boxes absorb moisture. They're not waterproof. They're not sturdy, so they can't protect ammo against weight and impact. (More on containers later.)

5. Don't Mix Different Ammo Calibers Together

Mixing calibers won't cause a chemical reaction, but good luck finding the right round for your firearm in an emergency.

6. Don't Store Guns and Ammo in the Same Container

When not in use, guns and ammo should be on different planets. This prevents unauthorized access and accidental discharge. You don't want your kids to find your gun with the ammo right next to it, do you?

7. Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Now that you've separated ammo from guns, place the ammo containers in a few locations strategically.

Maybe 9mm in the closet. Some 6.5 Creedmoor in the hunting cabin. And a box of each caliber in the house's secret room. Just make sure to remember where each one is.

8. Don't Be Enticed by the Aesthetic of Vintage Boxes

Even though it may look cool to store ammo in the antique wooden box used in The French Revolution, don't. It's wood. It's not airtight. It lacks security. (Sorry, grandpa.)

We'll cover a better alternative shortly.

Remember: function over fashion.

The Safe and Proper Way to Store Your Ammo

According to SAAMI's storage guidelines, ammo should be stored in a cool, dry location away from solvents and other chemicals, heat sources, and open flames.

1. Store Ammo Somewhere Cool

Not cold: cool. You want to keep ammo away from extreme temperatures. Too hot and it can degrade fast. Too cold and it can cause the powder to break down.

As mentioned, keep it away from heat sources. That includes direct sunlight, a hot ceiling, a fireplace, a motor exhaust, and anything similar.

More importantly, keep the temperature at a constant room temperature or a bit cooler. Why "constant"?

Because fluctuation in temperature creates humidity. And water beats metal in the long run. So keep the temperature in check, and keep the surroundings dry. Let's talk about that next.

2. Store Ammo Somewhere Dry

Water is metal's kryptonite. When ammo gets exposed to moisture, bad things happen: rust, mold, powder damage.

Keep ammo away from water sources and drainage. If you're in a hurricane- or flood-prone area, put it on a high shelf, on the second floor or higher, and away from doors and windows.

3. Store Ammo Somewhere Secure

Placing ammo inside a drawer or cabinet won't cut it. In fact, it's not even advisable. Go for somewhere hidden and secure.

By secure we mean water-resistant, fire-resistant, dust-resistant, and burglar-resistant. Resistant to the bad stuff, basically.

For that, a military ammunition can or an air-tight Tupperware will do, if you live in a crime-free world (you don't). How easy would it be for a burglar to grab your box and go?

That's why the last step you should take when storing ammo is to lock it in a certified gun or ammo safe. You're saving your precious rounds from the elements and from criminals, plus you're abiding by any legal requirements around firearm and ammunition storage.

4. Pro Tips

1. Keep storage containers off the floor. Place them on a wooden pallet. It protects the container from liquid spills and cold ground.
2. To prevent moisture buildup inside the container, throw a desiccant or a dehumidifier packet in each one.

As much as possible, keep the original packaging label next to the stored ammo. Do that and you won't have to guess the specifications later.

Sort ammo by caliber, purpose, or storage date. Stay organized and you'll be more efficient. Plus, you'll be able to keep track of the ammo's age. Keep your stockpile fresh: first in, first out.

Label every container. You're not Rain Man with x-ray eyes, are you?

Buy in bulk to save on cost. Consider it an investment: a hedge against inflation, in a tactical-optimist kind of way.

Inspect every cartridge before use. There should be no signs of physical damage (corrosion, dents, scratches) and it shouldn't "feel different" from the rest or from what you're used to. Otherwise, chuck it. Better safe than sorry.

Our Ammo Storage Recommendations

Three picks that map to the advice above, from a $35 desiccant packet to a full guns-and-ammo safe. Layer them the way the article describes and you're set.

Protect the Ammo That Will Protect You

It's simple: guns are useless without working ammo. But more ammo doesn't automatically mean more chances of survival. Quality over quantity, skill over greed.

For ammo to work for you, not against you, give it some care and attention.

Store your ammo the right way and you may never have to bite the bullet.

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