Ammo Storage Ideas

Table of Contents:

1. The Basics of Ammo Storage
2. Different Types of Ammo Storage Solutions
3. Best Practices for Ammo Storage
4. Why Choose Berry’s for Your Ammo Storage Needs

Short Answer: The best way to store ammo is in a cool, dry location using ammo cans or ammo boxes. Keep ammunition away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight. Use desiccant packs inside storage containers to control humidity. Avoid storing loose rounds in original packaging or cardboard for long-term storage.

Why Ammo Storage Matters

Your ammunition is only as reliable as how you store it. Poor storage leads to corroded casings, misfires, and wasted money. Proper ammo storage protects your investment and keeps your rounds performing when it counts.

This guide covers practical ammo storage ideas from the basics to best practices. Whether you have a few rounds or large quantities to protect, we’ve got you covered.

The Basics of Ammo Storage

Ammo storage might seem straightforward at first. You just need to keep your rounds somewhere safe, right? In reality, ammunition storage is more nuanced. Paying attention to these details can drastically extend the shelf life of your rounds and preserve your ammunition stockpile.

Keeping Your Ammo Dry

Consider the environment where you’re storing your ammo. Humidity levels and temperature swings have harsh effects on ammunition. High humidity can cause your brass casings to corrode. Fluctuating temperatures can decrease your ammo’s shelf life. A consistent, dry area with controlled humidity is needed to avoid these problems.

What does “dry” mean in this context? Avoid any area prone to:

• Water leakage or flooding
• Excessive moisture
• Placement on a concrete floor without barriers
• Garage locations with poor climate control

The ideal atmospheric humidity for ammo storage falls between 30-50%. More than that can lead to rusting and unusable ammunition.

Weather’s Impact on Ammo Storage

Extreme weather conditions can also harm your bulk ammo. Both high heat and freezing temperatures affect performance. Make sure your ammunition stays away from areas exposed to extreme temperature shifts.

A word of warning on storage containers: while it might be tempting to toss your surplus ammo in a spare cardboard box, this is a bad idea. Cardboard attracts moisture and doesn’t offer protection against physical damage. Keeping ammunition in its original packaging long-term is also a bad idea for the same reasons. Your ammunition deserves better protection.

Different Types of Ammo Storage Solutions

Now that you understand the importance of a controlled environment for your ammunition, let’s explore various storage solutions. 

Ammo Boxes & Ammo Cans

One of the most reliable storage solutions is the ammo box or ammo can. Ditch those factory cardboard boxes and upgrade to sturdier options. They come in different sizes to fit varying calibers and are far more durable than cardboard.

What to Look for in Ammo Boxes:

• Sized to fit specific caliber rounds
• Sturdy construction that protects against physical damage
• Latching mechanism to keep loose ammo organized
• Stackable design for efficient storage

Ammo cans offer similar benefits but with a larger storage capacity. They are sealed to create an airtight environment for superior preservation.

What to Look for in Ammo Cans:

• A rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal against moisture
• Durable handles for easy transport
• Stackable construction for large quantities
• Rust-resistant materials for long-term storage

Types of Ammo Cans:

• Plastic ammo cans: Lightweight and convenient for transport
• Steel ammo cans: Heavy-duty protection for long-term storage
• Metal ammo cans: Traditional military-style cans with proven durability
• Cal cans: Sized for specific caliber quantities (30 cal cans, 50 cal cans, etc.)

Both plastic ammo cans and metal cans work well, depending on your needs. Plastic ammo cans offer lightweight convenience while steel ammo cans provide maximum protection.

Avoid storing loose rounds without proper organization. Loose ammo can shift and cause damage during transport. Use ammo boxes to keep rounds separated by caliber and protected from the elements.

Gun Safes & Cabinets

For shooters with large quantities of ammunition, a gun safe or dedicated cabinet offers additional security. These storage solutions work well when combined with ammo boxes and cans.

Benefits of Gun Safes and Cabinets:

• Provides vast storage space for ammo cans and ammo boxes
• Defends against theft
• Keeps ammunition organized in one location
• Works well in a dedicated gun room

You can place a shelf inside your safe or cabinet specifically for ammunition storage. This keeps your ammo separate from firearms while maintaining easy access. A hard case can also work for transporting ammunition to the range.

If you have a dedicated gun room, consider installing shelving or a cabinet system. This allows you to store ammunition in large quantities while keeping everything visible and organized. Keep ammo cans and metal cans off the concrete floor to prevent moisture transfer.

Best Practices for Ammo Storage

Having the right ammo storage is a great start. Pairing it with good practices takes your ammo preservation to the next level. Below are tips to get the most out of your ammunition over the long term.

Desiccant Packs

Wherever you store ammo, resistance against humidity should always be top of mind. This is where desiccant packs come into play. These small packets absorb moisture and can be placed inside your storage containers.

Desiccant pack benefits:

• Maintains optimal humidity inside ammo cans
• Works in areas with high atmospheric moisture
• Keeps ammunition dry and corrosion-free
• Inexpensive and easy to replace

Place a desiccant pack in each ammo can or ammo box for best results.

Maintaining an Airtight Seal

An airtight seal is your ammunition’s best defense against moisture. This feature comes standard in Berry’s ammo cans. If the seal on your ammo can or box is compromised, use a rubber gasket to restore its integrity. This small detail goes a long way in protecting your ammunition.

Rotating Your Ammo

Consider a first-in, first-out approach. By continuously rotating your stockpile, you can make sure older rounds get used first. This prolongs the life of your ammunition and keeps your storage fresh.

Why Choose Berry’s for Your Ammo Storage Needs

Berry’s has manufactured quality ammo storage products for over 60 years. Our ammo boxes and ammo cans are made right here in the USA and built to protect your ammunition for the long term.

Why Berry’s Ammo Storage Solutions Are Superior:

Quality ammo boxes should be sized to fit specific caliber rounds with sturdy construction that protects against physical damage. They need a latching mechanism to keep loose ammo organized and a stackable design for efficient storage. Berry’s ammo boxes check all these boxes and come in different sizes from 10 to 100 rounds with color-coded options for quick caliber identification.

Quality ammo cans require a rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal against moisture, durable handles for easy transport, and stackable construction for large quantities. Berry’s ammo cans deliver on all fronts. Our heavy-duty polymer rivals steel ammo cans and metal ammo cans in durability while remaining lightweight. Available in different sizes, including 20, 30, and 40 cal cans, they’re built to last through years of storage and transport.

Whether you’re storing a few loose rounds or building a serious stockpile, the right storage solution makes all the difference. Pair our ammo boxes and ammo cans with desiccant packs to keep moisture out and your ammunition ready when you need it.

Shop Berry’s Bullets for all your shooting and reloading needs:

• Ammo Boxes
• Ammo Cans
• Reloading Accessories
• Superior Plated Bullets