Guidelines to Store Ammunition Safely

By Jack Sprat

Why is it Important to Store Ammunition Correctly?

Storing ammunition correctly ensures safety for all involved. If it’s not stored in the proper manner, there’s a risk of accidental discharges or explosions due to improper handling. Improperly handled ammo could also cause personal injury, property damage or even death if mishandled. As such, it’s essential to take the proper precautions when storing ammo. Here’s our guidelines to store ammunition safely.

What are the Potential Risks of Improper Storage?

The risks of improper storage include accidental discharges, explosions, personal injury, property damage or even death. Storing ammunition in an unsafe manner can result in a firearm malfunctioning or not working properly. Additionally, leaving ammo exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity can cause deterioration over time.

Best Practices for Storing Ammunition

To ensure safety when storing ammunition, it’s important to follow best practices:

Choose a Safe Storage Location: Choose a location that is out of reach and away from children and pets. It should also be away from any heat sources or flames. It is also important to choose a location that is not prone to flooding or water damage.
Store Ammo Away from Direct Sunlight and Extreme Temperatures: Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can cause the gunpowder in ammunition to become unstable. Additionally, ammo should never be stored in an area where it could be exposed to moisture as this can cause rusting and corrosion over time.
- Keep Ammunition in its Original Packaging if Possible: If possible, try to keep ammunition in its original packaging when storing it away. This will ensure that all rounds remain safely contained and organized. It also prevents individual rounds from getting lost or misplaced over time.
Use an Appropriate Container: Ammunition should be stored in an appropriate container such as a locked box or cabinet with a lid or latch that securely closes. This will help keep children and pets away from the ammo and ensure that it is safe from any potential hazards.
Store Different Types of Ammunition Separate From Each Other: It’s important to store different types of ammunition separate from each other. For example, rifle rounds should be stored in one container while handgun rounds should be kept in another. This prevents confusion when retrieving your ammo for use.
Do Not Store Loose Rounds on the Ground or On Top of Shelves Without Proper Containment: To fully contain ammunition, it must not be left loose on the ground or shelves without proper containment. It’s best to store ammunition in a locked box or cabinet with a latch or lid that securely closes.

In conclusion, storing ammunition correctly is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone involved. By following these best practices, you can help prevent potential risks and keep your ammo safe. It’s important to choose a secure storage location, store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, use an appropriate container such as a locked box or cabinet with a lid or latch that securely closes, and store different types of ammunition separate from each other. Lastly, never leave loose rounds on the ground or shelves without proper containment. Following these tips will always ensure the safe storage of your ammunition.