For gun enthusiasts, the longevity of their ammo is a significant concern. Proper care and handling of ammunition is crucial for safety and accuracy. Additionally, the cost of purchasing ammo frequently can add up if you aren’t properly storing it. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the factors affecting the longevity of ammo and how to ensure it lasts longer.
Environmental Factors
Firstly, it’s essential to consider the impact of environmental factors on the longevity of ammunition. One of the most critical factors is moisture. Humidity can significantly affect the gunpowder, causing it to become less potent, causing misfires and reduced accuracy. The best way to store the ammo is to keep it in a cool, dry place. It is ideal to choose a low-humidity area that is well-ventilated. Airtight containers like ammo cans are a great investment and can help to keep moisture out, which will help improve the longevity of the ammo.
Sunlight and Temperatures
Secondly, it’s necessary to avoid exposing ammunition to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. High temperatures will cause the materials that make up the ammo to expand, causing deformities to its shape and loss of accuracy. Similarly, cold temperatures will cause the ammo’s compounds to become brittle, leading to cracking and falling apart. Hence, it’s best to store the ammo indoors rather than in the garage or the trunk of the car, which might expose the ammo to such varying temperatures.
Proper Handling
Thirdly, the frequency of use and proper handling of ammo can also impact its longevity. If possible, only shoot as many rounds as you need to avoid excessive wear and tear on the ammunition. Also, as crucial as handling ammunition carefully and safely is, avoiding placing too much pressure on the ammo can make it last longer. When storing ammo in a container, ensure you don’t stack them too tightly to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the rounds. Instead, consider storing the ammo horizontally.
Ammo Shelf Life
Fourthly, another important factor to consider is the type of ammo you’re using. Different ammunition has varying shelf lives. Hence, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s guide on the recommended lifespan of the ammo. Therefore, when buying ammunition, match your needs to the shelf life of the ammo. Even though it might be tempting to purchase ammo in bulk, it’ll save you a lot of trouble in terms of cost and shelf life to purchase manageable quantities that you will use up in a shorter period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper ammunition storage is crucial if you want to keep your firearms in good working condition and have better accuracy. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that ammunition has a lifespan, and exposing them to the wrong kind of environment can dramatically shorten their life. Thus, ensure that when you store ammo, you keep it in a cool, dry place with low humidity, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Lastly, when shooting, use that ammo as needed rather than overusing it, stack them horizontally rather than vertically, and consider buying appropriate quantities to ensure you don’t over-purchase and experience a shortage of shelf life. By following these tips, you can ensure that your ammunition lasts longer and that using your firearms will be safer and more enjoyable.
