If you are a gun enthusiast, then taking care of your ammunition is as essential as taking care of your firearms. Proper ammunition maintenance not only extends the life of your rounds but also ensures that they function correctly and safely. While ammo maintenance may seem like an easy task, it is quite crucial and requires some knowledge and best practices. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks from the experts to help you collect and store your ammunition safely and extend its lifespan.
Store Ammo in a Dry Place
Ammo is susceptible to moisture, and if it gets exposed to humidity, it can corrode. Thus, make sure that you store your ammunition in a dry place, free from any moisture. The humidity can cause the ammo to rust and shorten its lifespan. The best place to store your ammunition is in a low-humidity environment. One common solution for preserving ammo is to place it in an airtight container, placed in a stable, temperature-controlled environment, where humidity and heat are managed. This way, you can ensure that your ammo’s lifespan is extended.
Rotate Your Ammo
To maintain the temperature and humidity condition, it is a good idea to rotate your ammunition stock now and then. If possible, use the oldest ammunition first, and keep the rest for a later time. By rotating your firearm ammo, You guarantee that the ammunition is always kept in the best conditions, ensuring its reliability. Also, use your ammo regularly, don’t let it sit on the shelf for too long as your firearms need to properly cycle fresh and clean ammo through it.
Proper Labeling
Keeping track of your ammunition stock is another step you can take to extend your arsenal’s lifespan. Ownership and other important information can be written right on the factory ammo container. It ensures that you can track how long you’ve had the ammo and where it came from. This is useful for keeping track of your rotation schedule and ensuring you use the most expired rounds. Also, you can make notes about its performance, such as the accuracy of the rounds, any issues, or useful information that can help you remember important aspects in the future.
Cleaning Your Ammo Before Storage
Before storing your firearm ammunition, it is preferable to clean it off. Any dirt or particles left on the ammo/reloading casings may cause corrosion of the brass itself, which can damage the round’s integrity and performance. You can use a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris particles or use a drop or two of oil to protect the rounds.
Use of a Quality Ammo Can
The key to organizing your ammunition is by using a proper storage container. Ammo cans are an ideal way to store your cartridges and reload casings. These specialized durable containers are designed to keep your arsenal safe from humidity, mold or other rough environmental exposure. An excellent storage solution to keep your ammunition collection safe from oxidation is to store them in ammo cans that are also airtight containers. To extend the life of your ammunition, make sure you purchase a high-quality ammo can that can hold the majority of your ammunition.
Conclusion
Taking care of your ammunition is an essential aspect of being a gun owner. It helps ensure that your ammunition stays safe and functional for a long time. With these tips, you can be sure that your ammunition collection will last for an extended period. Remember to always store your ammo in a dry environment, rotate stock and regularly clean empty casings, label the boxes, and use a quality ammo can. By following these best practices and guidelines, you will keep your weapons and ammo in tip-top condition, ensuring that they remain safe, effective, and reliable.
