storing ammo for the long run.

[icebones]

how would someone go about storing ammo, in large quantities (10000+ rounds) for very long periods of time (at least 50 years) with no or very little effects on the powder/primers?

also how would you store this ammo in a unobtrusive place (like in the ground)
just in case

would locking ammo in airtight containers with a healthy ammount of desiccant and storing ammo with a very light coating of non-petrolium lubricant help?

what about storing it in vaccum bags like the kind you use to package meat?

 

[Bartkowski]

There are plenty of threads like this one right now.

Anyway, just put them in .50 cal ammo cans with a little desicant. I wouldn't oil my ammo, incase it soaks into the primer or in the case.

 

[W.E.G.]

The Army uses ammo cans to store ammo.

I suspect they know something about storing ammo.

 

[p2000sk]

"how would you store this ammo in a unobtrusive place (like in the ground)"?

"In the ground" like in your concrete basement on shelves with a dehumidifier.
That takes some commitment.

"In the ground" like in the dirt.
That takes some commitment also.
Think about higher ground that stays dry if possible.
Think about containers in a container.

 

[icebones]

non-petrolium based oil wont affect the primers or powder,

like the case lube you use to reload, sylicone oil wont hurt the rpimers either.

most military surplis ammo cans arent airtight, and, the miitary fequently "disposes" of old ammo, i dont know the exact expiration date for military ammo.

i was just wondering because most ammo that is kept in the open begins to detiorate after about 10 or so years, assuming the primer and bullet arent sealed.

 

[icebones]

i brought this whole thing up because, i read in the most recent issue of G&A, that the politics were trying to pass a bill requiring all ammo to be mircostamped and all that other stupid stuff.

 

[BammaYankee]

Icebones

If you're worried about microstamping then hoard firing pins, not ammo. In many articles I've read, it's the ammo that gets stamped by a laser inscribed firing pin. Now, if they require bullets to be manufactured with serial #s already etched, then that's a whole other ball of wax.