To Vacuum Seal Ammo Or Not?

[JohnnyB 4,323]

The opinions on this subject are all over the place on other sites.

They range from,

 

Vacuum sealing ammo is great! Especially if the ammo is stored in a place that could get damp!

 

It's a waste of time! Just store it in a good ammo can with a desiccant pack!

 

Never vacuum seal ammo as it removes the oxygen from the case and will cause the ammo to fail when used!

 

Does anyone here have any experience using a food saver type device to vacuum seal their ammo for long term storage?

Has anyone used ammo that was sealed and experienced problems?

I think it's a great idea, but I have never tried to use ammo stored that way long term to know if it's good or bad.

 

Thanks for your input.

[MidwestPX 172]

I considered doing it but decided against it.  I didn't want to buy a second sealer to dedicate to ammo.  It's also a bit more of a hassle compared to the traditional method of throwing the ammo in a can with a dessicant pack.

[checko 180]

shoot more. 

[10X 3,296]

It'll only last maybe 50-75 years or more if not vacuum sealed, so if you think that's not long enough, I guess you could go to the extra time and trouble to vacuum pack.

 

It doesn't matter if there is air/oxygen in the case or not...that's not what the gunpowder is using for an oxidizer.

[Sota 1,191]

I have bunched in ziplock bags in ammo cans.  I can't imagine it having any long term issues.

[302w 83]

Reloaded or commercial?

 

I've heard of people having issues with vacuumed ammo.

 

If you are concerned, throw it in a ammo can with handwarmers to deplete the little oxygen. Seal the primer and bullet if paranoid. Buy precanned Wolf 223 if extremely concerned.

[JohnnyB 4,323]

I have bunched in ziplock bags in ammo cans.  I can't imagine it having any long term issues.

The trouble with ziplock bags is you cant really tell if the seal has been compromised. With vacuum sealing, you can!

[JohnnyB 4,323]

Reloaded or commercial?

Mostly commercial but I do have some reloads I did a long time ago. My reloads are in plastic ammo boxes, not sealed.

[DeerSlayer 241]

The trouble with ziplock bags is you cant really tell if the seal has been compromised. With vacuum sealing, you can!

JohnnyB! Go buy a box of these they're awesome! Ziplock bag with a hand pump the bag has a one way valve you can use them as a vacuum bag or not. And you don't have to go buy a seal a meal or food saver machine (although I have one and they are awesome for food).

 

$5 I have a box in my pantry they work well. http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/12443047?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222228009713460&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=40343278352&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78303852752&veh=sem

 

[T Bill 649]

Vacuum sealing ammo is great! Especially if the ammo is stored in a place that could get damp!

It's a waste of time! Just store it in a good ammo can with a desiccant pack!

Never vacuum seal ammo as it removes the oxygen from the case and will cause the ammo to fail when used!

I have and do vacuum seal some of the ammo I have in storage.  Why?  Keep out dampness is one reason. Perfect way to keep moisture content down.  Also makes for easy and durable storage. Not to mention stops oxidation on the brass.  No problems with handling, durable compact container that can be used and discarded for cheap.  Best solution I have found yet. Better than those damn cardboard boxes or having to buy a bunch of plastic ammo boxes or have it loose in an ammo can.  I can mark each package with information so I can rotate stock and keep it as condensed as possible.  Powder has it's own oxidizer so that's crap.  It's just a good simple way to store anything you don't want to degrade due to oxidation or moisture. I have vacuum sealed clothes, etc. when going camping, get more in the pack, protect from the weather.   Keeps the First Aid Kit clean and dry and ready for use if I need it. Things of that nature.

[Sota 1,191]

The trouble with ziplock bags is you cant really tell if the seal has been compromised. With vacuum sealing, you can!

use the double zippered color changing ones. otherwise, the ammo can itself has a seal, so that should help solve that problem.

 

I went the baggie route more for compacting storage over keeping them in their native boxes, rather than anything related to "freshness."

[302w 83]

If I ever mass reload 223 I would like to do this:
(or just fit 1000 loose 223 in a 30 cal can)

 

Fits 12 or 13 stripper clips in a shotshell box, put shotshell box in 50, then G2G.

 

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Are you looking for long term storage in case SHTF or just normal storage for a couple months or a year before you shoot the ammo?

 

Are you storing it in a damp basement that floods often or in a normal spot?

[Newtonian 453]

If you are able to seal or moisture-proof all your ammo you are either an obsessive-compulsive or you don't have enough ammo.

 

While cleaning out an attic closet last autumn I found a case of 12-gauge bird shot that had been sitting untouched for 23 years. When I moved my stuff 10 years ago I just didn't notice it. The 6-7 boxes I went through a couple of weeks later were perfect.

[JohnnyB 4,323]

Are you looking for long term storage in case SHTF or just normal storage for a couple months or a year before you shoot the ammo?

 

Are you storing it in a damp basement that floods often or in a normal spot?

SHTF storage.

A VERY damp basement! I run a ventilation fan and dehumidifier 24/7. Ammo stored in OSHA flammable liquids cabinets, but running out of space!

[JohnnyB 4,323]

If you are able to seal or moisture-proof all your ammo you are either an obsessive-compulsive or you don't have enough ammo.

 

While cleaning out an attic closet last autumn I found a case of 12-gauge bird shot that had been sitting untouched for 23 years. When I moved my stuff 10 years ago I just didn't notice it. The 6-7 boxes I went through a couple of weeks later were perfect.

Angelo,

 

      First, define how much ammo is enough?  I keep enough that I know I won't be able to shoot in my lifetime unless the SHTF!

I am OCD as are most people in one way or another!

 

I consider the lowly .22 at about 10K is good.

1 to 2K on everything else is a good number in my book!

 

My wife is ready to divorce me as she is tired of picking up heavy boxes left by UPS on the front steps!

Unfortunately for her I placed a few more orders of heavy boxes tonight!!!

 

I am interested to hear your suggestions on how much is enough. I don't go to the range much anymore between work and the grandchildren.

All of this ammo is stored in a damp and sometimes flooded basement since I have no place else to put it. It will also be stored for long term!

 

I have the food saver machine and tons of rolls and bags. So unless it is bad for the ammo, I feel better vacuum sealing it! What are your thoughts???

[Krdshrk 3,877]

If it's SHTF Storage and a damp basement, I can see why you would want to do that.  

[JohnnyB 4,323]

If it's SHTF Storage and a damp basement, I can see why you would want to do that.  

The big question is will I harm the ammo by doing so??? That is the debate all over the net!

[Krdshrk 3,877]

The big question is will I harm the ammo by doing so??? That is the debate all over the net!

 

If you're really looking for shtf storage, look to the sealed cans of wolf ammo or Fiocchi Canned Heat...

[Newtonian 453]

Angelo,

 

      First, define how much ammo is enough?  I keep enough that I know I won't be able to shoot in my lifetime unless the SHTF!

I am OCD as are most people in one way or another!

 

I consider the lowly .22 at about 10K is good.

1 to 2K on everything else is a good number in my book!

 

My wife is ready to divorce me as she is tired of picking up heavy boxes left by UPS on the front steps!

Unfortunately for her I placed a few more orders of heavy boxes tonight!!!

 

I am interested to hear your suggestions on how much is enough. I don't go to the range much anymore between work and the grandchildren.

All of this ammo is stored in a damp and sometimes flooded basement since I have no place else to put it. It will also be stored for long term!

 

I have the food saver machine and tons of rolls and bags. So unless it is bad for the ammo, I feel better vacuum sealing it! What are your thoughts???

I'm no ammo expert. I was just joking. I would never take the trouble to seal ammo in plastic, even if it were stored under less than ideal conditions.  That's just me. 

[monmouth 19]

Angelo,

 

      First, define how much ammo is enough?  I keep enough that I know I won't be able to shoot in my lifetime unless the SHTF!

I am OCD as are most people in one way or another!

 

I consider the lowly .22 at about 10K is good.

1 to 2K on everything else is a good number in my book!

 

My wife is ready to divorce me as she is tired of picking up heavy boxes left by UPS on the front steps!

Unfortunately for her I placed a few more orders of heavy boxes tonight!!!

 

I am interested to hear your suggestions on how much is enough. I don't go to the range much anymore between work and the grandchildren.

All of this ammo is stored in a damp and sometimes flooded basement since I have no place else to put it. It will also be stored for long term!

 

I have the food saver machine and tons of rolls and bags. So unless it is bad for the ammo, I feel better vacuum sealing it! What are your thoughts???

Can you address the basement's dampness with dehumidifiers?

Store the ammo off the basement floor.

You really don't have a lot of ammo, those whelen keymod shelves at Costco will serve you well.

Pack the ammo in ammo cans with good seals, label accordingly.

If you're really committed to shtf ammo storage, start reloading in bulk then sell off the commercial ammo.

Good luck.

[noylj 5]

My personal opinion: you're over-thinking any possible problem, but it can't hurt.

Polyethylene can be punctured, crack, or otherwise be damaged.

I prefer to keep the rounds separated in an plastic ammo box and store in military ammo can. Main paranoia, whether possible or not, is a spitzer meplat contacting a primer with force.

[Newtonian 453]

My personal opinion: you're over-thinking any possible problem, but it can't hurt.

Polyethylene can be punctured, crack, or otherwise be damaged.

I prefer to keep the rounds separated in an plastic ammo box and store in military ammo can. Main paranoia, whether possible or not, is a spitzer meplat contacting a primer with force.

Again IANAAE (I am not an ammo expert [or an expert on anything else related to firearms]) but I've read that there's no danger with an accidental striking. It's not going to set off a chain reaction. Your house won't blow up. 

 

There are guys who clean out their cars every week. I clean mine every 4-5 years and even then I get somebody else to do it. I can't stand that crap.

 

There are guys who clean their guns every time they go to the range, even if they don't shoot 'em. I have a round limit on every firearm and frequently -- usually -- go beyond. Store your ammo in hermetically sealed plastic if you like. All my failures are gun related not storage related to my knowledge. The reliable guns are reliable.

 

My 7.62 x ABC is 60-70 years old and has not been stored "properly" for years. Never had a single mishap. If you start to worry about this you might as well get a ticket to next year's Gay Pride Parade. I'll be the guy in the diaper shaking his fat butt. 

 

Mileage may vary. 

[mipafox 438]

First, it's not necessary. Some people do it and report no problems. I see 302w has heard of problems. I don't know if it is a bad idea from a practical standpoint, but from a theoretical standpoint it might be. Double base/tripple base powders contain nitrocellulose and glycerol trinitrate (GTN) to start with. GTN (like in dynamite) is a liquid and is a volatile or semi-volatile (I forget the Psat). Keeping it under a vacuum would be expected to cause some of it to evaporate from the powder. I don't know what happens in real life but I'm not going to do it. I've never heard of any military or manufacturer doing it. The greatest lengths I've heard of by the military is a nitrogen purge of an ammo can. Which does not reduce the pressure, of course.

 

 

Reloaded or commercial?

 

I've heard of people having issues with vacuumed ammo.

 

If you are concerned, throw it in a ammo can with handwarmers to deplete the little oxygen. Seal the primer and bullet if paranoid. Buy precanned Wolf 223 if extremely concerned.

Use desiccant. Worry about humidity, not oxygen.

[302w 83]

My theory for the hand warmer was to create a small enough vaccuum from the oxygen consumption that an ammo can would seal like a mason jar.

 

It sounds nifty IMHO, but most likely not effective.

[mipafox 438]

That sorta happens when I use oxygen adsorbers in long term food storage. 20.9 mole/volume percent, so you can get a little vacuum.

[MidwestPX 172]

That sorta happens when I use oxygen adsorbers in long term food storage. 20.9 mole/volume percent, so you can get a little vacuum.

This is a great idea. Dessicant + oxygen absorbers in an air tight ammo can. I like it!