When it comes to prepping for uncertain times, few things are as critical to survival as having a reliable supply of ammunition. Whether you’re preparing for natural disasters, societal collapse, or simply a long-term survival situation, you want to be sure your ammunition is as ready as you are. But having a stockpile of ammo is only half the battle—storing it properly is the other.

In this blog, we’ll cover the three most important factors to consider for long-term ammo storage, which is crucial for any emergency preparedness plan. By addressing these, you can ensure your ammunition remains in optimal condition, ready to perform when you need it most, whether in a disaster scenario or survivalist situation. While there are many strategies out there, we’ll focus on the key considerations that make the difference between reliable rounds and ammo that fails you at the worst possible time.

We’ll also highlight how the Ammo in a Can product can be an invaluable resource in each of these areas, offering a practical, durable, and efficient solution for long-term ammo storage without over-complicating your survival plans.

1. Temperature Control: The Silent Ammo Killer

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors in long-term ammo storage is temperature control. Ammunition is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and extreme heat or cold can degrade the chemical components in both the propellant (gunpowder) and the primer, leading to poor performance or outright failure when the time comes to use it. Whether you’re looking to store ammo for self-defense weapons or hunting, keeping ammo in a stable environment is key.

How Temperature Affects Ammo

Ammunition performs best when stored in a stable, moderate temperature environment—ideally between 55°F and 85°F (13°C to 29°C). Extreme heat can cause the gunpowder to deteriorate, while extreme cold can affect the flexibility of the casing and primers, causing misfires or malfunctions. Worse yet, rapid temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation inside your storage containers, promoting moisture buildup and corrosion.

Practical Solutions for Temperature Control

– Store ammo in a climate-controlled environment: A basement or any cool, dry place in your home where the temperature remains steady is ideal. Avoid attics, garages, or sheds where temperatures can spike or plummet with the seasons.

– Invest in storage containers designed to insulate against temperature fluctuations: Products like Ammo-In-A-Can are designed to provide an extra layer of protection from the elements, including temperature changes. These containers help to regulate the internal environment, ensuring your ammo isn’t exposed to damaging heat or cold. With its sturdy design and airtight seal, Ammo in a Can keeps your ammunition safe from sudden temperature changes that could render your stockpile useless when you need it most.

2.) Moisture: The Corrosion Catalyst

Next to temperature, moisture (and, specifically, oxygen) is the number one enemy of long-term ammo storage. When exposed to even small amounts of moisture and air, ammo casings can corrode, weakening their structural integrity and leading to dangerous malfunctions or complete duds. In extreme cases, moisture can penetrate the seal of the casing, causing the powder inside to become damp and ineffective.

Why Moisture Is a Threat

Ammunition is designed to resist some level of environmental exposure, but it’s not invincible. Over time, moisture can sneak into poorly sealed storage containers, creating the ideal conditions for rust and corrosion. Even if you can’t see the effects immediately, moisture may slowly degrade the brass or steel casings, primers, and powder, and available oxygen can corrode the brass and copper construction of the cartridges, leaving you with compromised rounds.

How to Prevent Moisture Damage

When packaging ammunition for long-term storage, crucial steps can be taken to ensure that the valuable commodity is protected from environmental conditions:

1. Choosing a sturdy, waterproof, and airtight container is paramount. Our Ammo-In-A-Can package provides all of these protections while adding minimal weight or bulk to the packaged product.
2. Pack the ammunition in a warm, dry environment to minimize any ambient moisture that can be locked into the container. The less humidity that is available to condense inside the package, the less moisture that has to be accounted for in the long-term storage.
3. Seal the package with an appropriate-sized oxygen absorber. An oxygen absorber packet contains iron powder that immediately reacts with available oxygen inside the sealed container, locking it up in the form of iron oxide (rust), preventing it from being able to oxidize your ammunition.

Taking all three of these steps, as we do with Ammo-In-A-Can, preserves the ammunition, making sure that it is as fresh, accurate, and reliable as the day it was made.

3. Proper Organization: Easy Access & Inventory Management

When preparing for long-term survival, being able to access the right type of ammunition quickly can be the difference between success and failure. Ammo comes in a variety of calibers, and keeping it organized is essential for both efficiency and safety. In a crisis, you won’t want to dig through piles of unorganized ammo looking for the right rounds.

Why Organization Matters for Long-Term Storage

Long-term ammo storage is a critical aspect of any survivalist’s preparations, and ensuring your ammunition remains functional when you need it most requires careful planning. By focusing on temperature control, moisture prevention, and proper organization, you can keep your ammo in top condition for years to come, whether you’re prepping for natural disasters or economic collapse.

Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just beginning to build your survival stockpile, Ammo-In-A-Can offers an all-in-one solution that simplifies long-term ammo storage while ensuring your rounds stay protected. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll be ready to face whatever challenges come your way in the future.

With Ammo in a Can, you can be confident that your ammunition will be ready whenever you need it—so you can focus on what matters most: protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Tips for Organizing Your Ammo Stockpile

1. Separate by caliber: Always store different calibers separately to avoid confusion. Clearly label your containers so you can easily find the specific type of ammo you need in a hurry.
2. Use dedicated storage containers: Having a dedicated storage system makes organization much easier. For example, Ammo-In-A-Can comes in a compact, stackable design that allows you to easily label, sort, and store different types of ammo by caliber or use case.
3. Keep an inventory log: Whether you use an app, spreadsheet, or handwritten log, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of your ammunition helps you track how much you have, what you’ve used, and when you need to replenish. This also allows you to monitor the condition of your stock over time.

Final Thoughts

Long-term ammo storage is a critical aspect of any survivalist’s preparations, and ensuring your ammunition remains functional when you need it most requires careful planning. By focusing on temperature control, moisture prevention, and proper organization, you can keep your ammo in top condition for years to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just beginning to build your survival stockpile, Ammo-In-A-Can offers an all-in-one solution that simplifies long-term ammo storage while ensuring your rounds stay protected. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll be ready to face whatever challenges come your way in the future.

With Ammo-In-A-Can, you can be confident that your ammunition will be ready whenever you need it—so you can focus on what matters most: protecting yourself and your loved ones.