How to Store and Preserve Your Ammo for Extended Periods of Time

How to Store Ammo for Decades (Not Just Years)
Protect your investment from humidity, oxidation, and supply shortages.

With ammo prices soaring and supply chains strained, proper long-term storage is no longer optional—it’s essential. Most shooters know factory claims about 10-year shelf life, but few realize ammunition can last 30+ years if stored correctly. Here’s how to avoid costly mistakes and keep your rounds battle-ready for generations.

Ammo Storage Methods: Pros and Cons

1. Factory Boxes

   • ✅ Quick and free (no extra containers needed).
   • ❌ Short-term only – No moisture protection, bulky, and impractical for bulk storage.

2. Ammo Cans (Plastic/Metal)

   • ✅ Durable and reusable – Ideal for medium/long-term storage.
   • ❌ Seal-dependent – Use desiccant packs + oxygen absorbers to counter residual moisture.
   • Pro Tip: Label cans clearly and include the original factory box for lot number tracking.

3. Food Storage Containers

   • ✅ Budget-friendly – Repurpose quality containers you already own.
   • ❌ Not airtight by default – Pair with desiccants and store in low-humidity areas.

4. Ziploc/Mylar Bags

   • ✅ Portable and lightweight – Good for range trips or short-term use.
   • ❌ Avoid for long-term – Prone to punctures (especially rifle rounds) and air diffusion over time.

5. Standard Vacuum Sealing

   • ✅ Removes air/moisture – Extends shelf life significantly.
   • ❌ Fails under stress – Movement or stacking often breaks seals.

The Hybrid Method: Vacuum-Sealed Cardboard Boxes

(Recommended for bulk storage)

Forget painstakingly arranging loose rounds in vacuum bags. Here’s a battle-tested approach:

1. Use rigid cardboard boxes sized to fit standard vacuum-sealer bags.
2. Fill with loose ammo – Ensure bullet tips face inward to avoid punctures.
3. Add 4-5 desiccant packs + 1-2 oxygen absorbers inside.
4. Seal and label – Include caliber, grain, and date on the box exterior.
5. Vacuum-seal the entire box – Eliminates air/moisture while protecting against compression damage.

Why this works:

• Stackable – Store vertically like books for easy FIFO (First In, First Out) access.
• Decades-proof – Combines vacuum efficiency with rigid structural protection.

3 Non-Negotiables for Long-Term Storage

1. Control temperature/humidity – Basements and garages are not ideal. Use climate-controlled spaces.
2. Label everything – Future-you will thank past-you.
3. Test seals annually – Re-vacuum or replace desiccants as needed.

Final Thought
Ammo is a currency in uncertain times. By ditching flimsy Ziplocs and mastering the hybrid vacuum method, you’ll ensure your stockpile outlasts price hikes, political shifts, and supply crunches.