Ammunition isn’t cheap — and nothing ruins a range day faster than opening a box of corroded, swollen, or moisture-damaged rounds.

At True Shot Ammo, we’ve shipped millions of rounds from our climate-controlled Arizona warehouse and seen every storage mistake you can imagine. We’ve also noticed that the shooters who never have issues follow the exact same set of simple storage rules.

This is the no-BS guide to proper long-term ammo storage, based on real-world experience with 9mm, 5.56, .223, .308, and shotgun shells.

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Why Proper Ammo Storage Matters

Ammo is durable when stored correctly — but temperature swings, humidity, and poor organization quietly destroy it over time.

Common damage includes:

• Corroded brass
• Degraded powder
• Contaminated primers
• Case swelling and pitting

At worst, poor storage can lead to:

• Squibs
• Hang-fires
• Failure-to-fire malfunctions

Store ammunition well and it remains reliable for decades. Many older surplus lots still perform perfectly today because they were stored properly.

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The 5 Golden Rules of Ammo Storage

1. Keep Temperature Stable (55–75°F)

Ammo hates rapid temperature swings far more than heat or cold.

Avoid:

• Attics
• Garages
• Sheds
• Damp basements

Best practice:
Store ammo in a climate-controlled interior room or a dedicated storage safe.

Popular solution:
A GoldenRod dehumidifier inside a safe or cabinet helps maintain consistent temperature and eliminates condensation.

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2. Keep Relative Humidity Below 50%

Humidity is the main cause of corrosion and primer degradation. Aim for 40–50% RH.

Effective humidity-control tools:

• MTM ammo cans with desiccant packs
• Military surplus metal cans with gasket seals
• Lockdown 750g silica gel (oven-rechargeable)
• EVA-DRY wireless dehumidifiers for large safes

Keep humidity low and your ammo stays bright, clean, and reliable.

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3. Use the Right Containers

Some containers are meant for transport — not long-term storage.

Recommended options:

• .50 Cal PA-108 military cans – durable, airtight, inexpensive
• MTM AC4C Ammo Crate System – stackable and portable
• Plano/Flambeau dry boxes – great for handgun calibers

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4. Label Everything Clearly

Organization prevents mistakes and protects your wallet.

Labeling should include:

• Caliber
• Brand + bullet weight
• Date purchased
• Lot number (important in case of recalls)

Sharpie + painter’s tape is simple and effective.

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5. Rotate Your Stock (FIFO: First In, First Out)

Always shoot your oldest ammo first.

Bulk buyers who keep new cases behind older ones naturally maintain perfect rotation without extra effort.

FIFO ensures:

• Nothing sits too long
• You always know what’s oldest
• You avoid shooting ammo that’s been forgotten for years

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Best Ammo Storage Products (Customer Favorites)

Common Ammo Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these problem-causing habits:

• Storing loaded magazines long-term under full spring tension
• Keeping ammo in cardboard boxes in damp areas
• Using basements in humid climates without dehumidifiers
• Storing ammo in attics that reach extreme heat
• Forgetting to label containers
• Using metal cans with damaged or missing gaskets

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Quick Checklist for Proper Ammo Storage

Remember these six rules:

• ✔ Cool (55–75°F)
• ✔ Dry (under 50% RH)
• ✔ Dark
• ✔ Airtight containers
• ✔ Labeled correctly
• ✔ Rotated (FIFO)

Follow these fundamentals and your bulk 9mm, 5.56, .223, .308, and shotgun shells will stay reliable for decades.

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Store It Right — And Stock Up While Prices Are Low

Whether you’re building a proper storage setup or stocking up on ammo to fill those cans, True Shot Ammo has you covered.

We ship bulk 9mm, 5.56, .223, .308, and shotgun shells fast from our climate-controlled warehouse, so your ammo arrives in perfect condition — ready for long-term storage.

Shop bulk ammo at TrueShotAmmo.com — real inventory, fast shipping, no BS.