Storing and Handling Ammunition Safely
By Weapons.com Editorial Team · Published
Industry guidance on where to keep ammunition, what damages it, when not to fire a round, and why you shouldn't keep re-chambering the same cartridge.
Ammunition is durable, but heat, moisture, chemicals and rough handling can damage it. This guide follows SAAMI's published recommendations for safe ammunition storage and handling.
Where to store it
- In its original packaging, or packaging designed for ammunition.
- Cool and dry, away from solvents and other chemicals, heat sources and open flames.
- Not in a hot vehicle. SAAMI advises against leaving ammunition in a vehicle, including the trunk, for long periods in direct sunlight or at high temperatures, because it can speed up deterioration of the propellant.
- Separately from firearms, and out of reach of unauthorized people. See our home storage guide.
What damages ammunition
SAAMI notes that long exposure to high temperature or humidity can degrade ammunition. Usually that means lower pressure or a failure to fire, but sometimes pressure increases. Water, solvents, petroleum products, ammonia and similar chemicals can make the primer or powder stop working, and corrosion can make a case unsafe to fire.
Inspect before you shoot
- Check rounds before use. Don't fire cartridges or shells with signs of damage like corrosion, deep dents or scratches. If in doubt, don't chamber or fire it.
- A round should chamber easily. Never fire one that needs abnormal force to close the bolt or breech.
- Make sure the headstamp matches the firearm. See how to read cartridge names.
Don't keep re-chambering the same round
SAAMI warns that repeatedly loading and unloading the same cartridge can damage the case or primer and can push the bullet deeper into the case, which raises chamber pressure. Rotate rounds instead of re-chambering the same one.
The same goes for magazines: SAAMI suggests emptying and inspecting a magazine before topping it up, and loading older rounds so they're fired first.
Disposing of old ammunition
Dispose of damaged ammunition according to federal, state and local rules. SAAMI suggests your local law enforcement agency, fire department or shooting range may be able to help.
Buying ammunition
Ready to restock? Compare ammo prices. Rules on buying ammunition vary by state; see state firearm laws.