Reloading for Long Term Storage

[BobGun]

I have just finished a week long project of reloading. I loaded 1000 .308 for my DPMS LR-308 and 5000 .223 for my two ARs. I crimped all bullets using a Lee Factory Crimp die. My question is should I also seal the primers. This ammo is intended for SHTF type storage. I want this ammo to survive long term and still be reliable.

[mp517prct]

I too reload for the purposes of "stockpiling"

My suggestions are one of two things. First option is to acquire a vacuum sealer (Food Saver) and some desicant packs and vacuum seal the ammo in "DIY battle packs" of 100-200rds each. Option two is seal the primers and case necks with fingernail polish.

[MS1476]

Packed in a GI ammo box with dissicant will store them just fine for a lifetime. I've found the cheapest dissicant packs to be the floral drying crystals from Hobby Lobby. There is always a "40% off 1 item" coupon on their website. If you have a smartphone, you can just show it to them on your phone without printing it. Pour the crystals onto a coffee filter, wrap it up, tie it shut with string, and toss it in the box.

[Hawk]

Air tight and cool is all you need to do to have it last longer than you.

[GeneCC]

Supposedly these people are highly recommended.

http://markroncustomgunproducts.com/

[Fred762]

I have just finished a week long project of reloading. I loaded 1000 .308 for my DPMS LR-308 and 5000 .223 for my two ARs. I crimped all bullets using a Lee Factory Crimp die. My question is should I also seal the primers. This ammo is intended for SHTF type storage. I want this ammo to survive long term and still be reliable.

I have reloaded for decades..and recently used some .45 I did up in 1983..worked fine. No special Rx except for storage: cool and dry and in airtight ammo cans w some rice grains in'em. Yup..I had expected SHTF years ago. I cannot figure how the ptb have kept "it" together so long! G'luck

I am rotating my stash a bit better today tho.. ;-)

[Sam1911]

I've got ammo I loaded in the early '90s that works great every time I get around to firing some.

I really wouldn't worry about this very much. Put it in an ammo box or can, add some desiccant if you like, and call it good.

[bogey1]

I'm using ammo from 1943, still works great. Just keep it in a cool dry place.

[Argentum]

For bulk storage use a real metal milsurp can. A .30cal ammo with a good seal intact can requires a single 10gr silica gel desiccant packet for the full volume of one can.

[SuperVel]

As long as the cartridges don't get submerged in water you'll be fine for a long long time.

I have loaded primers that were forgotten about in a extremely damp basement for about 10 years. Every one went off no problem. If you could see it you'd understand - I was very surprised.

I used to think about this too, but now I don't worry nearly as much.