How to Store Ammunition Long Term and Prevent Corrosion
The best way to store ammunition long term is to keep it clean and dry, avoid major temperature and humidity swings, and use a durable storage container such as a well-sealed ammo can.
For additional corrosion protection, boxed, loose, or bulk ammunition can be enclosed in a Victory VCI® bag inside an ammo can or other storage container. The outer container provides durable physical storage, while the VCI bag helps protect the enclosed metal surfaces from rust and corrosion.
Long-term ammunition storage does not have to be complicated. The goal is simple: keep moisture out, keep the storage environment as stable as practical, protect the cartridge metal from corrosion, and keep the ammunition organized and identifiable.
What Causes Ammunition to Corrode in Storage?
Ammunition can remain stored for long periods when conditions are appropriate, but cartridge cases and other exposed metal surfaces can corrode when moisture and corrosive contaminants are present.
Humidity, water intrusion, and repeated temperature swings can increase the chance of moisture or condensation developing around stored ammunition.
Early corrosion may appear as dulling, tarnish, or discoloration. Continued exposure can lead to more serious surface damage and pitting.
For long-term storage, focus on controlling the conditions that contribute to corrosion:
- Keep ammunition dry.
- Avoid repeated exposure to high humidity.
- Minimize large temperature swings.
- Use a durable outer storage container.
- Add corrosion protection when ammunition will remain stored for extended periods.
- Keep ammunition organized so its caliber, manufacturer, load, and lot information remain identifiable.
Are Ammo Cans Good for Long-Term Ammunition Storage?
Yes. A well-sealed ammo can is an excellent outer container for long-term ammunition storage.
Ammo cans provide physical protection, organization, portability, and a barrier between the ammunition and the surrounding storage environment.
But an ammo can and corrosion-prevention packaging perform different jobs.
An ammo can provides the outer storage container.
A VCI bag provides corrosion protection around the metal surfaces enclosed inside the bag.
For ammunition that may remain stored for years, using the two together provides a simple way to combine durable storage with additional corrosion protection.
VCI Bags and Ammo Cans for Long-Term Ammunition Storage
Victory VCI® bags can be used inside an ammo can or other rigid storage container to protect ammunition during long-term storage.
Victory VCI film releases Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor compounds into the enclosed space. These compounds disperse around the stored metal and interact with metal surfaces to form a microscopic protective layer that helps interrupt the electrochemical reactions responsible for corrosion.
The result is corrosion protection around enclosed metal surfaces without requiring the ammunition to be removed from its original packaging.
How to Store Ammunition in a VCI Bag and Ammo Can
- Start with clean, dry ammunition. Do not place wet or damp ammunition into long-term storage.
- Keep factory-boxed ammunition in its original boxes when practical. Original packaging helps preserve important information such as caliber, manufacturer, load, and lot number.
- Loose or bulk ammunition can also be protected. Keep different calibers and loads separated and clearly labeled so the ammunition remains easy to identify.
- Place the ammunition inside a Victory VCI® bag. The Victory VCI 12" × 18" Handgun & Ammunition Storage Bag is designed for ammunition, magazines, handguns, and other stored metal items.
- Close the open end of the VCI bag according to Victory VCI storage instructions. The ammunition should remain enclosed within the VCI environment during storage.
- Place the VCI bag inside the ammo can. The ammo can provides the durable outer container while the VCI bag provides corrosion protection inside.
- Store the ammo can in a dry, temperature-stable location. Avoid locations where stored ammunition is repeatedly exposed to moisture, water intrusion, high humidity, or major temperature changes.
Can Factory-Boxed Ammunition Stay in the Box?
Yes.
Factory-boxed ammunition does not need to be removed from its original packaging before being placed inside a Victory VCI bag.
Keeping ammunition in its original packaging has an important advantage: you retain the original caliber, manufacturer, load, and lot information.
Place the boxes inside the VCI bag, close the bag properly, and place it inside the ammo can or other storage container.
How Should Loose or Bulk Ammunition Be Stored?
Loose and bulk ammunition should also be kept clean, dry, organized, and protected from prolonged moisture exposure.
A Victory VCI bag can be used to hold loose or bulk ammunition inside an ammo can, making it easier to remove the protected ammunition from the can when needed and return it to storage afterward.
Keep different calibers and loads separated and clearly labeled.
For ammunition that came from a factory package, retaining the original label or recording the manufacturer, caliber, load, and lot information is a good practice.
How Victory VCI Protects Stored Ammunition
Victory VCI® packaging is designed to help protect enclosed metal surfaces against rust and corrosion during storage.
After the ammunition is enclosed, VCI compounds released from the film disperse throughout the enclosed space and reach exposed metal surfaces.
The VCI molecules interact with metal surfaces to form a microscopic protective layer that helps interrupt the electrochemical reactions responsible for corrosion.
Victory VCI Handgun & Ammunition Storage Bags are:
- 12" × 18"
- 4-mil VCI film
- 9 bags per retail pack
- 3+ years of corrosion protection when properly enclosed
- MIL-DTL-22020E compliant
- Made in USA
Does a VCI Bag Replace Good Storage Conditions?
No.
VCI is corrosion-prevention packaging. It does not control the temperature of the storage room, remove standing water, repair already-corroded ammunition, or replace appropriate secure ammunition storage.
The best approach combines sensible storage conditions with appropriate packaging:
Clean and dry ammunition + stable storage environment + durable container + corrosion protection.
That distinction is important because long-term ammunition storage is a system. An ammo can, the surrounding environment, and VCI packaging each serve a different purpose.
Long-Term Ammunition Storage in Humid Areas
Humidity deserves extra attention when ammunition is stored in coastal or humid climates.
Even ammunition stored indoors can be exposed to changing humidity and temperature conditions over time. Garages, sheds, vehicles, and other spaces with large environmental swings can be especially challenging for long-term storage.
Whenever possible, store ammunition in a dry, temperature-stable location and use a dependable outer storage container.
For additional corrosion protection, Victory VCI packaging can be used inside the container to help protect the enclosed cartridge metal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Ammunition Storage
What is the best way to store ammunition long term?
Keep ammunition clean and dry, minimize major temperature and humidity swings, and store it in a durable container such as a well-sealed ammo can. For additional corrosion protection, VCI packaging can be used inside the container around boxed, loose, or bulk ammunition.
Do VCI bags work for ammunition storage?
Yes. VCI, or Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor, packaging is designed to help protect enclosed metal surfaces from rust and corrosion during storage. Victory VCI® makes 12" × 18" VCI storage bags specifically suited for ammunition, magazines, handguns, and other stored metal items.
Can you use a VCI bag inside an ammo can?
Yes. An ammo can and a VCI bag perform different functions. The ammo can provides durable outer storage, while the VCI bag provides corrosion protection around the metal surfaces enclosed inside the bag.
Can boxed ammunition stay in its original packaging inside a VCI bag?
Yes. Factory-boxed ammunition can remain in its original packaging and be placed inside a Victory VCI bag. Keeping the original packaging also preserves useful information such as caliber, manufacturer, load, and lot number.
Can loose ammunition be stored in a VCI bag?
Yes. Loose or bulk ammunition can be stored inside a Victory VCI bag. Keep different calibers and loads separated and clearly labeled so the ammunition remains identifiable.
Is an ammo can enough for long-term ammunition storage?
A good ammo can provides durable outer storage and helps isolate ammunition from the surrounding environment. For additional corrosion protection, a VCI bag can be used inside the ammo can around the stored ammunition.
How do you prevent ammunition from corroding in storage?
Keep ammunition clean and dry, reduce prolonged exposure to moisture and high humidity, avoid major temperature swings, and use appropriate protective storage. VCI packaging can add corrosion protection around the enclosed cartridge metal during long-term storage.
How long does Victory VCI protect stored ammunition?
When properly enclosed, Victory VCI® provides 3+ years of corrosion protection for the metal surfaces inside the bag.
Put Your Ammunition Away Protected
Whether you store ammunition in factory boxes, loose in an ammo can, or in bulk for future use, the goal is the same: keep it dry, organized, and protected from corrosion while it sits.
Victory VCI® 12" × 18" Handgun & Ammunition Storage Bags provide 3+ years of corrosion protection in a reusable, Made-in-USA VCI storage bag.
Victory VCI Handgun & Ammunition Storage Bags
