How cold is too cold for ammo storage?
Asked by: Dorcas Lakin | Last update: July 12, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (67 votes)
Extremely cold temperatures (even far below 0 ∘ 𝐹 ) generally will not damage modern ammunition, as it is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures. The real danger is rapid temperature changes, not cold itself, which can cause condensation, moisture buildup, and corrosion.
How cold can you store ammunition?
Store In A Cool Location
The primer will begin to absorb moisture, which eventually will render your ammo useless. It's essential to keep your ammo somewhere cool but not somewhere too cold. According to SAAMI, the ideal temperature for ammunition storage is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can ammo be stored in a cold garage?
Never store ammo in a garage or outbuilding where there is no temperature control. Both a vehicle and a garage can become very hot or cold depending on the season.
Can I leave ammo in a cold car?
Temperatures between 55° and 85° F are recommended for keeping ammunition fresh. Leaving ammo in a car for one or two days in extreme temperatures is unlikely to cause damage, so don't throw it away.
At what temperature will ammo go off?
Ammunition will cook off (meaning the case gets so hot it ignites the powder inside) if subjected to enough heat. The ignition point of nitrocellulose, the base compound of most propellants, is around 340 degrees Fahrenheit, not even hot enough to burn paper.
Storing Ammo in Very Hot or Cold Places? Do Extreme Temperatures Really Degrade Ammo?
Can bullets go off in cold weather?
In severe cases, the cold can affect the primer's ability to ignite the powder, leading to misfires or light strikes. If you know you'll be shooting in cold conditions, it's important to test your ammunition beforehand to see how it performs.
Can ammo go bad if stored properly?
No, ammo does not typically go bad if stored properly and can last for decades, often 50+ years or even over a century. While manufacturers may put a conservative 10-year shelf life on some ammunition, modern ammo is extremely durable. The key to long-term storage is a cool, dry, and stable environment.
Is it okay to store ammo in the garage?
Yes, you can store ammo in a garage, but it is not ideal due to temperature swings and humidity. To prevent degradation and corrosion, store ammo in sealed, metal or plastic ammo cans filled with desiccant packets to absorb moisture. Store it in a cool, dry place off the ground, such as a high shelf or cabinet.
What does "Mexican carry" mean?
"Mexican carry" is a slang term for the practice of carrying a handgun tucked directly into your waistband or pocket without a holster.
Is 20 year old ammo still good?
Yes, 20-year-old ammunition is generally safe and functional to shoot, provided it was stored in a cool, dry, and stable environment. Smokeless powder and modern primers often remain effective for 30–50+ years, with many shooters successfully using ammo from the 1950s–1990s. The biggest enemy is moisture, which causes corrosion, not time itself.
Where is the best place to store ammo in your house?
Store ammunition in a cool, dry, and dark environment, ideally in airtight metal or plastic ammo cans with silica gel desiccant packets to prevent moisture buildup. Optimal locations include interior closets or temperature-controlled rooms off the floor, avoiding high-humidity areas like basements or temperature-swing areas like garages and attics.
Can I stockpile ammo?
Stockpiled ammunition can serve a variety of purposes.
Even if you aren't too fond of firing a gun, the general storage of a few rounds could do you some good in a time of crisis. Ammunition is a great resource to sell or barter for some important items for survival.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
The answer depends on how you measure it:
Can ammunition freeze?
Can Ammo Freeze? Yes, it can be stored in freezing conditions, but freezing itself typically does not damage ammunition if it remains dry and sealed. The real danger is repeated freezing and thawing, which creates moisture and corrosion potential.
Can I keep my gun safe in an unheated garage?
Yes, you can keep a gun safe in an unheated garage, but it requires significant preparations to prevent rust, condensation, and theft. The primary risks are extreme temperature fluctuations causing moisture buildup and increased vulnerability to theft. Use dehumidifiers, seal the safe, and bolt it to the floor for security.
Is ammo still good after 10 years?
Yes, 10-year-old ammo is generally still good, reliable, and safe to shoot. Stored in a cool, dry, climate-controlled environment, modern factory ammunition has a functional shelf life of 20 to 50+ years.
What does Israeli carry mean?
Israeli carry (or "Condition 3") refers to carrying a semi-automatic handgun with a full magazine inserted but with an empty chamber, requiring the user to rack the slide to chamber a round before firing. Popularized by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), it aims to maximize safety by preventing accidental discharges.
Is the Tec 9 still illegal?
The TEC-9 is not federally illegal and has been legal to own since the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban expired in 2004. However, it is effectively banned or strictly restricted in several US states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, often due to specific bans on the model by name or its features.
What is the slang word for gun in Mexico?
Pipa, is the most common and, in "real" slang, fusco. Máquina, bufoso, caño, morocha.
Where not to store bullets?
Ammo should be stored in airtight containers and labeled clearly. Never store ammunition in your vehicle long-term, or anywhere it could be exposed to heat cycling or humidity. Most people recommend storing firearms and ammunition in separate, secure locations.
How cold can ammo be stored?
Keep ammunition between 55°F and 85°F. Store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers.
Can I store ammo in ziplock bags?
Yes, you can store ammunition in Ziploc-style bags, particularly [freezer-grade bags], as they offer an effective, inexpensive way to organize, seal out moisture, and reduce bulk for transport. For optimal, long-term storage, add [silica gel desiccant packs] to the bags to prevent humidity, and keep the bags inside [hard ammo cans] or plastic containers.
Should I keep my ammo and gun in the same safe in my house?
Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired.
How long can ammo sit in a magazine?
Ammunition can safely sit in a magazine for years or even decades, provided it is stored in a cool, dry environment. It is the continuous loading and unloading cycles—not sustained spring compression—that ultimately wear out magazine springs over time.
Is military surplus ammo reliable?
Simply put, if ammunition was stored properly and is not damaged, there is no reason not to trust military surplus ammo. After all, loadings of this type were loaded to military specifications with reliability and longevity in mind.