The Threat of Moisture to Ammunition
Where Moisture Comes From
The pop of a primer, the clean release of energy, the satisfying thud of a successful shot – these are the experiences that fuel the passion of any firearm enthusiast. But the reliability of that experience hinges on one crucial factor: the preservation of your ammunition. Imagine the frustration of a misfire at the range, or the devastating moment when you realize your ammo has deteriorated, rendering it useless. This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s about the safety, performance, and ultimately, the longevity of your entire shooting experience. This is why understanding and implementing effective desiccant for ammo storage is absolutely critical. Properly stored ammunition is a cornerstone of responsible gun ownership, and using desiccants is a powerful tool in achieving that goal.
The consequences of inadequate ammunition storage can be far-reaching, impacting both the immediate usability of your rounds and the long-term value of your investment. While firearms themselves are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ammunition is a sensitive product vulnerable to environmental factors. The presence of moisture is the primary enemy, a silent aggressor that slowly but surely degrades the ammunition and compromises its performance. Rust may appear on the casing, indicating the start of a process that could compromise the structural integrity. Even before visible rust, the propellant, the carefully formulated powder that provides the energy to propel the bullet, begins to deteriorate in the presence of moisture. This degradation can lead to several undesirable outcomes.
First and foremost, moisture-damaged ammunition may simply fail to fire, leading to a misfire during a critical situation or disrupting your practice session. Second, the altered propellant could lead to inconsistent performance. Variations in burn rate will result in fluctuations in velocity, impacting accuracy and the predictability of your shots. In extreme cases, you might experience what is known as a “squib load,” where the bullet gets stuck in the barrel, posing a serious safety hazard. Furthermore, the corrosive effects of moisture can weaken the cartridge case, increasing the risk of case rupture during firing, a situation that can lead to serious injury. All of these outcomes underscore the importance of diligent storage to avoid unnecessary risks and ensure the reliability of your ammunition.
So, where does this insidious moisture come from? The source is often more subtle than you might imagine. Ambient humidity, the water vapor present in the air, is the primary culprit. Even in seemingly dry climates, humidity levels can fluctuate throughout the day and across seasons. These small changes can allow moisture to slowly permeate storage containers, especially those that aren’t airtight. Temperature fluctuations play a key role as well. As the temperature rises and falls, the air inside a storage container can expand and contract. This process, known as “breathing,” can draw in humid air, potentially introducing moisture. Additionally, the very act of storing ammunition in a poorly maintained location, such as a damp basement or garage, dramatically increases the risk of moisture exposure and ammunition degradation. Therefore, proper storage practices, which includes understanding the role of desiccant for ammo storage, becomes a crucial element.
Understanding Desiccants
Types of Desiccants
To effectively combat the threat of moisture, you need to understand the science behind it and the tools available. Desiccants are the unsung heroes in the fight against humidity. They are specialized materials designed to absorb and retain moisture from their surroundings. Think of them as powerful little sponges that soak up excess water vapor, creating a drier environment inside the storage container. They work through a process called adsorption, where water molecules adhere to the surface of the desiccant material. This prevents moisture from interacting with your ammunition and causing the damage we discussed earlier. The beauty of using desiccant for ammo storage is its simplicity and effectiveness.
Several types of desiccants are available, each with its own properties, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right type for your needs. Silica gel is arguably the most popular choice. It’s a form of silicon dioxide that is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and extremely effective at absorbing moisture. Silica gel is typically found in the form of small, translucent beads. The beads absorb water molecules, effectively removing them from the air within the storage container. A significant advantage of silica gel is its reusability. When the beads become saturated with moisture, they can be reactivated by heating them in an oven or by placing them in a warm, dry environment, such as the sun, until they release the absorbed moisture and revert to their original state. This is a major advantage as you can use the same desiccant multiple times, making it an economical choice.
Clay desiccants are another option, often preferred for their affordability, especially for short-term storage or applications where cost is a primary concern. These desiccants are often made from activated clay minerals. While they are good at absorbing moisture, they typically have a lower absorption capacity compared to silica gel. Also, most clay desiccants are not reusable, meaning they need to be discarded once they are saturated. This makes silica gel the more cost-effective option over time because it can be reused after proper drying.
Finally, for very specific situations, such as environments where extremely low humidity levels are required, molecular sieves may be the best choice. Molecular sieves are highly porous materials that can absorb large quantities of moisture. They tend to be more expensive and less readily available than silica gel or clay desiccants, so they are generally not the go-to solution for everyday desiccant for ammo storage. Choosing the right type depends on your specific circumstances, considering the amount of humidity, duration of storage, and budget.
Choosing the Right Desiccant
How do you choose which desiccant is right for your ammo storage needs? Several factors need to be weighed to make an informed decision. First, consider the environment where you plan to store your ammunition. If you live in an area with high humidity, you will want a desiccant with a higher absorption capacity, such as silica gel or a molecular sieve. Next, think about the duration for which you intend to store your ammunition. For long-term storage, the reusability of silica gel offers a significant advantage. Furthermore, the size of your storage container matters. A larger container will naturally require more desiccant to maintain a dry environment. Carefully calculate the volume of your container and then choose the appropriate amount of desiccant, following manufacturer’s guidelines. Finally, your budget will play a role in the decision-making process. While silica gel is more expensive upfront, its reusability makes it cost-effective over time.
Practical Application: Using Desiccants for Ammo Storage
Placement of Desiccants
Once you’ve selected the right desiccant, the application is relatively straightforward. Start by cleaning and inspecting your ammunition. Remove any debris or contaminants that could trap moisture. Then, choose an airtight storage container. Plastic ammo cans, Pelican cases, and other similar containers with rubber seals provide excellent protection from moisture and air. Place your chosen desiccant within the container. Many desiccants come in pre-packaged packets or canisters, which make them convenient to use. Make sure the desiccant is placed in a location where it is unlikely to be damaged or obstructed. The quantity of desiccant is crucial for success. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you’re using the appropriate amount for the volume of your container.
Monitoring and Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of successful desiccant for ammo storage is regular monitoring. Most silica gel desiccant packets contain indicator beads that change color as they absorb moisture. The color change clearly shows when the desiccant has reached its saturation point and needs to be reactivated. Some desiccants may not have these visual indicators, so a hygrometer, which measures the humidity level inside the container, can be invaluable. Regularly check the desiccant, and, when the indicator signals the need, it’s time to take action.
Recharging, or reactivating, the desiccant is a straightforward process. For silica gel, you can typically bake the beads in a low-temperature oven (around 200-250°F or 93-121°C) for a couple of hours, or until the beads return to their original color. Ensure the desiccant is spread evenly in a baking pan. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific process for each type of desiccant. Once reactivated, allow the desiccant to cool completely before returning it to the storage container. Replacing the desiccant when it can no longer be effectively reactivated or when it has reached its lifespan is essential to maintaining the effectiveness of your desiccant for ammo storage strategy.
Best Practices and Additional Tips
Beyond the use of desiccants, there are other best practices to protect your ammunition and ensure long-term storage. Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations as they can introduce moisture through condensation. Keep your storage containers sealed tightly to prevent the entry of external air. And, if you have the means, consider using a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels inside your storage containers. While desiccants are a critical component, other measures add an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of desiccant for ammo storage is a critical component in preserving your ammunition and protecting your investment. By understanding the threat of moisture, selecting the appropriate desiccant, and implementing proper storage practices, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your ammunition and ensure its reliable performance. From the initial purchase to the moment of firing, proper storage with desiccants guarantees the quality and longevity of your rounds. Take the steps necessary to protect your ammunition from the damaging effects of moisture and take control of your shooting experience. Implementing these methods allows you to shoot more reliably, safely, and cost-effectively over time.
