Ammo storage and shelf life: what SAAMI and makers say
Guide reviewed 2026-10-09. Every statement below is quoted from SAAMI or an ammunition maker. We add no storage advice of our own.
Where and how to store it
SAAMI's "Recommendations for Safe Ammunition Storage and Handling" (2018) says:
- "Ammunition should be stored in its original packaging or other packaging designed for the purpose."
- "Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry location away from solvents and other chemicals, heat sources, or open flames."
- "It is not advisable to leave ammunition inside a vehicle (including the trunk) for extended periods in direct sunlight or at elevated temperatures. Doing so can accelerate the deterioration of the propellant in ammunition."
- "Ammunition should be stored separately from firearms and made inaccessible to unauthorized persons."
On exposure, SAAMI says: "extended exposure to high temperatures and/or high humidity may damage ammunition," which "may result in increased or decreased chamber pressure, incomplete burning of the propellant, or failure to fire." It adds: "Ammunition should always be inspected prior to use. DO NOT use ammunition that has been damaged or suspected to be damaged."
Shelf life, in the makers' words
- Federal Ammunition FAQ: "Store reloading components and ammunition in a cool, dry place, protected from direct exposure to sunlight. If stored properly, loaded ammunition and reloading components have a 10-year shelf life."
- Fiocchi USA FAQ: "The shelf life of properly stored ammunition is approximately 10 years." The same page says: "Ammunition should be stored in a locked closet or cabinet in a cool, dry area away from children, and away from firearms," and, for ammunition exposed to fire or older than its shelf life, to "contact your local authorities for assistance with proper disposal."
SAAMI's own FAQ points readers to its storage pamphlet above rather than stating a shelf life. A shelf life figure from a maker is a statement about properly stored ammunition, not a guarantee for any particular box.
Buying more than you will shoot soon
If you are comparing bulk packs, see bulk vs boxed ammo. For total cost per round with shipping, see how to read price per round and shipping. Current prices by caliber are on the ammo price tables. Store prices for gun safe dehumidifier rods and desiccant are on the safe storage page, which is a price list: the storage guidance on this page is SAAMI's.
Sources
Where this comes from.
Sources were opened and read on or before . Quotes are the publisher's own words; the page may have changed since.
- SAAMI: Recommendations for Safe Ammunition Storage and Handling (PDF) (dated 2018-01-18)
- Federal Ammunition: FAQ (shelf life answer)
- Fiocchi USA: FAQ (shelf life and storage answers)
Buyer's guides