How long does rifle ammo last if kept in the packaging in something like a fire safe security chest under a bed?

long enough for your children and probably your grandchildren to use

if i keep it the way i described in my first post?

I just keep them in the closet with no ill effects. I have a really old Win 38/40 and some 75 or so year old bullets. I went hunting with it about 20 years ago and killed a deer. As long as the cases don't start corroding, I wouldn't sweat it.

I have powder that I have kept in my closet at room temp. with no humidity for nearly 30 years and it still works great. Bought in 1980.

Ammo is not meant to be stored under a bed. If it has been there more than two weeks, give it to me and I will dispose of it for you.

i keep it in a fire safe security chest under my bed.I don't just throw it under my bed in the packaging it came in.I have kept it like that for months with no problem.

Would a ammo can be a better choice for long term storage?Would it be better to keep it under my bed or in my closet?

Metal ammo can would be best.
In controlled environment ,away from heat, light, humidity. Last Forever.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_started/safety/storage_handling.aspx

I saw a couple metal ammo cans at my local gander mountain I might buy a couple of them.

Army surplus stores usually have them.
The plastic boxes are not air tight.

Oops, I guess you missed the smiley. Just trying to make a funny and get some free ammo.

To seriously address your question, ammo lasts forever, practically. Under bed, closet, makes no difference. I would suggest that you throw a dessicant pack in with it though to keep the moisture down. Northern Tool has surplus GI ammo cans for $14.99.

Ammo cans with the rubber seal under the lid is the best way to store for long periods of time. I have linked 7.62mm Ball mfred in 1975 in their ammo cans, in wooden crates(original shipping configuration), in my igloos at work as we speak!


If the green powder corrosion appears, wipe it off with a dry cloth and restore it properly. thats all you have to do

if your using a big stoarge box or gun safe type container just get one of those rechargeable moisture absorbtion devices.

Or you can always vaccumseal it.

Air tight is best 50cal locking ammo cans have a gasket that keep moisture out.

I load a bunch of ammo every once in a while for different calibers then seal the primers and vaccum seal it. Works great and easy to store.