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Posted: 3/20/2009 10:30:12 PM EDT
| What is an acceptable relative humidity for ammo in G.I. cans stored in a finished basement? All of the cans will have loose packed ammo with several desiccant packets per can. Thoughts? The basement is somewhat controlled with a dehumidifier. Thanks. |
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Well, here are my thoughts:
I think you will be fine with just the desiccant in the GI ammo cans, as long as they have good seals on them. If your basement is comfortable to you, your ammo should be comfortable. More important will be keeping the metal cans from sitting directly on the concrete floor. Another concern I would have with basements is that you may want to store your cans as high as you can get them in case of a sump pump failure resulting in a flooded basement. |
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Maintain relative humidity (rh) at or below 60% and ideally between 30% and 50% (US EPA). This can be usually accomplished with a local dehumifier, but keep in mind that you'll have to empty the bucket often. The comment above about keeing it off the floor (to avoid trapping moisture underneath) Is also a good thing to do.
You should monitor the rh with a digital humidity instrument which can be purchased at Radio Shack or simular store. |
Thanks for the info. guys and the good ideas. The de-humidifier actually is hooked up to a hose which goes to the sump pump. I checked the humidity today and it registered 50%. I'll be picking up a digital very soon. From what you all are saying I should be okay. Time to start stacking
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I've had ammo in cans in my basement for ten years and it has recently fired flawlessly. My basement is not finished
and is a tad damp at times, but no problems. I also have a buddy of mine whose basement flooded, he had some green tip ammo that was not in cans and was submerged, we recently fired this stuff and again no flaws. |
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A few years back, when I started reloading, I called Alliant about the humidity levels acceptable for their powders. I was told that they keep their plants at a steady 50% (this includes the filling of their containers). Under those conditions, degradation doesn't start for 'at least' 20 years, if then. From the horses mouth to my ears. Bob  Having said that, I do keep my humidity ~40%. Desiccant will generally get it down to 35 - 40% |
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