The Harmful Effects of Humidity on Ammunition

The Harmful Effects of Humidity on Ammunition

Patrick Sassano

Humidity may seem harmless, but ammunition that has been exposed to humidity for prolonged periods can have detrimental results.

 

 

Excessive humidity or moisture will:


1. Compromise Range and Precision


Moisture can penetrate the casing of ammunition, leading to chemical degradation of the propellant. This can result in inconsistent burn rates, affecting the precision along with the range of your shots. If you're at the range or hunting in the field, unreliable performance can be frustrating or even dangerous.

 

2. Promote Corrosion


Corrosion doesn't just affect the outer casing; it can also alter the primer and propellant inside. Rusty casings are harder to chamber and may cause feeding issues in firearms, while compromised primers may fail to ignite altogether.


3. Increase the Risk of Malfunctions


Humidity-induced corrosion and degradation can lead to misfires, hang fires, or squib loads. These scenarios can pose serious risks to operators. Maintaining dry, moisture-free ammunition is vital to ensuring both safety and performance.


Benefits of Storing Ammunition in a Dry Container


The best way to protect ammunition from humidity is to store it in a dry, airtight container, such as a military grade ammo can or ammo box. Here's why:
Moisture Sealing: Ammo cans with rubber gaskets create a tight seal, preventing external or excessive moisture from entering.

 

  • Temperature Regulation: Containers help stabilize temperature fluctuations that can contribute to condensation.
  • Physical Protection: Besides keeping moisture out, ammo cans shield against physical damage like dents or scratches.

 

However, even the best ammo containers can’t completely eliminate humidity, especially in less-than-ideal environments. That’s where Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology steps in.



How VCI MAX Vapor Pads Elevate Ammunition Storage


VCI MAX Vapor Pads were designed to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and corrosion, making them ideal for ammunition storage. Here’s how they work:

 

  • Releases Protective Vapor Molecules: These molecules fill the enclosed space inside your ammo can, seeking out and bonding with metal surfaces to form an invisible barrier against rust and corrosion.
  • Works in Any Environment: Even if your ammo can is stored in a damp garage, basement, or outdoor shed, VCI MAX ensures that your ammunition stays rust-free and reliable.
  • Long-Lasting Protection: Each pad provides up to two years of continuous protection, making it a low-maintenance, high-impact solution.
  • Compact and Easy to Use: Simply place a VCI MAX Vapor Pad inside your ammo can, and it starts working immediately—no mess, no fuss.


Even if you use a desiccant, it’s wise to use VCI as a back-up in case the desiccant becomes exhausted or full. Desiccants and VCI also work great together as VCI shields and pushes moisture away and desiccants pull moisture away.


Conclusion


Humidity doesn’t just threaten the performance of your ammunition; it may endanger your safety and overall reliability.. By storing your ammo in a dry container and enhancing protection with VCI MAX Vapor Pads, you can combat the harmful effects of moisture, ensuring your ammunition is always ready when you need it.

vci max front view


Don’t let humidity ruin your gear—invest in proper storage and cutting-edge technology to keep your ammunition safe and dependable.


🔗 Shop VCI MAX Vapor Pads Today and take the first step toward rust-free, precision-ready ammunition!

 

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Patrick Sassano

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Patrick Sassano is founder Dri Biz Inc, a desiccant and rust preventative retailer.

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