Is it safe to store ammo in a hot car?

Ammunition & Reloading
1

Concern About Heat and Ammo

I recently found myself in a concerning situation where I had to leave some ammo in my car during a hot day. This got me thinking about how heat impacts ammunition. I’ve read bits and pieces online, but I wanted to get a more comprehensive understanding from you all.

What I Know So Far

  • Heat Can Affect Performance: High temperatures can potentially impact the performance of ammunition. It may lead to increased pressure and cause misfires or damage.
  • Safety Precautions: I’m aware that there are precautions to take when transporting or storing ammo, especially in a vehicle under heat.

Questions I Have

  1. Performance Risks: How likely is it that ammo left in a hot car will misfire or otherwise perform poorly?
  2. Storage Tips: What is the best way to store ammo in a car during hot weather, if one must do it at all?
  3. Signs of Damage: Are there specific signs to look for that indicate that ammo has been adversely affected by heat?

I would love to hear your experiences or any tips you might have on this topic. Understanding what to do in such situations is crucial for safety, and I definitely want to avoid accidents. Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!

7 Likes
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Storing ammo in a hot car is definitely risky. High temperatures can affect the performance of the ammunition and may even lead to misfires. It’s better to avoid leaving it in the car for extended periods.

7 Likes
3

I totally agree! Plus, what about the impact on your safety? If the ammo cooks off, it could create a dangerous situation.

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It’s not just about cooking off; ammunition can also degrade in high heat over time. I wouldn’t want to risk a misfire during target practice due to heat exposure.

5

Can anyone share experiences with this? Has anyone ever had a problem due to ammo left in a hot car?

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Honestly, it’s just not worth the gamble. Store your ammo in a cool, dry place. Your safety and the ammo performance depend on it!

4 Likes
7

Exactly! And in summer, especially, cars can reach insane temperatures. Keep it safe and avoid the heat!

8

I always bring my ammo inside when I leave my car. It only takes a few minutes to load before heading out. Better safe than sorry!

9

Thinking about it, how likely is spontaneous combustion with modern ammo? Anyone know if it’s a real concern?

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Good question! Generally, it’s pretty rare, but prolonged extreme heat can increase the risk. Best to store ammo properly to avoid it anyway.

1 Like
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So, does that mean it’s still dangerous? I feel like even if it’s rare, it’s not worth taking any chances.

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I think we all agree: don’t leave ammo in a hot car! It seems like common sense, but it’s good to remind each other!

13

Right! And don’t forget, some people might not realize how hot it can get in a closed vehicle under the sun. Spread the word!

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To be honest, my car is a hot mess! I’d be worried that the ammo would be the least of my problems if I had to clean that place up! Haha!

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Haha, true! But seriously, if it ever got too hot in there, I’d be more concerned about something exploding in my car - and it wouldn’t be my empty bottle of water!

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16

I remember a friend left his ammo in his car during a heatwave. He ended up with a bunch of unusable shells. Lesson learned!

17

Wow, that sounds like a headache! Makes you rethink proper storage methods, for sure.

18

I’ve read that keeping ammo in a hot car isn’t great. Heat can affect the powder and primers. It’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place. Anyone have recommendations for containers?

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Great point! I store mine in insulated containers, and I also check the interior temperature before heading out. It helps keep the ammo stable.

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Isn’t it risky to store any ammo in cars at all? In hot weather, I worry about potential cook-offs. Anyone ever experienced that?