What is an essential aspect of ammunition storage?

Maintaining proper temperature and humidity control is crucial for ammunition storage because temperature extremes and high humidity can negatively affect the integrity and performance of the ammunition. High temperatures can accelerate the degradation of propellants and primers, potentially leading to misfires or reduced performance. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause corrosion on metal components, increasing the risk of failure when the ammunition is fired. By controlling these environmental factors, the longevity and reliability of the stored ammunition are significantly enhanced, ensuring it remains safe to use and effective when needed.

While conducting regular inventory checks, securing against theft, and proper container usage are also important aspects of ammunition storage, they primarily focus on management and security rather than the immediate preservation of the ammunition's physical characteristics. However, without temperature and humidity control, ammunition can become unsafe or unusable regardless of how well it is managed or secured.