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Archive for the ‘Ammunition’ Category
Moisture Is The Enemy When It Comes To Ammo Boxes!
Safe, Secure, and Dry!
There are two main reasons why you need to avoid your ammunition stores and moisture from mixing.
First, ammunition that gets wet is ruined and all your money that went into purchasing the ammo is a waste. Second, if you use the compromised ammunition you increase your odds of getting hurt. Top notch ammo boxes can eliminate both moisture-induced problems.
If moisture leaks beneath the casing into the interior, the powder will be useless. If you shoot compromised ammunition, you risk the round not firing when you need it to (say, for instance, you’re trying to defend yourself or your family). Or, if rust gets into the firearm from the ammunition the damage to the interior could cause you to misfire, possibly hurting an innocent person. Bottom line: you need to store your ammunition in high quality ammo boxes to limit the possibility of accidents from compromised ammo.
Magazines Changed Everything!
Linked Ammo!
As all hunters and sportsmen know, firearms have a long and storied history. Repeating rifles marked an enormous innovation, allowing for consistent shots made in rapid succession. This would not have been possible without the advent of the magazine. Magazines perform two main functions: They store ammunition and eventually help feed it into the chamber. The modern magazine’s origins may surprise you, however.
The concept of a magazine was first introduced in air rifles of the 18th century. An air reservoir located in the rear of the gun helped fed balls into the chamber. Over time, bolt-action mag rifles gained popularity because of their efficiency during war. Today, many manufacturers offer an array of reloading supplies to streamline the process.
A Truly Great Hunter?
Don't Get Caught Short!
Have you ever been driving down the road, while hunting that trophy buck, and out of the corner of your eye saw movement? You jumped out of the truck, as the startled buck started to walk away – took aim, fired, and missed. The buck started to bound; you ran after it looking for a vantage point. The deer stopped, as it moved into a thicket; but, you had a shot! You took aim, fired, and it went “click”. You had no ammo! And, the truck was 100 yards away. As you turned towards the truck, you noticed the deer walking slowly over the distant hilltop.
I would not wish this scenario on anyone. However, and I don’t remember who, but a smarter person than I once said, “the mark of a truly great hunter is one who is always prepared, regardless of the situation or circumstances”
Having replacement ammunition with you at all times is super critical, and the solution is not carrying a few rounds in your pant’s pocket. There are multi-purpose hunting vests that not only provide warmth but ample storage for loose or contained replacement ammunition. A lack of good sense should not be responsible for keeping that trophy mount off of your den wall.
Nut’n Comes Easy!
Preparation Insures Perfection!
You can smell it in the air; Fall is here, and with it comes numerous hunting opportunities. It’s time to check your hunting gear: have the ATV’s serviced, clean the guns/rifles, and conduct an ammo inventory. You should make a trip to the range for sight confirmation. So many hunters negate or forget this, and then wonder why they missed that trophy shot!
Shooting is a learned skill and requires Practice, Practice Practice! Hunting gear maintenance and hunt preparation is your insurance policy to have a safe, enjoyable, and productive hunt, “Nothing Comes Easy”!
Ammo Storage!
Organize and Secure It!
I have previously written about the “Honey – Do – List”. Just when I think I’ve got it down to a manageable size, something else pops-up.
Yesterday, the wife was in the garage and stumbled across my ammo stash. I do admit that it doesn’t appear as organized as it could be and doesn’t really have separate storage for different types of ammo as it should. Yes, as a result, I did go out last week and purchased a box of Colt 45 cal. ammo, and brought it home to find three additional boxes stored with my 30-06 shells.
Considering all of this and thinking about the family support I need for this year’s Deer Season, I assured the wife that I would clean the garage and acquire the needed ammo boxes to properly secure and store all ammunition by weapon type/caliber - Whoa, it even sounds good!
Ammo Organization!
Keep Ammo Organized, Clean, and Dry!
Much has been said about the storage of ammunition. This last fall, I went to my hunting buddy’s house to coordinate an upcoming hunt. He took me out to his utility shed where he kept his weapons, ammo, and hunting paraphernalia. It was actually pretty neat – lights, running water, and a big work area. However, I did notice that he had ammo scattered all over the place. Some were in boxes, some in #10 cans, and some even loose. I couldn’t help but comment; so, the subsequent result was a discussion on the virtues of proper ammunition storage.
We determined that the service life of ammunition could be for a very long time if properly stored, inspected periodically, and maintained. Every 6-10 months, ammo should be inspected for cleanliness/corrosion. If corroded, clean with a small amount of steel or copper wool and oil lightly. If ammo is pitted, dispose of it.
As implied, the biggest problem with ammo storage is moisture. Water-proof ammo boxes are ideal. Try and keep cartridges in the original packing. If stored in wooden boxes, or a metal ammo can – throw-in a couple dehumidifiers for good measure. The keys to proper storage are:
- Inspect periodically;
- Provide needed maintenance;
- Keep Dry !!
Ammo Accessories
Ammo/Cartridge Belt!
My father told me that the “Mark” of a good hunter is someone that’s not only flexible but instantly prepared for all situations. Of course, as a kid you learn from your mistakes. When I think about the number of times I went hunting without a place to carry extra shells, it’s a wonder I got any game – I was always look-en for ammo!
Of course, over the years, I’ve not only become a better shot, but feel my time is better spent hunting rather than looking for ammunition. There are ammo belts, but-stock holders, and/or cartridge cases that will provide you a constant/consistent reference point when ammo is needed.
Ammunition
Shotgun and Small Arm's Ammunition!
If you have ever stared at the rows and rows of ammo for sale in gun shops, then you understand how buying ammunition can be confusing and even harder than buying the weapon itself. Whether it be for handguns, rifles, or shotguns, there are at least a dozen different choices as to the kind of shot or bullets available.
Don’t lose track of the big picture, miss the forest for all of the trees, or get confused about the difference between center-fire and rimfire ammo (rim-fire is mass produced and not normally reloaded). Simply put, ammunition selection should be based on shooting activity, weapon type/calibre, and possibly target distance (determine need for high velocity ammo). But, for the layman, you need little else.
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