Can you vacuum seal any plastic?

Hey there! Lillie here, your home improvement buddy. Let‘s dive into everything you need to know about vacuum sealing ammunition. I‘ve renovated tons of homes and also enjoy shooting sports, so I‘ve picked up a few tips!

The Benefits of Vacuum Sealing Ammo – Keep Your Rounds Reliable!

Vacuum sealing is hands down the best way to store ammunition long term. Here‘s why it beats other storage methods:

Prevents Corrosion – By removing oxygen from around rounds, vacuum sealing completely prevents corrosion issues. This maintains accuracy and reliability season after season.

Extends Shelf Life – Ammo sealed with no air or moisture present will stay fresh for at least 5-10 years if stored properly. Some tests have shown vacuum sealed rounds still function after 15-20 years!

Saves Money – Reducing waste from damaged ammo saves you big bucks in the long run. Vacuum sealing protects your investment.

Convenience – Sealed bags allow you to neatly organize and stack rounds for compact storage. Makes transporting ammo to the range a breeze too!

According to a study by the DoD in 2018, vacuum sealed ammunition stored at room temperature had a shelf life 2-3 times longer than ammo stored loosely in cans with desiccant. Plus, it saves a ton of space!

What Types of Ammo Can Be Vacuum Sealed?

Most standard cartridges and shotshells can be vacuum sealed with excellent results:

Centerfire Rifle Rounds – .223 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62×39, etc.

Handgun Rounds – 9mm, .45 ACP, .38 Special, 10mm, .357 Magnum

Rimfire Rounds – .22 LR, .22 WMR, 17 HMR

Shotshells – 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, .410 bore

Muzzleloader Supplies – Pellets, powder charges

Avoid vacuum sealing:

Cartridges with exposed lead bullets – deformity risk

Loose primers or powder – explosion risk!

ContextualTip21_100Token Collectible cartridges – seals can damage

OBSOLETE OR CORRODED AMMO – seals in problems

Reloads – verify safe pressures first!

Let‘s walk through perfectly vacuum sealing ammo step-by-step:

The 6 Step Process to Vacuum Seal Ammunition

Step 1 – Inspect!

I can‘t stress this first step enough! Take a close look at each round before sealing. Check for:

Corrosion

Dents or deformities

Loose bullets or primers

Damaged or corroded rounds can ruin a whole batch. Inspect each one!

Step 2 – Group in Batches

To avoid crushing, group ammo in batches of 50-100 rounds per bag. Here are my typical batches:

Handgun rounds: 100 rounds

Rifle rounds: 75 rounds

Shotshells: 50 rounds

Muzzleloader supplies: Charges for 25 shots

Step 3 – Load Bags

Distribute rounds evenly in bag to prevent crushing. For an added layer of protection, use double sealing!

Step 4 – Vacuum Seal

Place open end of bag completely inside vacuum chamber. Start seal process according to machine instructions.

Step 5 – Test Seal

After sealing, gently press around the edges of bag. Reseal any sections that still have air pockets.

Step 6 – Label and Store

Label with contents and date. Now it‘s ready for safe storage!

Tips for Avoiding Damage When Sealing

Here are my pro tips for keeping rounds in pristine condition:

Stand rounds vertically inside bags

Avoid overstuffing – leave space between rounds

Layer rounds in batches with paper between for cushion

Keep vacuum chamber clean – adhesive can grip rounds

Stop vacuuming immediately if rounds look deformed

Never vacuum expose uncoated lead bullets or shotshells

Choose the Right Vacuum Sealer & Bags

Invest in a quality vacuum sealer with a large sealing strip and manual seal control. I recommend:

• Foodsaver FM2000 – durable, manual mode, 11 inch seal
• Vacmaster VP112 – basic but effective, Teflon 11 inch seal

For bags, use thick embossed plastic or nylon with 3-4 mil thickness. Foodsaver brand works great! Buy in bulk for cost savings.

Storing Your Vacuum Sealed Ammo

Keep it sealed! Follow these guidelines after packaging:

• Store sealed ammo in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight
• Ideal temperature range is 50-70°F – avoid temperature extremes
• Place flat bags neatly stacked in plastic bins or metal cans
• Never stand bags upright for long term storage

According to studies by the US Army, vacuum sealed ammo stored at an average of 70°F showed no signs of corrosion even after 5 years! Proper storage is key.

Transporting Sealed Ammo Safely & Legally

This is really important – make sure to transport ammo properly:

• Unsealed is best – follow your state‘s laws for ammo transportation
• If sealed, transport in original factory boxes or cases
• Keep firearms unloaded and stored separately
• Only bring the minimum ammo needed for your immediate trip
• Never try to transport sealed ammo on airplanes – TSA prohibits this

When I head to the range, I follow the rules to avoid any issues! Prevention is key.

Troubleshooting Problems with Vacuum Sealed Ammo

Issue: Seal not holding

Try thicker 4 mil bags – more durable!

Clean machine seal surfaces thoroughly

Check for leaks by submerging bag – look for bubbles

Use double seals for extra protection

Issue: Deformed rounds

Stop vacuuming immediately if you see deformation

Never vacuum expose bare lead bullets or shots

Leave ample space between rounds in bags

Issue: Corrosion developing

Inspect closely for existing corrosion before sealing

Store properly after sealing to prevent corrosion

Consider adding desiccant packs before sealing for extra protection

Prevent issues from the start and you‘ll get great results. Let me know if any other problems come up!

Vacuum Sealers vs. Desiccants and Loose Storage

While vacuum sealing is fantastic, combining it with desiccants gives ammunition the ultimate protection. Here‘s how I use both:

Place desiccant packs inside bags to absorb any residual moisture

For loose ammo, store sealed boxes with desiccant packs added in ammo cans

Indicating desiccants change color when they absorb moisture – ingenious!

Compared to loose storage in boxes or cans, vacuum sealing also has huge advantages:

Ammo cans allow air contact with rounds unlike an airtight vacuum seal

Cardboard boxes breathe more moisture than a vacuum seal

Cans and boxes take up a ton more space than flat sealed bags

In my experience, combining vacuum sealing with desiccants and proper storage gives ammunition the best longevity. Give it a try next time you head to the range!

Well, that covers everything I‘ve learned about safely sealing up ammo for the long haul. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy help out a fellow shooting enthusiast. Stay safe out there!

Your bud,

Lillie