SMALL ARMS

AMMUNITION
Properties &
Recommendations for
Storage & Handling

11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359

This leaflet has been prepared by the Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Manufacturers Institute, based upon information
currently available to it. It is furnished to interested persons as
a courtesy and in the interests of safety. It is not intended to be
comprehensive; it does not modify or replace safety suggestions,
standards, or regulations made by designated authorities,
public or private. It is subject to revisions as additional knowl-
edge and experience are gained. SAAMI expressly disclaims
any warranty, obligation, or liability whatsoever in connection
with the information contained herein or its use.

These paragraphs are meant to give everyone concerned for

the shipment, storage and handling of small arms ammunition
certain basic and important facts about the properties of this
widely distributed product. Such information should dispel some
of the rumors and tales which persist regarding ammunition
bulk safety. It also outlines recommended storage conditions,
and reports the reactions of ammunition when exposed to fire or
intense heat and rough or vigorous handling.

These statements and recommendations do not supersede local,

state or federal regulations. Local authorities should be consult-
ed regarding regulations on the storage, transportation, sale
and handling of sporting ammunition in each specific community.

Properties of Small Arms Ammunition

All ammunition is carefully engineered and manufactured as
an article of commerce. It has a specific use; if stored in a
proper manner and used as intended in firearms in good con-
dition and designed for the specific cartridge, the safety and
satisfaction of the shooter should be assured.

Small arms ammunition is packed in cartons and cases as

specified by the US Department of Transportation. These con-
tainer designs were developed in the interest of safety in trans-
portation, storage and marketing. Therefore, unapproved pack-
aging should never be substituted.

Specific properties or characteristics of small arms ammunition

of particular interest to shippers, warehouse operators, dealers
and users are as follows:

Stocks of small arms ammunition will NOT mass explode.

That is to say, if one cartridge or shotshell in a carton or case
is caused to fire, it will not cause other adjacent cartridges or
shotshells or their packages to explode sympathetically or
in a simultaneous manner. There are no limits imposed on
packaged quantities of ammunition which may be shipped,
warehoused or displayed in commercial establishments.
This fact recognizes the inherently safe, non-hazardous charac-
teristics of such ammunition in public or private storage.

Small arms ammunition is not a super-sensitive item.

Packages of ammunition may be dropped from any height
which the packages will physically withstand, and car-
tridges or shotshells therein will not fire due to the shock.
Properly packaged small arms ammunition will withstand
all the rough handling tests of commerce such as drop test,
vibration tests, and rotating drum tests without individual
cartridges or shotshells firing.

Small arms ammunition, if discharged in the open without

the support provided by a firearms chamber or other close
confinement, discharges inefficiently. The flights more
accurately movement of projectiles or debris particles
from such incidents are extremely limited in velocity, range
and energy. The small primer cups or rimfire case frag-
ments are the missiles of highest velocity in such occur-
rences. Specifically, bullets and shot charges, being heavier
than shell or cartridge cases in most instances, are rarely
projected away from the location at which the unchambered
round of ammunition was caused to ignite and discharge.
However, small particles of metal or plastic from the burst
case and primer cups may be propelled for short distances
(usually not over 50 feet) at velocities sufficient in some
instances to cause injury or discomfort.

Insofar as the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers

Institute has been able to determine, there have been no sub-
stantiated reports of serious or fatal injuries caused by the dis-
charge of packaged or loose ammunition in handling or in
fires, regardless of the quantity or type of cartridges or shot-
shells involved. SAAMI has no verified report of any fire fighter
hurt by flying bullets or shot pellets in fires involving a sports-
mans in-the-home personal supply of ammunition, a retail
sporting goods stores stock, wholesalers or distributors siz-
able inventory, or an in-transit cargo of this product.

Handling and Storage of Ammunition

Small arms ammunition contains explosive ingredients: A per-
cussion-sensitive primer mixture and a smokeless propellant.
It should be treated with respect and care in all handling,
transportation and storage.

Ammunition should be stored in the factory carton or package.

The labeling and identification on the original container help to
assure that future use will be in the gun for which the ammu-
nition is intended.
Ammunition stored in the home, retail outlet or distributors
warehouse over extended periods in factory packaging, subject
to the ordinary variations of temperature and humidity ranging
from tropic to Arctic conditions, can be expected to perform
satisfactorily and safely in the firearms for which it was intended
if such firearms are in proper working order and condition.
Extreme high temperatures (over 150 F) however, should be avoided.

Ammunition should not be immersed in water or exposed to

any organic solvent, paint thinner, petroleum product, ammo-
nia, etc. Such materials may penetrate a loaded round and
reach the powder or primer; a deteriorating effect will result
which may cause misfires or squib shots. The latter can result
in a projectiles lodging in a gun barrel, the obstruction possi-
bly causing serious damage or injury when another shot is fired.

Ideally, home storage of small arms ammunition is in a locked

closet or cabinet out of the reach of children and uninformed or
incompetent persons. Both guns and ammunition should be
stored out of sight and reach of children and others not physi-
cally or mentally capable of giving them correct, proper use
and respect.

Storing guns and ammunition in locked auto trunks may be

convenient, or required by state or local law, during short peri-
ods when moving to and from the hunting field or target range.
The possibilities of extremely high temperatures make it sensi-
ble to remove firearms and ammunition from vehicles following
the trip. The passenger compartment of a closed car when
exposed to the sun often develops an extreme high temperature
and is thus not a desirable spot to leave ammunition.

While blank cartridges will not mass detonate if one in a box is

caused to fire, the noise of firing outside a gun will be nearly
as loud as in normal use and may be harmful to hearing.The
blanks explosion may also be rather violent due to rapidly
expanding gasses released during burning. Obviously, blank
cartridges deserve the same respectful handling and careful
storage as other ammunition.

Retail and wholesale stocks of ammunition, not required for

display, should be stored in original outer cartons or boxes
exactly as supplied by the factory. When placed on basement
or warehouse floors subject to moisture it would be well to
stack the cartons on pallets. In some locations police or public
security regulations may prescribe the manner in which small
arms ammunition stocks are displayed and the quantity that
may be in sight. Check with local authorities. Packages of
ammunition should not be placed in proximity to heavily traf-
ficked aisles in the reach of children.
Small Arms Ammunition in a Fire
Although much has been written and rumored about the 4th-
of-July characteristics and so-called havoc of ammunition in
fires, it just isnt so. Members of fire fighting units are under-
standably uneasy when confronted by fires where ammunition
is involved.

Several members of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition

Manufacturers Institute have undertaken extensive experiments
to show what can be expected when ammunition is involved
in a fire. These companies have also made careful investiga-
tions after such fires, which show that the missiles do not have
sufficient energy to penetrate the garments and protective gear
worn by fire fighters.

Tests also show that the whizzing sound heard in the vicinity of
ammunition fires are caused by primers expelled from the burn-
ing cartridges. The pops and bangs are exploding primers;
the propellant powders burn inefficiently and make little noise.

Metallic cartridges in a fire are difficult to sustain in a burning

condition once the packing materials have been consumed
due to the cooling effects of the metal parts and the relatively
high ratio of metal weight to smokeless powder. Only a vigor-
ous fire around metallic ammunition stocks will cause all car-
tridges to burn. Shotshell ammunition is difficult to ignite, but
once ignited it will sustain its own burning due to the plastic or
paper tubes (hulls).

Disposal of Unservicable Ammunition

Ammunition that has been in a structural fire, and has become
wetted or scorched, or has been exposed to flood waters
should never be returned to commercial sales channels or sold
at salvage sales, since it could be rendered dangerous to the
shooter by such exposure. It should be scrapped.

Never dispose of ammunition by burying it or dumping it in a

waterway. It may be retrieved years later, fully live, and pose
dangers to children or uninformed persons.

Under most circumstances, unservicable ammunition may be

scrapped by returning it to the manufacturer. Written permission
should first be obtained from the Product Services Manager of
the manufacturer before shipment is made. If the manufacturer
is not known, contact SAAMI at the address listed on the cover
of this brochure.
Know the Following
RECOMMENDATIONS ON STORAGE AND HANDLING
Issued by the National Fire Protection Association
Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269 and reprinted with their permission:

NFPA 495

Explosive Materials Code

Chapter 11
Small Arms Ammunition and Primers, Smokeless
Propellants, and Black Powder Propellants 11-2.3 Small arms ammunition shall be separated from
materials classified by the US Department of
Transportation as flammable liquids, flammable
11-1 Basic Requirements. solids, and oxidizing materials by a distance of 15 ft
(4.6 m) or by a fire partition having a fire resistance
11-1.1 In addition to all other applicable requirements of this of at least 1 hour.
code, intrastate transportation of small arms ammu-
nition, small arms primers, smokeless propellants, 11-2.4 Small arms ammunition shall not be stored together
and black powder shall comply with US Department with Division 1.1, Division 1.2, or Division 1.3
of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations, Explosives, except where the storage facility is suit-
49 CFR, Parts 100-199. able for the storage of explosive materials.

11-1.2 This chapter applies to the channels of distribution of 11-2.5* Small arms ammunition that has been exposed to fire
and to the users of small arms ammunition, small or damaged by exposure to water shall not be
arms primers, smokeless propellants, and black returned to commercial channels for reasons of con-
powder. sumer safety. The manufacturer shall be contacted to
obtain recommendations for disposal of damaged
11-1.3 This chapter does not apply to in-process storage ammunition.
and intra-plant transportation during manufacture.

11-1.4 This chapter applies to the transportation and storage Reprinted with permission from NFPA 495: Explosive Material Code,
of small arms ammunition and components. Copyright 1996, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
02269. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of
the National Fire Protection Association on the referenced subject which is
11-1.5 This chapter does not apply to safety procedures in represented only by the standard in its entirety.
the use of small arms ammunition and components.

11-2 Small Arms Ammunition

11-2.1 No restrictions shall be imposed on transportation of

small arms ammunition other than those imposed by
the US Department of Transportation or by the pres-
ence of other hazardous materials.

11-2.2 No quantity limitations shall be imposed on the stor-

age of small arms ammunition in warehouses, retail
stores, and other occupancies other than those
imposed by limitations of the storage facility and by
public safety regulations.
# 202 BP 2/00
Firearms Safety Depends on You
1. Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction
This is the most basic gun safety rule. If everyone handled his firearm
so carefully that the muzzle never pointed at something he didnt
intend to shoot, there would be virtually no firearms accidents. Its as
simple as that, and its up to you.

2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not in Use

Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the
target range or shooting area, ready to shoot.

3. Dont Rely on Your Guns Safety

The safety serves as a supplement to proper gun handling, but it is
not a substitute for common sense. You should never handle a gun
carelessly and assume that the gun wont fire just because the safety
is on.

4. Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It

Once a gun fires, you have given up all control over where the shot
will go or what it will strike. Dont shoot unless you know exactly
what your shot is going to strike.

5. Use Correct Ammunition

Improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause seri-
ous personal injury.

6. If Your Gun Fails to Fire When the Trigger Is Pulled, Handle

with Care!
Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If
this occurs, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your
face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload
the firearms, and dispose of the cartridge in a safe way.

7. Always Wear Eye and Ear Protection When Shooting

Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing, and adequate
vision protection is essential. Shooting glasses guard against twigs,
falling shot, clay target chips, and the rare ruptured case or firearm
malfunction.

8. Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of Obstructions Before Shooting

Even a small bit of mud, snow, excess lubricating oil, or grease in
the bore can cause dangerously increased pressures, causing the
barrel to bulge or even burst on firing, which can cause injury to the
shooter and bystanders.

9. Dont Alter or Modify Your Gun, and Have Guns Serviced

Regularly
Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others by altering the
trigger, safety, or other mechanism of any firearm or allowing unqual-
ified persons to repair or modify them.

10. Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of The

Firearms You are Using
Since guns can be so different, no person should handle any firearm
without first having thoroughly familiarized himself with the particular
type of firearm he is using, the safe gun handling rules for loading,
unloading, carrying, handling that firearm, and the rules of safe gun
handling in general.