Surprising source for a desiccant for ammo storage--scoopable cat litter

[RoosterRedux]

A friend encouraged me to store my ammo with a desiccant (something to remove moisture/humidity from the ammo can/box).

After talking to my pharmacist (a gun lover), I learned that the primary ingredient in desiccant packets is silica.

After an online search for available products containing silica in a volume that would work as an ammo desiccant, I learned that there is a surprising source of which I already had plenty...scoopable/clumping cat litter.

Thought I would share this and ask for comments.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

[ZOOKER]

That should work fine, if you can keep the cat out of your ammo box.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/ammo-can/112836-cat-litter-dessicant.html

[Vermont Lt]

I would be sure to wrap all of my ammo in something to protect it. That much dust cannot be good for anything to do with a firearm.

[SgtBob]

Save the Ol’ Lady’s panty hose, cut it into squares, two tablespoons of litter, twist tie, voila!

[RoosterRedux]

That should work fine, if you can keep the cat out of your ammo box.

"I have this unnatural obsession with the ammo box...

[Ken H]

[RoosterRedux]

I was thinking of putting the litter in a plastic storage bag and punching tiny pin-holes in it and placing it inside an open coffee can.

[PapaBear3625]

One winter (since the air was low humidity anyway) I put the ammo I intended to store long-term in plastic zip-lock backs and put them in sealable zip-lock bag, and the bags in .50-cal ammo cans. I figure that, with a good seal, more humidity can’t get in.

[Kirkwood]

You need some way to determine the moisture content of it.

[umgud]

You can also put charcoal briquettes in ladies nylons, tie them off and hang them in your safe. I’ve hung them in safes and old refigerators for years.

[Stormdog]

For short money, get a food vacuum sealer. It works well with food too.

[353FMG]

How long do you expect to keep your ammo? If it is not used in the next 20 or some years you can always replace it. Put it all in a styrofoam box to protect it against heat.

[Old Sarge]

Grumpy Cat bump

[American in Israel]

Most cat litter is grey and is not silica, but bentonite clay. Not a good dessicant.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I use white rice in an old (laundered) sock. Works fine.

[Girlene]

[SampleMan]

You need some way to determine the moisture content of it.

Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 1 hr. Moisture content will be about zero.

Really important to start with unused litter.

[Grams A]

Save the Ol’ Lady’s panty hose..”

That’s a piece of attire you don’t hear much about any more. Haven’t had a pair on for about 10 years.