How do temperature fluctuations affect stored ammunition?

Temperature fluctuations significantly impact stored ammunition by causing physical and chemical changes that can lead to deterioration. Ammunition is designed to function reliably under specific conditions, and fluctuations in temperature can affect the properties of propellant, primers, and even the casing material.

For instance, higher temperatures can increase the rate of chemical reactions within the propellant and lead to the degradation of its composition, potentially resulting in inconsistent performance or complete failure to ignite. Conversely, extremely low temperatures can also lead to issues such as crystallization of certain chemicals within the ammunition, which can further compromise its reliability.

Additionally, temperature changes can induce moisture changes, especially in environments with high humidity, which can lead to corrosion of metal components and degradation of the materials in contact with the primer or propellant. All these factors combine to increase the risk of malfunction or failure, making it essential to store ammunition in stable temperature environments to maintain their reliability and safety.