Nitrogen-Purged Ammo?

by
posted on September 12, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fresh-fire-packs.jpg

The people at Federal Premium are among the finest I know and they have an undying passion for the shooting sports—all of them. I’m sure they study industry trends on some sort of computer program, but I’ve never seen a group of people more eager to garner input from shooters. If, when the range went cold, someone at a bench next to you politely asked, “What would you like to see new in ammo?” it was probably a company employee, on his or her lunch hour.

I’m not sure if one of them got an earful from a “prepper,” or what, but the company’s new 5.56x45 mm Fresh Fire Packs pretty much make my Drierite and desiccant experiments a waste of time—at least as far as ammunition storage goes, anyway. The 30-round packs of 62- or 55-grain FMJ loads come in a tough, nitrogen-sealed can that helps prevent corrosion and lock out moisture. Riflescopes and binoculars are nitrogen purged for some of the same reasons.

Buy can, toss it in the bunker and forget about it until zombies outnumber the lawn gnomes on your neighbor’s front lawn. Putting some of your money in metal commodities (like lead) in case of economic collapse? This particular investment won’t devalue, and after the recent ammunition shortage it’s a pretty good bet its value increase will outpace inflation. The cans are reseable and stackable (don’t want the misses tidying up the ammo bunker, after all), weatherproof, waterproof and made in the United States.

In all seriousness, how many times have you uncovered a box of ammo that has been laying around for years and wondered if it was going to perform reliably? What about the times your range bag has been soaked and the cardboard ammo boxes inside turned into papier-mâché your daughter took to school for art class?  American Eagle Fresh Fire Packs alleviate those concerns.

I hate to break the seal, but someone has to run the ammo through the chrony. So, stay tuned for a full report once my UPS driver grumbles a can or two to my door. MSRP for the 55-grain version is $18.95, and a Zombiecalypse-defying can of 62-grainers will set you back $20.95.

Latest

Japanese Type 38 Arisaka Ihtog 1
Japanese Type 38 Arisaka Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka"

Along with the Type 99, the Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka" was one of the main bolt-action battle rifles used by Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & P3000 Tactical

Stoeger Industries optimized its inertia-driven M3000 and pump-action P3000 shotgun designs for defensive and tactical use.

Tips & Techniques: Applying A Linseed Oil Finish (Without Turning Your Stock Into A Sticky Mess)

Linseed oil may be the oldest wood finish known to man, with evidence of linseed oil finishes being applied to wood as far back as ancient Egypt.

Rifleman Report: Proficiency Is Key

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and new firearms and related products continue to become available, we’re reminded that, while gear is important, training safely with it while developing familiarity is just as vital.

I Have This Old Gun: British Garate Revolver

World War I, as it would come to be known, rather took most powers by surprise. In 1914, Great Britain, which had not entered into a formal alliance with France and Russia, was expected by some to sit on the sidelines while the others went at it.

Beretta Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of 90 Series Pistol Family

Beretta's popular 90 Series handguns, including the iconic Beretta 92, celebrates 50 years of production in 2025, and to honor the milestone, the company has released a limited-edition variant.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.