measure in regard to solid propellants, however, is the careful watch for deterioration.
Inspection schedules must be maintained to assure that deterioration will be detected in the
early stages.
f. Small-Arms Ammunition.
(1) Small-arms ammunition except HE, HE-I, and incendiary rounds may be stored in any
magazine or warehouse which offers good protection against weather and pilferage. When
magazine space is limited, it may be stored in a general warehouse by partitioning or
screening off a section for its exclusive use.
(2) Small-arms ammunition packed in boxes fitted with airtight metal liners should not have
these liners opened until the ammunition is about to be used. When only a part of a box is
issued, the remaining ammunition in the box should be protected against unauthorized
handling and use by firmly fastening the cover in place. Serviceable ammunition turned in
by troops should not be stored in open boxes. It should be repacked for storing and
reissued at the first opportunity, provided it can be identified by lot number. For ammunition
not identifiable by lot number, see SB 742-1 for issue provision.
(3) Boxed small arms ammunition shall not be used as barricades or dividing walls between
stacks of other types of ammunition.
g. Fixed and Semifixed Ammunition, Grenades, Antipersonnel Mines, and Motor Cartridges.
(1) These items may be stored in any magazine with good protection from the weather.
Preferably, they should be stored in fireproof or fire-resistant magazines to minimize the
danger of fire or explosion. Most of the standard boxes in which this type of ammunition is
packed are provided with cleats. Boxes without cleats may be stacked with dunnage to
insure free circulation of air. In either case, dunnage must be used to increase stability of
the stack. Fixed and semifixed ammunition is usually packed in individual fiber containers,
which are then packed in wooden ammunition boxes. If the ammunition is not removed from
these sealed containers until used, it should remain in good condition. Serviceable rounds
which have been removed from their containers shall be packed in serviceable containers
before they are placed in storage. This will protect the round against deterioration and the
primer against accidental blows.
(2) It is sound policy to mix quantities of different sizes and types in each of several magazines
rather than to store only one kind in each magazine. For example, you may have a
sufficient quantity of 90mm high explosive rounds to fill one magazine, and enough 90mm
HEAT rounds for another. Rather than store all high-explosive rounds in one magazine and
all HEAT rounds in another, it is better storage practice to store half of each type in each
magazine. Thus, in case of damage to one magazine, there is still a supply of both types of
ammunition on hand.
h. Separate-loading Projectiles.
(1) Separate-loading and unfixed projectiles should be stored in fireproof magazines containing
a minimum of flammable materials. Iron or steel dunnage is preferred to wood. For storage
in other than igloo-type magazines it should be connected by electrical conductors and
grounded. If it is necessary to use wood for dunnage, the amount should be kept to an
absolute minimum.
(2) Unfuzed projectiles should be fitted with eyebolt lifting plugs. If it is necessary to move a
fizzed projectile, it should not be rolled. This will avoid the risk of arming or damaging the
fuze.
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