Keeping Airsoft BB Containers Clean, Dry and Clearly Labeled
In this photo the player has arrived at the field with a bottle of BBs in a damp kit bag, left in there for the week. The label has peeled off and the cap is all dusty. He's also got another identical looking container of ammo, but of a completely different type for his other guns. Storing your ammunition in the right containers is simple enough to set up but makes a huge difference for the smooth running of games and easy equipment maintenance.
Start with the container, not the ammunition
The storage of your BBs in terms of their containers depends on the usage of the BBs. If you play regularly then a large bottle may be suitable, for reserve BBs however it is better to store them in a resealable container. As for which container looks most professional this is not an important question, rather it is whether the container will close tightly, pour easily and if you can check how many BBs are left in it without having to empty it out.
Choose containers that have an intact lid, a clean opening and no interior residues from other products such as cleaning solutions, oils, greases or foods with strong odors. Avoid containers that once held chemicals. Also, avoid leaving BBs in containers that have been stored in your gear bag, in your garage, near your drinks or on the floor.
The plastic of the container may be transparent, however, that does not automatically make it better for storing your ammunition. If the container is exposed to light, heat or if it gets rough use then the container can degrade. Clear walls do not indicate whether or not there is moisture between the wall and the label. Using an opaque container is just as good as a clear container, so long as you label it properly and inspect the remaining ammunition before you load it up.
Keep moisture out before it becomes a maintenance issue
Storing dry BBs begins with the storage location of the container itself. It is best not to store your BBs in a wet gear bag, on the floor in a damp garage or next to a drink bottle. Instead, store your sealed BB containers in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, damp walls and extreme temperature changes that can cause moisture to condense on the inside of the container.
Close up containers which you have opened to fill your airgun with BBs for your replica. Check for any loose threads or ensure that the surface where the lid meets the container is clean and free from any dirt or grime. Wipe the outside and the contact surface with a clean and dry cloth before storing.
Additionally, just because BBs look ok does not automatically mean they are safe to use. The container could have gotten wet while being stored in a damp kit bag, or even in a spilled drink. Such ammunition must be checked for signs of dampening, such asBBs clumping together, an unusual surface feel, or even a slimy residue. Do not mix suspected damp ammunition with already clean BBs, nor use them as you would try to avoid wasting them.
Use labels that survive a busy kit bag
The most useful piece of information to put on the label of your stored BBs is what type of BBs are in the container, how much they weigh, and what the player using the BBs would need to know in order to be able to take the BBs to the field and know within seconds if they are good to go to play with. Using permanent marker on a piece of paper that you attach to the container is best, because you can then cover the writing with clear tape or even switch to a label specifically designed to withstand rubbing and moisture if the container is to be frequently handled.
Keep the label short and to the point, listing the type or weight of BBs, date opened and whether the container is 'ready to use' or 'check'. Do not rely on color coding alone as similar containers can look quite different under various indoor lighting conditions. Where more than one player is using the same stock of ammunition clear written wordings are far safer than ambiguous personal abbreviations.
Do not store your BB's in a kit bag that has also held your wet socks. Throw away any BB's that have come into contact with paint, chemicals, tobacco, food etc. whenever you remove the container from such substances. Do not store BB's in areas where there is high humidity, or near heat sources. Do not leave BB's in your car.
Build one repeatable pre-game check
A practical approach to this is to place each container on a clean surface in front of you before you leave for the field. Check each container for a clean lid, for a label that corresponds to the container's contents, for any signs of dirt, moisture or other unknown substances. Check that you have sufficient ammunition to play the planned amount of games, and remember that refilling a container automatically empties it and needs to be relabeled.
Storing the BBs in a separate reserve container is an easy way to manage opening and closing the main container less. It is also very useful when other people use your BBs as well as when you have several types of BBs stored in similar containers.
It's better to avoid to top up the container automatically. Mixing up old BBs with new ones makes it more difficult to trace back possible problems, and mixing up different types of BBs can cause a lot of problems during loading. Best is to empty the container, check it for dirt, and to relabel it before refilling it with new ammunition.
Clean storage supports cleaner equipment care
BB storage and the maintenance of replicas are 2 separate issues. The clean storage of BBs does not replace the required maintenance of the replicas and their components as stipulated by the manufacturer. When cleaning the replica, use the required cleaning products and follow the recommended methods and maintenance procedures. Do not spray oils, grease or solvents on BBs.
NB: Only return unused BBs to the clean BB storage containers after the game if they have not come into contact with dirt and/or moisture. Discard BBs responsibly that have come into contact with mud, or been mixed with unknown BBs. Do not store open BB containers near where you are cleaning other items.
Storing BBs separately from potential threats to the container will also prevent damage to your other gaming equipment. It's common sense really, store your ammo in a clean container and you'll have fewer problems at the field. In many cases simple storage of your BBs could be the only solution to a problem that has caused.getField players concern in the past.