In his book “Gunshot Wounds” Vincent Di Maio describes various experiments where ammunition was heated in ovens. He says that .22 long rifle cartridges detonate at an average of 275F, .38 Special at 290F and 12 gauge shotgun shells at 387F. The interesting thing about these furnace experiments was that in all instances the cartridge cases ruptured, but the primers did not detonate. In fact the primers were removed from some of the ruptured cases, reloaded into other brass and fired.

According to the Sentry manual, the safe can withstand temperatures of up to 1400°F. The spec was silent on the temperature gradient inside the safe, but claimed the contents would be protected while the safe is exposed to the rated temperature for 30 minutes.

I might be interested enough to look at the thermodynamics of this. Meanwhile, I intuitively believe the ammo will be safe enough.

Interesting comment, Geek - thanks.

I’d feel pretty bad if my guns would have survived just fine if only they hadn’t been ruined by the exploding rounds.