Heat sealing does good with the right ammount of sturdy plastic to keep things sealed. I wouldn't make a vertical slit as that would defeat the purpose. However, any good knife will get you ready access again to the contents.

Yes. I make a 1/4 inch, or so, cut, on the side, near the top, not into or through the seal, and the bags rip right open easily.

Scafool - Correcto

For long term storage it's either in the safe or in ammo cans.

That's exactly what I was wondering about: a small slit outside the sealed portion, in the leftover part of the bag, to serve as a "starter" for ripping it open.

The ink cartridges for my printer come in vac-sealed plastic, with a little v-notch for tearing them open. That's what made me think of it.

Thanks!

scafool: "It is likely for the same reason beer never lasts around here once you open the case."

First it was open ammo that doesn't last, now it beer? What's going on with you people?

I'd done up most of the bagged ammo with a starter cut. The thing is, these poly bags don't tear at all. They reluctantly stretch. I can't complain too much, because that toughness is what makes them good for storage.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I need to find the camera and post some pictures. They really are a handy size and neat way to pack ammo.