As a gun owner, you know there's a lot to learn about ammunition. You need to be familiar with your firearm and the types of ammunition it uses. You also need to have a safe place to store all that ammo so it's out of reach when not in use—and preferably out of sight as well.
Ammo storage containers keep your stock secure, dry, and organized. They come in many sizes, styles, materials, and prices depending on how much ammo you have or what type you use most often. For example, if you shoot mostly rifle rounds compared to pistol rounds, a larger container is needed for those rifle rounds.
When shopping for an ammo storage container or cabinet, first decide how much space you have available. Next consider the materials — plastic is lightweight but can break over time; metal is heavier but durable; wooden ones are sturdy but heavy too; while fiberglass ones offer durability at low cost. Finally factor in price and features such as locks or labeling pockets so finding what you need quickly goes smoothly.
How We Choose
Want to find the best ammo storage container for your needs? We've done the research for you. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular options on the market and explain what makes them so good. Plus, we'll give you some helpful tips on choosing an ammo storage container so you can find one that's perfect for you.
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Boxes with True Mechanical Hinge for Ammunition Storage and Organization 1009
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Boxes with True Mechanical Hinge for Ammunition Storage and Organization 1009
Frankford Arsenal is a company that makes high-end ammo boxes, and their Hinge Top box is one of the best on the market. It's made from thick polypropylene, which means it can withstand harsh conditions like rain or snow.
It has two large compartments to store ammunition securely, with a sturdy clasp and locking lid to prevent accidental opening. The only downside is that it's not suitable for smaller calibers such as .22LR or .22 Magnum. All in all though, this is an excellent box at a reasonable price point.
Sheffield Military Style Ammo Can, Airtight and Water-Resistant Ammo Storage, Heavy Gauge Steel Ammo Cans Black 30-Cal
Sheffield Military Style Ammo Can, Airtight and Water-Resistant Ammo Storage, Heavy Gauge Steel Ammo Cans Black 30-Cal
The Sheffield Military Style Ammo Can is another great option for those looking for a trustworthy ammo can that's also water and airtight.
This heavy duty ammo box comes with a steel body, airtight lid and rubber seal to help keep your ammunition safe from the elements. It also has handles on both sides of the lid so you can easily move it around when needed.
The only downside to this item is that it doesn't hold 30 caliber rounds which means you'll need to check if it will work for your specific gun before buying it.
Solid Tactical Metal Ammo Can, New Military & Army Ammo Storage Container, M2A1 & M19A1 Ammunition Boxes, Use Our Ammo Case as a Metal Storage Box or an Ammo Crate Utility Box, 30 CAL 50 CAL Bundle
Solid Tactical Metal Ammo Can, New Military & Army Ammo Storage Container, M2A1 & M19A1 Ammunition Boxes, Use Our Ammo Case as a Metal Storage Box or an Ammo Crate Utility Box, 30 CAL 50 CAL Bundle
The Solid Tactical M2A1 & M19A1 Ammo Boxes are made from steel, which means they're sturdy and durable. The lid closes securely with a welded loop for added security, while the rubber gasket seals to keep out moisture.
These ammo boxes come with a desiccant pack to absorb any moisture that gets trapped in the airtight ammo can, so your belongings will stay nice and dry. They also include a foam and pick-and-pluck customizable insert for more effective long-term storage.
With high quality construction and an affordable price tag, this is one of our favorite ammo cans on the market today.
Best Ammo Storage Containers FAQs
There are a lot of different types of containers and options out there when it comes to storing your ammo. It can be hard to know where to start. There is a wide range of products available, each with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about ammo storage so that you can make an informed decision on which product is best for you!
What Is The Best Thing To Store Ammo In?
While it's not the most important consideration when choosing what ammunition to purchase, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your ammo stays safe and perform well. First, look for moisture-resistant packaging when buying ammo. This can include sealed plastic boxes or aluminum cans with desiccant packets inside. Second, pay attention to temperature extremes. Most modern ammunition multi caliber ammo storage is designed to function in extreme heat and cold, but if your plan is to store it for long periods of time, make sure that the storage conditions meet brand specifications. Third, consider how you'll be storing your ammunition. If you're keeping a small stock in a gun cabinet at home for target practice sessions over the weekend, an unlocked metal box or crate will suffice as long as it's kept out of reach of children and pets. On the other hand, if your ammunition needs to be securely stored by a military base or government facility, you'll need something much more secure and high tech than an old wooden crate.
Is It OK To Store Ammo In Plastic Containers?
It depends on the plastic. Most plastics are perfectly safe for storing ammo, ammo storage solutions, but there are a few types to avoid. The first type is polypropylene or any container that contains the letters PP, such as many water bottles and zip-top bags. These plastics create an electric charge around your ammo when it's in close proximity for long periods of time, which can cause corrosion and damage to your bullets. The second type is polyethylene or any container containing the letters PE, such as some trash bags and 5-gallon buckets. These do not create an electric charge around your ammunition, but they can still leach chemicals into your bullets if you store them in these containers for long periods of time. That said, if you're keeping your ammo boxed up in a closet rather than stashed away in a cabinet with rounds locked and loaded in magazines or speed loaders, then both of these plastics should be fine over short periods of time (a few months at most).
Is It Better To Store Ammo In Plastic Or Metal?
Generally speaking, metal ammo boxes are better for long-term storage. Plastic tends to retain moisture, which can damage your ammunition over time. If you're keeping it around for a couple of years before shooting, a plastic ammo box is fine; just store the ammo in sealed plastic bags and make sure the box is airtight. For anything longer than that, go with metal if you can.
Metal ammo boxes may be able to shield your ammunition from electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), which could disrupt electronic equipment in the event of a nuclear attack or other disaster. These events are rare enough that storing your ammo in a metal container won't guarantee its safety 100 percent of the time, however. Be prepared to replace any lost or damaged rounds as soon as possible after an EMP hits.
Is It Good To Store Ammo In Ammo Cans and ammo container?
While it's not a bad idea to store all of your ammo in soft-sided ammunition cans, the fact is that no sealed container will offer complete protection from water, rust and other factors that may cause deterioration over time. Whether you store your ammo in an ammo can or a plastic box, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Plastic boxes are better than cardboard because they're sturdier and provide more protection against rodents. If you want maximum protection for long-term storage, plastic ammo cans, ammo containers, consider investing in an ammo cabinet with climate control features like dehumidifiers and temperature regulators.
How Long Will Ammo Last If Stored Properly?
Ammo lasts much longer when properly stored, but the exact lifespan depends on the type of ammo. Dry ammunition will last for years if stored correctly, while water-based or high-powder ammunition should be sealed in plastic bags to ensure protection from moisture.
Metal cartridge ammo, like rifle rounds and handgun bullets, can last about 30 years if kept in a cool and dry place, such as an attic or cabinet. If exposed to humidity, metal cartridge ammo will only last about five to 10 years before it begins to rust and degrade. Shotgun shells are also susceptible to rusting over time if not properly handled, properly storing ammo, but they're typically considered a lower-caliber kind of ammunition so their lifespan is somewhat shorter than bullets: about 15 years on average.
Powder-based (also called “black powder”) ammo has a very short shelf life – just one year at most because of the materials used to make it. This kind of ammo proper ammo storage, is usually found in muzzleloaders and Civil War reenactment guns that shoot historically accurate reproductions of old firearms.
Conclusion
The best ammo storage containers are those that provide secure and convenient storage for all types of ammunition. When choosing a container, look for features such as robust construction, leak-proof seals, waterproofing and insulation to help protect against temperature fluctuations. Also consider size options, whether the container is movable or fixed and how quickly it can be opened when access is needed quickly in an emergency situation. Additionally, pay attention to the cost of the product in relation to its quality - cheap containers may not offer the same level of protection as higher-end models. By taking these factors into account when selecting an ammo storage container, shooters can ensure their valuable ammunition remains protected from harm while remaining accessible when needed most.
