Ammo Storage Question

[yanek29]

I am currently stocking up on .357 mag ammo, and have also ordered some mil. surplus cans in which to store the rounds. My question is -- should I leave the rounds in the cardboard boxes (BTW - Sellier & Bellot 50-rd. boxes) and stow them in the .50 cal cans, or un-box the ammo, store it loose in the cans, with some kind of dessicant packs to absorb any stray moisture? I'm sure I can store more rounds per can without all the cardboard and packing foam - but will this be okay for the ammo if stored loosely?
Sure do appreciate all the helpful info on this forum, and hope someone can answer this question. Thanks!

[RangerRick]

Ammo cans with a good seal will serve you well just make sure you store it high and dry away from the ground and any possible moisture.

Rick

[karlsgunbunker]

I do both and it works out both ways.
as long as the can has a good seal.
I also use the plastic ammo cans made by MTM.
They make great products.

Litter Pearls is a cheap Dessicant as well as the stuff for drying Flowers you can find in craft shops and Walmart.
Some people use the Clumping cat litter.
Just put it in an old sock, hose or cloth bag.
Recharge it in the oven at 200 for a couple of hours.

[yanek29]

Great - thanks! I have also vacuum-sealed some .30-.30 rounds, but noticed on another thread in the forum that this process can possibly un-seat the bullets. Haven't opened any of the packs to check on this, but the rounds seem to be in o.k. shape.
Has anyone tried sealing ammo this way? What results?

[yanek29]

Follow-up on the .30-.30s -- opened one of the packets, and all rounds are a-o.k., tight and dry.
Also -- my ammo cans arrived from Cheaper Than Dirt, and they are in excellent condition. One thing, though -- the shipping cost was MURDER! I mean, $8 each for 6 .50-cal cans, and the shipping was just under $25.!!! All I can say is, I'll have to look a little harder around Long Island for these in the future. Even at our current sales tax of 8.64% (yes friends, you read that right :'( ) it just might be cheaper to shop locally.

[karlsgunbunker]

Follow-up on the .30-.30s -- opened one of the packets, and all rounds are a-o.k., tight and dry.
Also -- my ammo cans arrived from Cheaper Than Dirt, and they are in excellent condition. *One thing, though -- the shipping cost was MURDER! *I mean, $8 each for 6 .50-cal cans, and the shipping was just under $25.!!! *All I can say is, I'll have to look a little harder around Long Island for these in the future. *Even at our current sales tax of 8.64% (yes friends, you read that right :'( ) it just might be cheaper to shop locally.

I stopped ordering from CDT 3 yrs ago due to their high shipping.
Midway USA has a Nice selection of Ammo can both Mil-Surp and Plastic (MTM).
If you have a C&R FFL you can get a discount.
My dealer price is $3.99 for a 30 cal and $4.99 for a 50 cal can and the shipping is reasonable.

[yanek29]

Thanks for info - I have a couple of the MTM boxes and they are quite decent. Somehow, tho', I have more faith in the metal cans, as they are not subject to cracking/splitting as a result of tempurature extremes.
Will check out the Midway USA site - thanks again!

[seekeroftruth]

if you have a need for them.. and lets face it who doesnt?

www.govliquidation.com

The official government equipment auction source.

Ammo cans by the pallet full in all shapes and sizes can, depending on whos bidding, be got for a dollar or less a can.

The only draw back is you are usually bidding on at least 2 or 3 pallets full at a time, which roughly translates to 100 to 200 or so cans at a time, depending on the type of cans in the lot. And you have to go pick them up.. so unless you have a heavy duty truck or trailer it isnt worth it.

My brother bought 2 pallets and paid .50 a piece for them. Luckily the auction he bid on was at his local airforce base and he had a truck so there was no further cost other than the price of the cans. it didnt take him long to go through them. They are useful for all sorts of things.. including christmas gifts to your favorite self reliant relative or friend. (thanks bro)

If its just too many to store.. try selling them at a flee market or a yard sale and make a profit to buy ammo to store in the ones you keep.

As for storage. I like mine in the boxes just because i like to keep track of how much i have and counting 10 boxes of 50 is alot easier than counting 500 bullets..

well so long for now hope this helps at all.

seek