Guys I lived on a farm in South Africa where we had a farm arrack one night. The attack went on for about 15 minutes. There ware approximately 8 attackers. In all that time I only used 2 x 30 round magazines for my 223 R4 (Gallil). It is good to store ammo. A lot is good, to much is better, and way to much is the best when it comes to ammo storage but you will only need about 3 mags in the initial contact if you are unlucky. More than that and you are in a serious difficult situation if you are on your own. Keep your other mags stored empty and available to load if needed. That is what I found the best. Rather make sure you can clear and assemble/ disassemble your weapon at night and also know where to find everything in an emergency. It is no good having a rifle in one safe and your ammo locked in another. Keep your primary weapon on you or close to you with at least two mags. I used my rifle as my primary and my handgun as secondly. If you have to shoot an intruder don’t stop shooting until he stops moving. While he is moving he is a potential threat. If you have to go past him when you have put him down put a round into his head as you go past. This makes sure he/ her is no longer a threat and you don.t leave a threat behind you after you have passed him/ her. Also don’t tell people you have a stockpile of ammo as word will get out and your house may be attacked to get your firearms and ammo. I later found out that the attack on us was to try and get weapons and ammo as they had heard or seen us shooting a some time. Be safe and pray for peace but load your ammunition. When all else fails load more ammo.
@@johnross7285 thank you for your words. Please keep on talking to people about the farm murders in South Africa. The more people who hear about them the better. This may kick start the world to look closer at the violence being committed against the white people in South Africa not only the farmers. Its a form of genocide over here. We at least have firearms to protect ourselves but many don’t and the government is trying hard to make private gun ownership illegal here. Owning a firearms is the only thing standing in the way from mass genocide of the white population in South Africa. They will have to take my firearms out of my cold dead hands but I will never give up my firearms.
To anyone worried about keeping mags full over extended periods of time: Springs fail from use. Sitting compressed or not will not fatigue the metal in any way. If this wasn't true, springs would be failing on vehicles in record pace :)
@@PilotPatriot same here I found 500 rounds of 22 cci for $40 at my local gunshop a week ago they hadn’t raised up their prices yet I went back this week they had no .22 ammo
Hey guys, just a quick tip to make storage better. On the military ammo cans, take a Q-tip and grease the rubber seal with Super Lube. Its a multi-purpose lubricant with Teflon, its milky white/clear, it goes on easy. It will keep the seal from ever drying out or wearing out and it adds to the waterproofing. Super Lube is made by Synco Chemical; Corp, comes in a plastic round jar, mine has lasted forever. No - I don't own the company or know them. I grease all my ammo cans with this stuff. I use it on lots of things also.
I wanna add, when you closing your storage can put a small candle light inside the box. Oxygen will run out pretty quickly and candle go out by itself. But inside would be nothing to oxidise.
@@yannikoloff7659 that’s actually so smart even tho it’s simple. I wonder if this could be implemented for food buckets too. Obviously separate the candle on top of the food with a plate or something
The best thing about that storage system, is also the worst thing about that storage system. Its neat and organized, but if you had to evacuate, losing one can takes a big chunk out of that type of ammo supply. I keep my "shooting ammo" the same way, but I have a number of the metal military cans prepped with an identical mix of 556, 9mm, 22lr, and 20 gauge. I call it a "bug out survival mix" so the loss of any one can doesn't render any of my firearms useless.
It’s a good idea, but being realistic I own 6 different calibers. And I cannnot and could not possibly take enough rounds for all of them in a quick bug out situation. So no matter what one or more of a couple of those calibers is going to get left behind. I have already decided which I want to take with me and those cans are labeled.
@@427SuperSnake1 Thats the same way I plan. I strategically have two categories of guns, Survival: the 4 calibers I listed, and "fun guns": 38, 380, 12 gauge, 300 blackout, 357... I only plan to take/use the survival ones in a crisis. I don't worry about the fun ones or organizing their ammo
@@johngalt4810 You can NEVER take enough ammo with you, so take a weapon that will take advantage of ammo found, not brought. This is the same reason I don't store food...you become the target. I will be with the roving bands assaulting the hoarders' stockpiles, with enough ammo to TAKE what I need...including more ammo.
LOL, I've been storing ammo since the early 80s and before. I store my ammunition in Coleman and Igloo coolers in the original box. this last year I sold hundreds of thousands of rounds for reasonable profit. I had zero returns not counting people buying the wrong caliber. Ammo cans are great for small quantities but Igloo coolers are fantastic for very large quantities
One thing I'd add is that cans stored on the floor should be placed on a pallet or something to keep it at least a couple of inches off of a concrete floor and to allow air flow to prevent moisture build up under the container. While this may not be an issue with plastic cans, it can quickly become an issue with metal cans. Also, it's good to keep your cans at least a couple of inches from walls for the same reasons.
I watched some video of a guy who had a 7.62 round fall behind his work bench onto his concrete garage floor and within a year that brand new round was rusted to hell because of it being so cold
@@blackticalmayhem8461 You mean desiccant packs. They're for moisture. I guess you could add oxygen packs in addition to the desiccant. Wouldn't hurt anything
I used the Plano cans until my handle failed me and over 3K rounds of .22 fell all over my garage floor before heading the range. Switched over to the all metal .30 cal cans.
I discovered that some of the plastic ammo cans are not water tight so I assume not air tight. I put some large rocks in my cans and submerged into 5 gallon bucket. All but one of 10 metal cans were water tight. The plastic one leaked right away. Examining the can I could see that the plastic is too flexible to get a good seal. I use two 30 cal plastic cans for the ammo I take to the range. One has 22LR and one has other calibers. The plastic cans are light and I don't have to worry about the cans bumping up against something in my car and causing damage. The one metal can that leaked had gasket had section barely caught the edge of the bottom of the can. Now I sort through the cans and only buy ones that shore compression line in middle of the seal and not on the edge. I last bought some 50 cal metal cans from my local Rural King store for $10 each on sale. Their prior sale price was $13 and original price was $17 or $18.
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Stored properly, steel ammo cans, the ammo will last longer than your lifetime and mine. Ensure they are stored with some desiccant in the can and you will never have an issue. That conclusion is based on 20 years of military ammo storage experience and inspecting percentages of that ammo every year.
Have shot some 303 British ammo with 03 head stamp, (thats' 1903) in Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1 rifle and machine gun in the 90's. Slightest sign of corrosion on shell casings; no problem with feed or firing. Stored in original cans in dry garage for decades. Emphasis on "dry". Dating stored food is definitely a good, and nothing wrong with dating your ammo, but as Gunny AMMO says below, you'll likely be doing that for your progeny.
They will play hard to get until you commit to one of them. Don’t spend a lot of money on your first date. Get to know them first and then choose the one that you can trust and are attracted to and likes you for who you are authentically. Be yourself but play up some of your charisma
Stacking ammo cans has it's drawbacks. The can on the bottom will end up with a crushed seal and never seal right again without the weight on top. Plastic or steel cans will be effected, but the new m2a2 50cal cans have a built-in stop to prevent crushing of seals when stacked.
@@Tom-qx5nl Same here. I keep my ammo in ziploc bags inside 50 cal cans. I've also kept ammo in plywood boxes I made, painted and caulked inside and painted outside. I screw the lid on. Keep the ammo in ziploc bags, 50 0or 100 rounds to a bag. This makes it so that the ammo isn't all exposed to the air if the can is opened. This is good should you ever need to open the can when raining.
On my 9mm bulk ammo I weigh out 50 rounds and put it into Ziplock freezer bags then put it in the ammo cans, while my .556 I weigh out 30 rounds per bag and store them. This makes it easy to help control moisture and to know how much ammo you are removing from a can of rounds. A digital scale makes it very easy to weigh out the exact round count. As for loaded .556 mags, I contacted Magpul and they told me that you could store full 30 round mag topped off and never worry about them failing.
You need a scale cause you can't count to 30 or 50? Also, if you're going to store ammo in plastic you'd be better off using a vacuum sealer over ziplocks bags - might take a little longer but will control moisture even better - you can still add silica packs if you feel it's necessary
@@Rotorflyr ok instead of counting out 30 or 50 for a thousand round bulk purchase, I weight them so as to not have to count the entire 1,000 rds. And the bags go right back into the sealed ammo can. But I guess that weighing ammo instead of counting it all is a little over your head. Sorry you got confused.
@@ntpd935ret Not at all, I just don't see it as a time saver in any way - depending on the ammo most come packed in boxes of 20, 25 or 50 rounds even when purchased by the case - 2 boxes of 20 + 1/2 box of 20 = 50 rds, just as easy and quick (if not quicker) as weighing the ammo - Having said that, if all you ever buy is loose ammo in cans or bags then yeah weighing it might be faster. Not confusing at all - sorry you're so thin skinned to be bothered by my comment.
@@ms.annthrope415 That was because of the shitty followers in the mags. Newer mags, with anti tilt followers (Pmags, OK industries, Lancer etc), don't have that problem. They are engineered so that the followers cannot tilt when the mags are fully loaded.
Epic Ray: They will not go bad from being stored full. Comoressing and decompressibg the follower spring is what makes them go bad. Store them full, or empty, and you're fine.
It’s also important to remember risks like flooding, fire, and theft. I don’t have anywhere near the bulk you have but about 3000 each of AR/AK in metal cans that fit nicely in my gun safe as well as several loaded mags and drums. You’re spot on about keeping mags loaded. There was even a TH-camr that had forgotten a pmag for 12 years fully loaded and it had no issues. It’s just an old wives tale that you shouldn’t store magazines fully loaded, especially with the newer gen pmags.
I shot government issue .45 mags that had been loaded for over 30 years in a drawer at my grandpa’s house. Didn’t miss a beat. Still have the mags today.
I like to individually vacuum seal each round with a very light coat of oil. Then every 5 rounds in another plastic box, where I vacuum seal it, and coat with a little oil. Then 10 of the 5 round boxes into another vacuum sealed box, lightly oiled.
Military cans can’t be beat. Those Plano cans can’t support the weight at the handle and setting them down hard an cause cracks. Just slowly start replacing them with military cans. Use the plastic cans for like range use or hunting ammo. Trust me it’s the way to go.
I vacuum seal several boxes with a silica pack then store them in ammo cans, seems like extra work but when you store bulk these days with the shortage and prices it's protecting your investment. I also do the the same for reloading supplies since they can sit for long periods without being used, primer cases aren't air tight.
That’s Exactly how I do mine also. I tested it out one day without ammo and I used sealed cardboard and a brick to hold it down in a metal can and submerged it in the bucket for a week. After that week opened it up there were zero issues and that’s the way I’ve been doing it ever since.
@vettelover2009 good comment but many surplus ammo cans are well used and don't seal all the way. And don't even consider the Harbor Freight or Walmart cans. New (single used) military cans are best.
@vettelover2009 Spend a little more for Boaters cans. Made of harder & thicker plastic & seal as good as metal cans. I've had one for over 15 yrs. Opens just as hard now as it did on day one. I got it used. When working at a Marina.
I store my ammo on wood shelving in their original packaging. Shot some forty year old ammo that I bought in 82 and not one failure. Just store in room temperature with normal to low humidity and you will have no problems.
You confirmed the 2 questions I was looking for. Keep them loaded and with 1 round less that capacity. If there's a round in the chamber a full mag may not go in. Good Job! You just got a sub!!
I’ve been doing this for 25+ years. Mine are almost all metal. I made the mistake of filling a plastic 50-cal size can with 12 gauge field loads and the hinge and latch broke from the weight. They’ll definitely come unsealed from the weight of the shells.Thanks
THanks for confirming I am on the right track. I already do a lot of these things, using the containers you show. There were a couple of pointers you give that I will be trying too. Thank you!. Because of the state I live in, I choose to store my ammo in the simple cold rolled steel keyed gun cabinets. The small Plano boxes fit perfectly 3 wide and 6 tall. Really makes it nice.
Great ideas all around. I put my 5.56 on stripper clips in ammo cans. That way, everything is organized and the most amount of space is utilized. I also leave spoons in there just in case I need to load magazines quickly for whatever reason.
This 29 round thing started with the US forces in basic you are taught to load your mag full then take out 1 round which well leave you with 30 rounds as you can fit 31 rounds in all mags so people then that don't know why we say take one out started loading 29 rounds. A 30 round in a mags will seat if you slap the mag like you're suppose to just as well as 29 unless you have some condition that makes it hard for you to hit the mag. If you don't count out your rounds and just fill the mag with 31 it will not seat in plastic mags metal ones you have to hit it hard and sometimes it will seat. I don't count rounds I just load and take out 1 at the end or you can also fell when your at 30 rounds cause it will bottom out on the last round.
Before I lost all my ammo in an boating accident I used to get my wifes old stockings (12 inch lenght cuts) and put a handfull of cat litter box granulates in them. Two knots and place this in the ammo box. It will absorb humidity. You can also use rice bags.
We love those MTM cans, they are lighter than the milsurp cans and no worries about rust. Plus MTM has a tray that holds 3 of the 50s or 4 of the 30s, very handy for keeping things organized and easy for loadout.
The plastic MTM cans aren't as durable as the metal GI cans. If you put any where near a full load in them and pick them up by the handle the lid will separate from the body.
@@gunfreak9mm agreed.. any container has limits, I should have said we love the MTM but use both those and milsurp, they all have their place and uses.
All my ammo is loaded in mags. Any bulk or boxes, I vacuum seal and then in a container inside away from big temp fluctuations. Before Covid I always bought bulk, and military surplus. All sealed and annealed, it last forever
I have a metal ammo box that I've had for at least 40 years, don't use it for ammo and seldom latch it so the seal has dried out but the can itself is still good so I bought 2 more recently to put my ammo in and I can get around 1500 rounds in them each in the boxes
Great video lots of good tips. I keep my GTFO ammo vacuum sealed and mixed together in cans or small bags. .22LR, 9mm, 5.56 and 7.62x39 all in the same container so I can grab one container and still be able to feed everything I have from it. I keep AR mags loaded to 25 then seal 2 in a bag with a full stripper clip. If I need them now, I can load with 25 or if I have time, top them off. I also treat everything with silicone spray (I put that shit on everything) and put a desi pak and O2 absorber in each vacuum bag.
If you dont have desiccant packs to absorb moisture, just take a hairdryer and blow hot into thr can for 60 seconds. Load ammo in and blow all around the inside fir another minute then close lid and seal it. The dry heat will evaporate any residue moisture out of the can.
I buy a box a paycheck i also bought some smaller cardboard boxes. I also store my ammo in vacuumed sealed 300 round battle packs in 50 called ammo cans
My department policy is to load mags to 28 rounds. This makes for loading on a possible closed bolt extra reliable. Doing so on a fully loaded 30 round mag has been problematic under stress adrenaline and fear of getting shot in a few seconds while reloading.
Makes a person wonder when 2 yrs ago I was buying 5.56 Lake City bulk ammo 1,000 rds for $249.00 Delivered!! Same deal on 7.62x51 but 500 rds $249.00 delivered!!! All 1st quality Lake City brass ammo. Also at that time no tax!! Target Sports USA. I ended up with a good stash. 9mm, 45acp & 10mm round up my big bulk. 12&20 ga and 22lr couple 50 cal cans of each. I figured it doesn't eat anything
it is best to not remove your ammo from the factory box due to the need for lot numbers for recalled and possibly dangerous ammo. store it in the box within a larger container for bulk.
For me, dumping boxes into ziplock bags and tearing off the info panel works best. If you are like most of us buying what you can when you can you end up with different brands, lots and types. I also use bulk reusable dessicant (orange dry/green moist) take a pill bottle and poke a few small holes, fill it up and toss in the can. Using that method i found that one of my cans werent sealing. Hope that helps.
Long term storage simply put is away from heat and sealed from moisture. Steel ammo can and a moisture absorber is a great idea. Don't store a huge amount of mags for long term loaded. Store some, but have plenty of spares with stripper clips ready to go for them. I'm talking of a possible 10+ year storage.
Good stuff. Only thing I would add is I put a thin layer of Vaseline on all the O rings of my cans to keep the rubber from drying out and loosing the seal. The tiniest of cracks can break the seal when your talking storage of potentially 10 + years.
The only problem with putting Vaseline on the rubber gasket is that Vaseline breaks down rubber. That is why you should not use Vaseline on a condom.I could see using lube 😆 on your gasket.
I carry a Rock Island 1911 GI Series in 45 ACP and A Windham Weaponry MPC in 5.56x45. So I am correct in only stockpilin the ammunition that I will actually use. Very informative video. those ammo cans aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be
I started with plastic 30cal & 50cal cans either Plano or later Harbor Freight. About a year ago I got a few metal 50cal cans and did my own leak test, putting a tissue in both plastic and metal ones with enough weight to keep them submerged in a 5 gal bucket of water overnight. The plastic cans leaked, the metal ones did not. I've since replaced all of my cans with 50cal and 30cal metal cans, both milsurp and HF new. HF has some decent ones, or shop the net for used ones in A or B grade. I bag all my ammo in heavy-duty zip lock bags (4 mil) I purchased in 2 sizes for either 100rds of pistol caliber ammo (most of mine is 9mm) or 145rds 223/5.56 (ie 5 mags @ 29/mag). A couple of drypack moisture absorbers go in each bag along with a small label that has all purchase info on it. 30cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds of 9mm, 50cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds 223 packed this way. I am currently shooting some 9mm that I bought in late 2001 that was stored for at least 15 yrs just in a drawer in the box it came it. Zero malfunctions. While I don't expect my house to get flooded I DO live in FL so it's always a possibility. A recent video I saw showed that ammo with sealed primers (ie better than the typical range grade I buy) withstand water far better than the cheapest ammo you can buy (which is what I normally buy, just not remans or steel). BTW I've shot several cases of reman both 9mm & 223 and had no issues, the main thing for me now (2023) is the price difference is negligible. When I bought it (early 2020), reman 223 was literally half the price of new 223 brass cased. Watch for sales, I bought 10 30cal metal cans from Sportsman's Guide for $7/ea,. HF puts their cans on sale about every 3 months. Being a member of either helps but not necessary (for SG it gets you free shipping which saves a lot, but their membership price has gone up since I had one). Hope this helps.
Thanks for the video. The only thing I would add is, I prefer the metal ammo cans for durability.They are more expensive but also more durable and have a wide range of uses.
Good video. I like ripping a tab off one of the boxes of ammo and putting it in the can so you can have the lot# and mfg in case it blows up a rifle or is just bad you can remember the mfg, contact them and reference the lot#.
I'm a bachelor so I got my ammo cans in the living room stacked and in my bed room stacked. But I got my two favorite Ammo cans ready to rock and roll my 40S&W and my 12 gauge cans next to eachother in case I need to bug out, and got my tent sleeping pad and mukboots in my trucks told box.
I use USGI 30 cal ammo cans for bulk ammo storage and .50 cal cans for shotgun rounds, I do this so the weakest person in my family can carry an ammo can if we need to displace quickly. I don’t use the plastic ones for ammo since you can’t just toss those around in a pickup truck bed without breaking them. I use the plastic ammo cans for hand held radios and each can holds every accessory and component that radio needs then I label the “can” as to which radio is in it. This also allows me to have a well sealed box that I can hand to anyone to quickly set up radio comms without having to go dig around for the accessories and additional batteries it’ll need. Steel ammo cans are also great for using as protection when you fill them with dirt, gravel or, even concrete then stack them high to create a shield for where you sleep. Obviously concrete would be a permanent modification but using damp/slightly wet dirt has serious benefits.
To ensure long term storage viability I coat the metal ammo can rubber seal with Vaseline , I put the boxes of ammo into zip lock baggies and I put two large desicant packs Eva dry 150 (from amazon). I do a count of how much ammo is in each can, number the can then record the can number and ammo count on a small packet of cardstock. As I use or replace ammo I record the change on the appropriate card for that can.
A great place to get the new cans is harbor freight. Just picked up multiple .50 and .30 cans today. They have them on sale often and I have had great experience with them. I use some to keep tools and such in the back of my truck and they keep everything dry.
About 1985 had some 12g win XX that said. All new plastic. Ran many through a rem model 11. The were the best shells ive ever shot. They were in a file cabinet under in house conditions. Room temp.
In a long-term SHTF scenario, a .50 cal ammo can with a mixed caliber assortment of ammo in its original packaging might come in handy for bartering purposes. Each package of ammo should have some bartering value.
I bought a bunch of those Plano boxes from Menards, I forget how much I paid for them but I do recall seeing them in store and thinking that was a good price so I picked up about ten of these.
i saw a video from a guy who had fully loaded mags that were loaded for longer period of time than this guy has been on this earth...lol And the thing is, they worked just fine.
For AR, I always recommend doing a combo. Bulk storage in an ammo can, loose or boxed. Several mags worth on stripper clips with spoons for Metal and Magpul spoons. And finally, some loaded in mags. When loaded in clips, you can fully reload a 30 round mag in a matter or seconds.
A couple of years ago I found several boxes of CCI Mini-Mag 22 LR that were dated 1994. All shot without any problems and they were just stored in the original container. They were inside the house and I did live in the high desert.
A short trip (hopefully) to cabelas and you will find the plastic ammo cans in a stackable set with storage tray. This reduces compression of seals and helps to keep everything organized. Also, if you want to transport multiple storage cans it keeps everything secure. I agree that labeling cans top front and sides with caliber, quantity and type is absolutely necessary unless you only have one type of ammo (doubtful).
I just bought 1000 rounds of green tip 5.56. But I want to save all those so I’ll mainly get 1,000 rounds of 9mm, 5,000 rounds of 5.56/ 223 and 22lr ammo
With stored magazines I go 50/50 1/2 loaded the other 1/2 unloaded. Just in case the spring tension does get effected. I like to stock 223 ( because I have AR and a CZ BA 223 9mm for carbine and pistols. 22lr. 30-06. Mostly 12g OO and rifled slugs. I store in military cans primarily.
I’m such a dork about my ammo, at least I’m aware of it lol. I’ll say this, I have 4 plastic cans same size, and it’s all in boxes #1025rd 9mm #370rd 10mm in each can! They look like Jenga puzzles. I too keep one box with loaded 9/10mm and 5.56 but it stays in my safe. If my old lady ever saw how much is in that safe I’d be sleeping outside!
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After you have sufficient built rounds ready to go it is worth considering reloading, keeping your longterm prep ammo in their component form. Advantages for the longterm areas follows: the powder can remain fresh in a factory sealed container, storage wise if there is a fire you will not have projectiles cooking off, theft wise a can of built .308 is more appealing then a sealed bag of bullets/cases needing presses and knowledge to assembly… plus of course you can hide component parts in different areas of your house making it harder to steal.
I really like that you mentioned the moisture packs. You are the only one I've seen to talk about moisture. Big thumbs up. Also i would like to say, i have 20 magpal mags in my plastic 50 cal cans. Stand them up and alternate up, down every other one. You will have to jiggle the can as you close it to get the lid to close.
I’ve been able to consistently get 18 loaded Pmags with dust covers in a single can for my storage. Magazine are going to be currency in the future in my mind.
desiccant added to a long storage can filled with ammo will absorb all the moisture in the sealed can until opened. Storing bulk mini packs loose in a jar absorb the moisture in the storage jar and once opened will grab all the moisture that comes in... Every time you open the storage jar. With packs that small, your storage shelf life will be very short. I have found larger packs that can be baked in the oven and reused.. Great video. Keep it up!
Do you keep track of the brand and lot number? Right now there is a big recall for Winchester, browning (made by Win) and one other I do not recall. It isn't hard, just rip off the end of a box and tape it inside, to the top of the can.
Great video. If I can make one suggestion, the masking tape isnt going to hold up in a long term high stress environment, plus its way too bright. A black paint marker would be much better, or paint marker on a piece of olive green waterproof 100 MPH Tape. Regards
Whatever the volume the dessicant packet is rated for, I use 3-6x that much for my cans. Dessicant is cheap compared to ammo. I also found the kind of packets that are rechargeable. That just means you can dry them out in the oven on cookie sheets/pie tins at 200-250 for 15 minutes without the cloth bag melting. These melting bags can make a mess in the oven when all the little balls go everywhere. I only open my long term ammo cans to dry out the dessicant. I'd like to do this every year but really only get to it about every 2-3 years. I also dry the dessicant before I use it the first time because who knows how damp it is when you get it.
If you are using mil standard cans that are in good repair, there is no need to open them up and recharge the desiccant. I have pulled cans out of storage magazines that have been there for 20 years and everything was still good once we cut the seal and unpacked the can. When the cans are packed, a humidity indicator is installed on top and if the color has changed, then we know a problem occurred. These were bulk initiating devices or other small EEDs used by the Navy and Marines. Actual ammunition never lasts that long before being extended.
Good content. I always have to laugh anytime someone talks about having to "bug out"... in what scenario do people thinking running off away from your home with a small amount of supplies is advantageous haha
I tried those plastic containers and they worked for me as long as I didn't pick them up by the handle. So I just got rid of "ALL" of them and replaced them with the green military ones and conditioned the seals with plumbers lube.
If you live in a state with high humidity and you store your ammo in a locker or a closed room ,then you should try this product call CALLED DAMP RID MOISTURE ABSORBER THEY come 3 in a box and you just hang one up in the area where you store your ammo and towards the end of the month you can exually see the bag fill up with water that it pulled out of the air ,wonderful invention not just great for your ammo but works just as good for all your stored weapons as well what's your thoughts pilotpatriot 👍
I have a thousand rounds stored in magazines for my AR. I also use the mag cap retainers on top to keep the pressure of the round off of the feed lips.
@Sniper Logic the funniest thing is new gun owners complain about not having ammo like it's my fault they started to buy in 2020🤔😂😂. I stockpiled ammo after Sandy Hook incident lol..that was a while ago so yeah I'm not paying $30, $40 dollars for 9mm FMJ😂👍.
Plastic ammo cans are better than nothing,but just barely. I smoke tested them and they leak. Get steel military cans,and make sure the seals are in good shape. IMO.
4:42 You can actually get two more magazines in there if you lay them down flat side by side. And if fully loaded to 30 rounds, now you have twenty mags or 600 rounds to work with on hand.
50 caliber ammo cans Loose bulk ammo I use silicone grease on the seals And throw a dehumidifier pack in each can before storing in a cool dark place. Fat 50 cans are perfect for loaded AR mags. The 30 caliber ammo cans seem better for 9 mm and other pistol rounds. You'll stretch your arms out a couple inches carrying around the 50 caliber is full of 9 mm.
Infound a couple of my shells like that from hunting I went ahead and shot em just to get rid of em and 3 out of 5 the brass split when I shot them from corrosion still cycled properly and shot fine but idk what would’ve happed if I would’ve let them sit longer but great video on storage that’s how I store my ammo even have some vacuum sealed
For me ammo sitting in boxes takes longer to get to. So I just store it loosely in ammo cans or put them on stripper clips in ammo cans so it’s at the ready at all times
While I appreciate the tips and live by them, I wish he had not showed off his long term ammo storage closet. I am sure the FBI made note of that with the help of TH-cam.
Ours is in boxes, cans or other. The ammo is stored in an enviroment that is 74 degrees, top, and 40-60 percent humidity. It did take a few dollars and time to do it. Today we're so glad it was done. Just an idea of the space, we can park two larger vehicles in it. It did take time and thanks to my wife for supporting it.
100% agree with the whats the point of having empty mags laying around. I have wall mount mag racks filled with loaded magazines. Just saw Harbor Freight has a sale this weekend on ammo cans. I load 200 rounds into ziploc bags and store them in ammo cans. I am going to look into vaccum sealing loose ammo.
I keep a few mags full but I put 28 rds and an empty 30 rd mag in mylar bags and seal them with an iron. I can easily open the bags and load the mags without having to count. Since it is sealed I don't worry about moisture.
I inherited a .38 snub nose and 100 rounds of 1960’s era ammo packed in wax, I cleaned off 12 round and fired them through the gun with no issues, I was really quite surprised, I cleaned the wax off all the rest of the ammo and stored it in some vacuum sealed bags and put them in a ammo can, I may never need them as the .38 is just a backup to a backup but it’s there if I ever need it .
I store my ammo the exact same way. AR mags loaded 28-29 each in the exact same box, and loose ammo stored exactly the same way too; only some calibers though, I keep 44 mag either in the original boxes or in reloader plastic cases. I was starting to think I was the only one that did it that way.
On spring issue. I watched a spring manufacturer talk and teach. They said for a mag spring, the life expectancy is in cycles. The cycle starts compressing the spring and ends when releasing the spring. That is a cycle. So keeping a spring fully compressed will not harm the spring. So running your mags wears them out.
Guys I lived on a farm in South Africa where we had a farm arrack one night. The attack went on for about 15 minutes. There ware approximately 8 attackers. In all that time I only used 2 x 30 round magazines for my 223 R4 (Gallil). It is good to store ammo. A lot is good, to much is better, and way to much is the best when it comes to ammo storage but you will only need about 3 mags in the initial contact if you are unlucky. More than that and you are in a serious difficult situation if you are on your own. Keep your other mags stored empty and available to load if needed. That is what I found the best. Rather make sure you can clear and assemble/ disassemble your weapon at night and also know where to find everything in an emergency. It is no good having a rifle in one safe and your ammo locked in another. Keep your primary weapon on you or close to you with at least two mags. I used my rifle as my primary and my handgun as secondly. If you have to shoot an intruder don’t stop shooting until he stops moving. While he is moving he is a potential threat. If you have to go past him when you have put him down put a round into his head as you go past. This makes sure he/ her is no longer a threat and you don.t leave a threat behind you after you have passed him/ her. Also don’t tell people you have a stockpile of ammo as word will get out and your house may be attacked to get your firearms and ammo. I later found out that the attack on us was to try and get weapons and ammo as they had heard or seen us shooting a some time. Be safe and pray for peace but load your ammunition. When all else fails load more ammo.
Praying for you and all the farmers in South Africa. God bless and be safe. Seems like the whole world is upside down right now!!
@@johnross7285 thank you for your words. Please keep on talking to people about the farm murders in South Africa. The more people who hear about them the better. This may kick start the world to look closer at the violence being committed against the white people in South Africa not only the farmers. Its a form of genocide over here. We at least have firearms to protect ourselves but many don’t and the government is trying hard to make private gun ownership illegal here. Owning a firearms is the only thing standing in the way from mass genocide of the white population in South Africa. They will have to take my firearms out of my cold dead hands but I will never give up my firearms.
@Michael Myers a few and we will leave it there.
Wow!
You've been thru alot.
May the Lord be with you, Always
Amen
@@tedr.richardson4655 thanks Ted appreciated and you too
To anyone worried about keeping mags full over extended periods of time:
Springs fail from use.
Sitting compressed or not will not fatigue the metal in any way.
If this wasn't true, springs would be failing on vehicles in record pace :)
I load 80% of capacity.
Easy to top off!
A 30rd mag is still at 24rds ready to play.
NO worries about compression.
@@smc1942
I found at 28 rounds it's still easy to insert the mag on a closed bolt.
True, basic physics, force is applied to the spring in change of state
Some guy had a pmag that was full from 11 years ago and ran perfect
Wrong.
Looks cool to see all the cans stacked. My problem is how to afford filling them up.
Getting harder every day! Recently switched over to stocking 7.62x39 and 22LR because its cheaper.
Filling them up is easy should’ve done it for a couple of years ago until now! 👍 that’s how!
@@PilotPatriot same here I found 500 rounds of 22 cci for $40 at my local gunshop a week ago they hadn’t raised up their prices yet I went back this week they had no .22 ammo
@@scottdavid3712 Thank you for the link.
lol true. its slowly coming down in price.
Hey guys, just a quick tip to make storage better. On the military ammo cans, take a Q-tip and grease the rubber seal with Super Lube. Its a multi-purpose lubricant with Teflon, its milky white/clear, it goes on easy. It will keep the seal from ever drying out or wearing out and it adds to the waterproofing. Super Lube is made by Synco Chemical; Corp, comes in a plastic round jar, mine has lasted forever. No - I don't own the company or know them. I grease all my ammo cans with this stuff. I use it on lots of things also.
I wanna add, when you closing your storage can put a small candle light inside the box. Oxygen will run out pretty quickly and candle go out by itself. But inside would be nothing to oxidise.
@@yannikoloff7659 that’s actually so smart even tho it’s simple. I wonder if this could be implemented for food buckets too. Obviously separate the candle on top of the food with a plate or something
I used Super Lube on a few moms!
Great idea ,just make sure the lube is not petroleum based. Petroleum breaks down rubber.
@@yannikoloff7659this is legit one of the highest iq comments I've ever read on youtube.
The best thing about that storage system, is also the worst thing about that storage system. Its neat and organized, but if you had to evacuate, losing one can takes a big chunk out of that type of ammo supply. I keep my "shooting ammo" the same way, but I have a number of the metal military cans prepped with an identical mix of 556, 9mm, 22lr, and 20 gauge. I call it a "bug out survival mix" so the loss of any one can doesn't render any of my firearms useless.
Love that idea!
It’s a good idea, but being realistic I own 6 different calibers. And I cannnot and could not possibly take enough rounds for all of them in a quick bug out situation. So no matter what one or more of a couple of those calibers is going to get left behind. I have already decided which I want to take with me and those cans are labeled.
@@427SuperSnake1 Thats the same way I plan. I strategically have two categories of guns, Survival: the 4 calibers I listed, and "fun guns": 38, 380, 12 gauge, 300 blackout, 357... I only plan to take/use the survival ones in a crisis. I don't worry about the fun ones or organizing their ammo
@@johngalt4810 You can NEVER take enough ammo with you, so take a weapon that will take advantage of ammo found, not brought. This is the same reason I don't store food...you become the target. I will be with the roving bands assaulting the hoarders' stockpiles, with enough ammo to TAKE what I need...including more ammo.
In that type of situation which is super unlikely, I'd imagine a stack of loaded mags would be more than enough vs carrying loose bulk heavy ass ammo.
LOL, I've been storing ammo since the early 80s and before. I store my ammunition in Coleman and Igloo coolers in the original box. this last year I sold hundreds of thousands of rounds for reasonable profit. I had zero returns not counting people buying the wrong caliber. Ammo cans are great for small quantities but Igloo coolers are fantastic for very large quantities
Interesting, thanks for the info
Around how many rounds did you have? Just interested
That's a grate idea👍
Hundreds of thousands......wow!
@@PilotPatriot that is 22lr in 500+ round boxes and 1400 round buckets of of golden bullets mostly.
One thing I'd add is that cans stored on the floor should be placed on a pallet or something to keep it at least a couple of inches off of a concrete floor and to allow air flow to prevent moisture build up under the container. While this may not be an issue with plastic cans, it can quickly become an issue with metal cans. Also, it's good to keep your cans at least a couple of inches from walls for the same reasons.
I watched some video of a guy who had a 7.62 round fall behind his work bench onto his concrete garage floor and within a year that brand new round was rusted to hell because of it being so cold
Good points, does it matter if your ammo cans are on a padded carpet surface in the closet?
@@j.p.4541 just throw in some silica packs to help prevent moisture build up
@@blackticalmayhem8461 You mean desiccant packs. They're for moisture. I guess you could add oxygen packs in addition to the desiccant. Wouldn't hurt anything
@@stevemccormick3968 oops yeah thank you lol😂
I used the Plano cans until my handle failed me and over 3K rounds of .22 fell all over my garage floor before heading the range. Switched over to the all metal .30 cal cans.
I discovered that some of the plastic ammo cans are not water tight so I assume not air tight. I put some large rocks in my cans and submerged into 5 gallon bucket. All but one of 10 metal cans were water tight. The plastic one leaked right away. Examining the can I could see that the plastic is too flexible to get a good seal. I use two 30 cal plastic cans for the ammo I take to the range. One has 22LR and one has other calibers. The plastic cans are light and I don't have to worry about the cans bumping up against something in my car and causing damage. The one metal can that leaked had gasket had section barely caught the edge of the bottom of the can. Now I sort through the cans and only buy ones that shore compression line in middle of the seal and not on the edge. I last bought some 50 cal metal cans from my local Rural King store for $10 each on sale. Their prior sale price was $13 and original price was $17 or $18.
I've always loaded my AR mags 1 short for the same reason you mentioned.
It's so much easier to seat on a closed bolt.
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they are certified FFL dealers, they sell all possible ammunitions and guns available...shipping is done all over the USA and worldwide (fast delivery services)
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@@segaammoshop5793 why does it say 1k rounds = 250 USD but 500 rounds is 500 USD for 357 ammo?
@@drakke125Channel probably scamming
@@drakke125Channel natchez shooters supplies has some good prices
Only thing I might consider is dating the cans, and slowly cycle through, that way your ammo is always relatively new.
Stored properly, steel ammo cans, the ammo will last longer than your lifetime and mine. Ensure they are stored with some desiccant in the can and you will never have an issue. That conclusion is based on 20 years of military ammo storage experience and inspecting percentages of that ammo every year.
Have shot some 303 British ammo with 03 head stamp, (thats' 1903) in Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk1 rifle and machine gun in the 90's. Slightest sign of corrosion on shell casings; no problem with feed or firing. Stored in original cans in dry garage for decades. Emphasis on "dry". Dating stored food is definitely a good, and nothing wrong with dating your ammo, but as Gunny AMMO says below, you'll likely be doing that for your progeny.
That's to say that "newer" ammo is always good quality and not rushed production with more defects.
@Peter Angles He speaks of dating the cans, not the ammo. So technically he is a boob guy and this is how he keeps his 'bullet' new and lubricated!
They will play hard to get until you commit to one of them. Don’t spend a lot of money on your first date. Get to know them first and then choose the one that you can trust and are attracted to and likes you for who you are authentically. Be yourself but play up some of your charisma
Stacking ammo cans has it's drawbacks. The can on the bottom will end up with a crushed seal and never seal right again without the weight on top. Plastic or steel cans will be effected, but the new m2a2 50cal cans have a built-in stop to prevent crushing of seals when stacked.
Stacked 5 high for twentyfive years, no effect on bottom can seals.
@@Tom-qx5nl Same here. I keep my ammo in ziploc bags inside 50 cal cans. I've also kept ammo in plywood boxes I made, painted and caulked inside and painted outside. I screw the lid on. Keep the ammo in ziploc bags, 50 0or 100 rounds to a bag. This makes it so that the ammo isn't all exposed to the air if the can is opened. This is good should you ever need to open the can when raining.
They sell good stackable MTS ammo plastic
you have no clue what you're talking about. the weight is carried by the lip of the can, not the gasket
Don't stack more than 2 high, you'll be fine. Use gel packs and dehumidifiers in the ammo room.
On my 9mm bulk ammo I weigh out 50 rounds and put it into Ziplock freezer bags then put it in the ammo cans, while my .556 I weigh out 30 rounds per bag and store them. This makes it easy to help control moisture and to know how much ammo you are removing from a can of rounds. A digital scale makes it very easy to weigh out the exact round count.
As for loaded .556 mags, I contacted Magpul and they told me that you could store full 30 round mag topped off and never worry about them failing.
You need a scale cause you can't count to 30 or 50?
Also, if you're going to store ammo in plastic you'd be better off using a vacuum sealer over ziplocks bags - might take a little longer but will control moisture even better - you can still add silica packs if you feel it's necessary
@@Rotorflyr ok instead of counting out 30 or 50 for a thousand round bulk purchase, I weight them so as to not have to count the entire 1,000 rds. And the bags go right back into the sealed ammo can. But I guess that weighing ammo instead of counting it all is a little over your head. Sorry you got confused.
@@ntpd935ret Not at all, I just don't see it as a time saver in any way - depending on the ammo most come packed in boxes of 20, 25 or 50 rounds even when purchased by the case - 2 boxes of 20 + 1/2 box of 20 = 50 rds, just as easy and quick (if not quicker) as weighing the ammo - Having said that, if all you ever buy is loose ammo in cans or bags then yeah weighing it might be faster. Not confusing at all - sorry you're so thin skinned to be bothered by my comment.
We kept our mags loaded constantly in the military. I worked the Armory and never even crossed my mind about the full mags going bad.
I was always taught in the army to load 18 in a 20 round mag and 28 in a 30 rounder.
@@ms.annthrope415 That was because of the shitty followers in the mags. Newer mags, with anti tilt followers (Pmags, OK industries, Lancer etc), don't have that problem. They are engineered so that the followers cannot tilt when the mags are fully loaded.
Epic Ray: They will not go bad from being stored full. Comoressing and decompressibg the follower spring is what makes them go bad. Store them full, or empty, and you're fine.
It’s also important to remember risks like flooding, fire, and theft. I don’t have anywhere near the bulk you have but about 3000 each of AR/AK in metal cans that fit nicely in my gun safe as well as several loaded mags and drums. You’re spot on about keeping mags loaded. There was even a TH-camr that had forgotten a pmag for 12 years fully loaded and it had no issues. It’s just an old wives tale that you shouldn’t store magazines fully loaded, especially with the newer gen pmags.
I always thought you were supposed to especially new mags to break the spring in
@Peter Angles from leaving them loaded
I shot government issue .45 mags that had been loaded for over 30 years in a drawer at my grandpa’s house. Didn’t miss a beat. Still have the mags today.
What in the hell do Old Wives know about storing ammunition in magazines? LOL
@@reb363well, with my arthritis I’d prefer to not have to unload/reload too much anyway, dear. Mags stay loaded here. -Old Wife
My stock pile of seven 40 cal rounds are in my change jar. Good to go baby!
That’s awful. I poop more ammo than that a day.
I like to individually vacuum seal each round with a very light coat of oil. Then every 5 rounds in another plastic box, where I vacuum seal it, and coat with a little oil. Then 10 of the 5 round boxes into another vacuum sealed box, lightly oiled.
Military cans can’t be beat. Those Plano cans can’t support the weight at the handle and setting them down hard an cause cracks. Just slowly start replacing them with military cans. Use the plastic cans for like range use or hunting ammo. Trust me it’s the way to go.
Right on!!!
👍X a million!
I vacuum seal several boxes with a silica pack then store them in ammo cans, seems like extra work but when you store bulk these days with the shortage and prices it's protecting your investment. I also do the the same for reloading supplies since they can sit for long periods without being used, primer cases aren't air tight.
Glad I read this! I have a vacuum sealer, and never thought of this!
@ᴄᴏᴠᴏɪᴅ • 13 years ago I only vacuum 100+ rds laying flat in one layer. Works good for a bug out bag I setup.
That’s Exactly how I do mine also. I tested it out one day without ammo and I used sealed cardboard and a brick to hold it down in a metal can and submerged it in the bucket for a week. After that week opened it up there were zero issues and that’s the way I’ve been doing it ever since.
@vettelover2009 good comment but many surplus ammo cans are well used and don't seal all the way. And don't even consider the Harbor Freight or Walmart cans. New (single used) military cans are best.
@vettelover2009 Spend a little more for Boaters cans. Made of harder & thicker plastic & seal as good as metal cans. I've had one for over 15 yrs. Opens just as hard now as it did on day one. I got it used. When working at a Marina.
I was always told that it's the compression cycles (compression and release) that wears out magazines.
It is.
I store my ammo on wood shelving in their original packaging. Shot some forty year old ammo that I bought in 82 and not one failure. Just store in room temperature with normal to low humidity and you will have no problems.
th-cam.com/video/XYELvnbiP1k/w-d-xo.html
You confirmed the 2 questions I was looking for. Keep them loaded and with 1 round less that capacity. If there's a round in the chamber a full mag may not go in. Good Job! You just got a sub!!
Thanks
I’ve been doing this for 25+ years. Mine are almost all metal. I made the mistake of filling a plastic 50-cal size can with 12 gauge field loads and the hinge and latch broke from the weight.
They’ll definitely come unsealed from the weight of the shells.Thanks
THanks for confirming I am on the right track. I already do a lot of these things, using the containers you show. There were a couple of pointers you give that I will be trying too. Thank you!. Because of the state I live in, I choose to store my ammo in the simple cold rolled steel keyed gun cabinets. The small Plano boxes fit perfectly 3 wide and 6 tall. Really makes it nice.
Great ideas all around. I put my 5.56 on stripper clips in ammo cans. That way, everything is organized and the most amount of space is utilized. I also leave spoons in there just in case I need to load magazines quickly for whatever reason.
I do this as well.
This 29 round thing started with the US forces in basic you are taught to load your mag full then take out 1 round which well leave you with 30 rounds as you can fit 31 rounds in all mags so people then that don't know why we say take one out started loading 29 rounds. A 30 round in a mags will seat if you slap the mag like you're suppose to just as well as 29 unless you have some condition that makes it hard for you to hit the mag. If you don't count out your rounds and just fill the mag with 31 it will not seat in plastic mags metal ones you have to hit it hard and sometimes it will seat. I don't count rounds I just load and take out 1 at the end or you can also fell when your at 30 rounds cause it will bottom out on the last round.
I like how I used to buy .22LR for $50 for 5000 rounds, now it's $600-$1000 lmao.
Before I lost all my ammo in an boating accident I used to get my wifes old stockings (12 inch lenght cuts) and put a handfull of cat litter box granulates in them. Two knots and place this in the ammo box. It will absorb humidity. You can also use rice bags.
We love those MTM cans, they are lighter than the milsurp cans and no worries about rust. Plus MTM has a tray that holds 3 of the 50s or 4 of the 30s, very handy for keeping things organized and easy for loadout.
The plastic MTM cans aren't as durable as the metal GI cans. If you put any where near a full load in them and pick them up by the handle the lid will separate from the body.
@@gunfreak9mm agreed.. any container has limits, I should have said we love the MTM but use both those and milsurp, they all have their place and uses.
All my ammo is loaded in mags. Any bulk or boxes, I vacuum seal and then in a container inside away from big temp fluctuations. Before Covid I always bought bulk, and military surplus. All sealed and annealed, it last forever
I stored all my ammo loose in 50cal cans. My 22lr ammo I left in packages but stored in 50cal can. I use Plano plastic cans for range can.
I have a metal ammo box that I've had for at least 40 years, don't use it for ammo and seldom latch it so the seal has dried out but the can itself is still good so I bought 2 more recently to put my ammo in and I can get around 1500 rounds in them each in the boxes
Great video lots of good tips.
I keep my GTFO ammo vacuum sealed and mixed together in cans or small bags. .22LR, 9mm, 5.56 and 7.62x39 all in the same container so I can grab one container and still be able to feed everything I have from it.
I keep AR mags loaded to 25 then seal 2 in a bag with a full stripper clip. If I need them now, I can load with 25 or if I have time, top them off.
I also treat everything with silicone spray (I put that shit on everything) and put a desi pak and O2 absorber in each vacuum bag.
25 is extreme underloading, why so low?
I like the other ideas
If you dont have desiccant packs to absorb moisture, just take a hairdryer and blow hot into thr can for 60 seconds. Load ammo in and blow all around the inside fir another minute then close lid and seal it. The dry heat will evaporate any residue moisture out of the can.
Back when I was stationed on the west coast, I used a 20mm ammo can to keep all of my reloading tools and supplies in.
I buy a box a paycheck i also bought some smaller cardboard boxes. I also store my ammo in vacuumed sealed 300 round battle packs in 50 called ammo cans
My department policy is to load mags to 28 rounds. This makes for loading on a possible closed bolt extra reliable. Doing so on a fully loaded 30 round mag has been problematic under stress adrenaline and fear of getting shot in a few seconds while reloading.
Makes a person wonder when 2 yrs ago I was buying 5.56 Lake City bulk ammo 1,000 rds for $249.00 Delivered!! Same deal on 7.62x51 but 500 rds $249.00 delivered!!! All 1st quality Lake City brass ammo. Also at that time no tax!! Target Sports USA. I ended up with a good stash. 9mm, 45acp & 10mm round up my big bulk. 12&20 ga and 22lr couple 50 cal cans of each. I figured it doesn't eat anything
Try SGAmmo.
it is best to not remove your ammo from the factory box due to the need for lot numbers for recalled and possibly dangerous ammo. store it in the box within a larger container for bulk.
Or you can take pictures of those boxes, & have your loaded magazines organized accordingly
I would never KEEP ammo in containers made from material that inherently absorbs moisture long term.
For me, dumping boxes into ziplock bags and tearing off the info panel works best. If you are like most of us buying what you can when you can you end up with different brands, lots and types. I also use bulk reusable dessicant (orange dry/green moist) take a pill bottle and poke a few small holes, fill it up and toss in the can. Using that method i found that one of my cans werent sealing.
Hope that helps.
Long term storage simply put is away from heat and sealed from moisture. Steel ammo can and a moisture absorber is a great idea. Don't store a huge amount of mags for long term loaded. Store some, but have plenty of spares with stripper clips ready to go for them. I'm talking of a possible 10+ year storage.
Good stuff. Only thing I would add is I put a thin layer of Vaseline on all the O rings of my cans to keep the rubber from drying out and loosing the seal. The tiniest of cracks can break the seal when your talking storage of potentially 10 + years.
The only problem with putting Vaseline on the rubber gasket is that Vaseline breaks down rubber. That is why you should not use Vaseline on a condom.I could see using lube 😆 on your gasket.
@@cajunstacker1376 Correct. Silicones/teflon based only.
So i can use astro glide😂
I know the astroglide comment was a joke,but it really is better than Vaseline.
I use astroglide or everything. cooking. sealing ammo. pancakes. I even put some in my hair to make it stick up.
I carry a Rock Island 1911 GI Series in 45 ACP and A Windham Weaponry MPC in 5.56x45. So I am correct in only stockpilin the ammunition that I will actually use. Very informative video. those ammo cans aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be
same here ... I only have ammo I actually use...and also lots of reloading equipment primers powder excetra.....
@@robert4027 I haven't gotten into reloading primarily beause the warrenties on my firearms srtongly discourage the use of relaoded ammunition.
I started with plastic 30cal & 50cal cans either Plano or later Harbor Freight. About a year ago I got a few metal 50cal cans and did my own leak test, putting a tissue in both plastic and metal ones with enough weight to keep them submerged in a 5 gal bucket of water overnight. The plastic cans leaked, the metal ones did not. I've since replaced all of my cans with 50cal and 30cal metal cans, both milsurp and HF new. HF has some decent ones, or shop the net for used ones in A or B grade. I bag all my ammo in heavy-duty zip lock bags (4 mil) I purchased in 2 sizes for either 100rds of pistol caliber ammo (most of mine is 9mm) or 145rds 223/5.56 (ie 5 mags @ 29/mag). A couple of drypack moisture absorbers go in each bag along with a small label that has all purchase info on it. 30cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds of 9mm, 50cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds 223 packed this way. I am currently shooting some 9mm that I bought in late 2001 that was stored for at least 15 yrs just in a drawer in the box it came it. Zero malfunctions. While I don't expect my house to get flooded I DO live in FL so it's always a possibility. A recent video I saw showed that ammo with sealed primers (ie better than the typical range grade I buy) withstand water far better than the cheapest ammo you can buy (which is what I normally buy, just not remans or steel). BTW I've shot several cases of reman both 9mm & 223 and had no issues, the main thing for me now (2023) is the price difference is negligible. When I bought it (early 2020), reman 223 was literally half the price of new 223 brass cased. Watch for sales, I bought 10 30cal metal cans from Sportsman's Guide for $7/ea,. HF puts their cans on sale about every 3 months. Being a member of either helps but not necessary (for SG it gets you free shipping which saves a lot, but their membership price has gone up since I had one). Hope this helps.
Thanks for the video. The only thing I would add is, I prefer the metal ammo cans for durability.They are more expensive but also more durable and have a wide range of uses.
I have tried a few different cans and now i just stick with the milsurp cans. $10 for the 50 cal cans isn't too bad for reliable storage.
My stepson and I recently shot mags that I loaded before he was born 15-16 years ago and no problems
Good video.
I like ripping a tab off one of the boxes of ammo and putting it in the can so you can have the lot# and mfg in case it blows up a rifle or is just bad you can remember the mfg, contact them and reference the lot#.
I do the same, including when I vacuum seal some ammo, or tape it on the mag that it's loaded into.
RC Vietnam VET , good help for one's at don't now! Teacher of taking good care of the A&G!
I'm a bachelor so I got my ammo cans in the living room stacked and in my bed room stacked. But I got my two favorite Ammo cans ready to rock and roll my 40S&W and my 12 gauge cans next to eachother in case I need to bug out, and got my tent sleeping pad and mukboots in my trucks told box.
Awesome. Especially these days when it’s so hard to come by. You have to stockpile!
I use USGI 30 cal ammo cans for bulk ammo storage and .50 cal cans for shotgun rounds, I do this so the weakest person in my family can carry an ammo can if we need to displace quickly. I don’t use the plastic ones for ammo since you can’t just toss those around in a pickup truck bed without breaking them. I use the plastic ammo cans for hand held radios and each can holds every accessory and component that radio needs then I label the “can” as to which radio is in it. This also allows me to have a well sealed box that I can hand to anyone to quickly set up radio comms without having to go dig around for the accessories and additional batteries it’ll need. Steel ammo cans are also great for using as protection when you fill them with dirt, gravel or, even concrete then stack them high to create a shield for where you sleep. Obviously concrete would be a permanent modification but using damp/slightly wet dirt has serious benefits.
To ensure long term storage viability I coat the metal ammo can rubber seal with Vaseline , I put the boxes of ammo into zip lock baggies and I put two large desicant packs Eva dry 150 (from amazon). I do a count of how much ammo is in each can, number the can then record the can number and ammo count on a small packet of cardstock. As I use or replace ammo I record the change on the appropriate card for that can.
Do not use Vaseline…. That’s petroleum based… it will destroy the seal… use 100% silicone grease
A great place to get the new cans is harbor freight. Just picked up multiple .50 and .30 cans today. They have them on sale often and I have had great experience with them. I use some to keep tools and such in the back of my truck and they keep everything dry.
Why do I love videos like this?
Because Ammo is beautiful to look at lol 😂😂😂 shiny gold 👍
Because threats from the Biden administration
you dont know?
i hear you, ammo porn rocks! :)
@@mnnomad1870 Yep, Sleepy Joe the Wet Sock Puppet should keep you awake at night.
About 1985 had some 12g win XX that said. All new plastic. Ran many through a rem model 11. The were the best shells ive ever shot. They were in a file cabinet under in house conditions. Room temp.
In a long-term SHTF scenario, a .50 cal ammo can with a mixed caliber assortment of ammo in its original packaging might come in handy for bartering purposes. Each package of ammo should have some bartering value.
Good point
I bought a bunch of those Plano boxes from Menards, I forget how much I paid for them but I do recall seeing them in store and thinking that was a good price so I picked up about ten of these.
i saw a video from a guy who had fully loaded mags that were loaded for longer period of time than this guy has been on this earth...lol And the thing is, they worked just fine.
Yep.
For AR, I always recommend doing a combo. Bulk storage in an ammo can, loose or boxed. Several mags worth on stripper clips with spoons for Metal and Magpul spoons. And finally, some loaded in mags. When loaded in clips, you can fully reload a 30 round mag in a matter or seconds.
I keep ammo long term for just in case reasons, but I also buy bulk specifically for my gun channel. So storage is important
A couple of years ago I found several boxes of CCI Mini-Mag 22 LR that were dated 1994. All shot without any problems and they were just stored in the original container. They were inside the house and I did live in the high desert.
A short trip (hopefully) to cabelas and you will find the plastic ammo cans in a stackable set with storage tray. This reduces compression of seals and helps to keep everything organized. Also, if you want to transport multiple storage cans it keeps everything secure. I agree that labeling cans top front and sides with caliber, quantity and type is absolutely necessary unless you only have one type of ammo (doubtful).
I ordered mine directly from MTM. But MidwayUSA usually has that combo in stock.
I just bought 1000 rounds of green tip 5.56. But I want to save all those so I’ll mainly get 1,000 rounds of 9mm, 5,000 rounds of 5.56/ 223 and 22lr ammo
I love the Plano cases, everyone roasted me for using them in a video but I am not getting rid of them!
With stored magazines I go 50/50 1/2 loaded the other 1/2 unloaded. Just in case the spring tension does get effected. I like to stock 223 ( because I have AR and a CZ BA 223 9mm for carbine and pistols. 22lr. 30-06. Mostly 12g OO and rifled slugs. I store in military cans primarily.
I’m such a dork about my ammo, at least I’m aware of it lol. I’ll say this, I have 4 plastic cans same size, and it’s all in boxes #1025rd 9mm #370rd 10mm in each can! They look like Jenga puzzles. I too keep one box with loaded 9/10mm and 5.56 but it stays in my safe. If my old lady ever saw how much is in that safe I’d be sleeping outside!
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After you have sufficient built rounds ready to go it is worth considering reloading, keeping your longterm prep ammo in their component form.
Advantages for the longterm areas follows: the powder can remain fresh in a factory sealed container, storage wise if there is a fire you will not have projectiles cooking off, theft wise a can of built .308 is more appealing then a sealed bag of bullets/cases needing presses and knowledge to assembly… plus of course you can hide component parts in different areas of your house making it harder to steal.
I remember when 50 cal ammo cans were about 8 bucks each. Now they are 15-20 each or more.
I really like that you mentioned the moisture packs. You are the only one I've seen to talk about moisture. Big thumbs up.
Also i would like to say, i have 20 magpal mags in my plastic 50 cal cans. Stand them up and alternate up, down every other one. You will have to jiggle the can as you close it to get the lid to close.
I’ve been able to consistently get 18 loaded Pmags with dust covers in a single can for my storage. Magazine are going to be currency in the future in my mind.
@@x3dominator28 mags and ammo are almost worth more then gold now lol
If you're comfortable then your ammo is comfortable! Don't be one of the fools who store their ammo in the garage, damp basement, shed, attic, etc.
Is store my ammo in the only place I can trust.
I've had shotgun shells in my garage for 25 years and there fine.
Yea just go to bed with your ammo why dont you 🤡
You are the fool.
@@RM-en7ft Go apologize to your mother for being born.
desiccant added to a long storage can filled with ammo will absorb all the moisture in the sealed can until opened. Storing bulk mini packs loose in a jar absorb the moisture in the storage jar and once opened will grab all the moisture that comes in... Every time you open the storage jar.
With packs that small, your storage shelf life will be very short.
I have found larger packs that can be baked in the oven and reused.. Great video. Keep it up!
Do you keep track of the brand and lot number? Right now there is a big recall for Winchester, browning (made by Win) and one other I do not recall. It isn't hard, just rip off the end of a box and tape it inside, to the top of the can.
I totally agree with all of you video regarding the storage of ammo, particularly loading all of my magazines.
Great video. If I can make one suggestion, the masking tape isnt going to hold up in a long term high stress environment, plus its way too bright. A black paint marker would be much better, or paint marker on a piece of olive green waterproof 100 MPH Tape.
Regards
I'm sure a BG is gonna see him before they see his ammo supply 🙄
Whatever the volume the dessicant packet is rated for, I use 3-6x that much for my cans. Dessicant is cheap compared to ammo. I also found the kind of packets that are rechargeable. That just means you can dry them out in the oven on cookie sheets/pie tins at 200-250 for 15 minutes without the cloth bag melting. These melting bags can make a mess in the oven when all the little balls go everywhere.
I only open my long term ammo cans to dry out the dessicant. I'd like to do this every year but really only get to it about every 2-3 years. I also dry the dessicant before I use it the first time because who knows how damp it is when you get it.
If you are using mil standard cans that are in good repair, there is no need to open them up and recharge the desiccant. I have pulled cans out of storage magazines that have been there for 20 years and everything was still good once we cut the seal and unpacked the can. When the cans are packed, a humidity indicator is installed on top and if the color has changed, then we know a problem occurred. These were bulk initiating devices or other small EEDs used by the Navy and Marines. Actual ammunition never lasts that long before being extended.
Good content. I always have to laugh anytime someone talks about having to "bug out"... in what scenario do people thinking running off away from your home with a small amount of supplies is advantageous haha
Bug-in is always a better option!!
Seal off your block and rule the roost.
They don't realize they're dreaming of being REFUGEES.
Nuclear fallout scenario, but with a large amount of supplies. Plus mayb chemical attack, Plandemic 5.0, crazy wife or girlfriend kinda scenarios?
I tried those plastic containers and they worked for me as long as I didn't pick them up by the handle. So I just got rid of "ALL" of them and replaced them with the green military ones and conditioned the seals with plumbers lube.
Great video learned a lot that I didn't know about storing ammo thanks👍
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Factory ammunition available in stock
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If you live in a state with high humidity and you store your ammo in a locker or a closed room ,then you should try this product call CALLED DAMP RID MOISTURE ABSORBER THEY come 3 in a box and you just hang one up in the area where you store your ammo and towards the end of the month you can exually see the bag fill up with water that it pulled out of the air ,wonderful invention not just great for your ammo but works just as good for all your stored weapons as well what's your thoughts pilotpatriot 👍
@@stevenshelley9345 I use a dehumidifier rod plugged in. Lowers the humidity in the whole room to about 50
I have a thousand rounds stored in magazines for my AR. I also use the mag cap retainers on top to keep the pressure of the round off of the feed lips.
Do not use wd40 or other oils near ammo to (preserve), it will seep into the cartridge and spoil the primer/powder 👍
Yep. Also anything with Ammonia in it 👍
@Sniper Logic lol I like that "Y2K"ammo 😂😂👍👍
@Sniper Logic the funniest thing is new gun owners complain about not having ammo like it's my fault they started to buy in 2020🤔😂😂. I stockpiled ammo after Sandy Hook incident lol..that was a while ago so yeah I'm not paying $30, $40 dollars for 9mm FMJ😂👍.
@Sniper Logic Nothing wrong with that lol you have seen it all im sure lol
@Sniper Logic im definitely ENVIOUS of that price lol. i thought i got a good deal getting 45ACP for $16.99/50 lol. before covid-19 bs LOL
i can't focus on anything but those crazy large q-tips 😀
Ohhh damn, thanks for pointing those honkers out! 😮
Plastic ammo cans are better than nothing,but just barely. I smoke tested them and they leak. Get steel military cans,and make sure the seals are in good shape. IMO.
Loved the video. Learned a lot, thanks.
Look like cool 40k worth of ammo depends on sales and deals of bulk ammo
4:42 You can actually get two more magazines in there if you lay them down flat side by side. And if fully loaded to 30 rounds, now you have twenty mags or 600 rounds to work with on hand.
I'm assuming you do the same for target and or home defense ammo
ALL AMMO is home Defense ammo these Days 😂😂😂
@@blackticalmayhem8461 touché
Thank you for your insight on ammo storage! I learned a lot. Keep the videos coming!
And MTM is American made!! Caldwell and others are not
50 caliber ammo cans
Loose bulk ammo
I use silicone grease on the seals
And throw a dehumidifier pack in each can before storing in a cool dark place.
Fat 50 cans are perfect for loaded AR mags.
The 30 caliber ammo cans seem better for 9 mm and other pistol rounds. You'll stretch your arms out a couple inches carrying around the 50 caliber is full of 9 mm.
Honestly it's become a collectible. It literally is like a collectible for me. Some people collect baseball cards I collect bullets
Infound a couple of my shells like that from hunting I went ahead and shot em just to get rid of em and 3 out of 5 the brass split when I shot them from corrosion still cycled properly and shot fine but idk what would’ve happed if I would’ve let them sit longer but great video on storage that’s how I store my ammo even have some vacuum sealed
I used to store all my ammo, ALL OF IT, and all my guns on my boat which sadly sank in the middle of the deep lake :/
For me ammo sitting in boxes takes longer to get to. So I just store it loosely in ammo cans or put them on stripper clips in ammo cans so it’s at the ready at all times
While I appreciate the tips and live by them, I wish he had not showed off his long term ammo storage closet. I am sure the FBI made note of that with the help of TH-cam.
Ours is in boxes, cans or other. The ammo is stored in an enviroment that is 74 degrees, top, and 40-60 percent humidity. It did take a few dollars and time to do it. Today we're so glad it was done. Just an idea of the space, we can park two larger vehicles in it. It did take time and thanks to my wife for supporting it.
100% agree with the whats the point of having empty mags laying around. I have wall mount mag racks filled with loaded magazines. Just saw Harbor Freight has a sale this weekend on ammo cans. I load 200 rounds into ziploc bags and store them in ammo cans. I am going to look into vaccum sealing loose ammo.
all that ammo and how much can you carry when you have to leave ??
@@ACommenterOnTH-cam I can carry what I need. When my mags run dry, I can grab more from the wall.
@@strat1960s ahh i said when you have to "leave" the house.
You can only carry so much ammo
@@ACommenterOnTH-cam again. I will take what I need
@@strat1960s take what you need vs what you can physically carry on foot are 2 different things.
I keep a few mags full but I put 28 rds and an empty 30 rd mag in mylar bags and seal them with an iron. I can easily open the bags and load the mags without having to count. Since it is sealed I don't worry about moisture.
I always keep a desiccant packet in each of my containers too.
I inherited a .38 snub nose and 100 rounds of 1960’s era ammo packed in wax,
I cleaned off 12 round and fired them through the gun with no issues,
I was really quite surprised, I cleaned the wax off all the rest of the ammo and stored it in some vacuum sealed bags and put them in a ammo can, I may never need them as the .38 is just a backup to a backup but it’s there if I ever need it .
you cleaned your ammo? why?
I store my ammo the exact same way. AR mags loaded 28-29 each in the exact same box, and loose ammo stored exactly the same way too; only some calibers though, I keep 44 mag either in the original boxes or in reloader plastic cases. I was starting to think I was the only one that did it that way.
On spring issue. I watched a spring manufacturer talk and teach. They said for a mag spring, the life expectancy is in cycles. The cycle starts compressing the spring and ends when releasing the spring. That is a cycle. So keeping a spring fully compressed will not harm the spring. So running your mags wears them out.