Original packaging or ammo can for steel case military surplus ammo?

[PogoJack]

I have a couple of aging wooden crates of corrosive commie 7.62x39. I think it's Yugoslavian.

I haven't opened the crates because I don't know if there is something sealed underneath.

For a longer shelf life should I dump it into 50 cal cans with desiccants or should I leave it alone? I have also heard that 50 cal cans should be raised off the floor like on a pallet so as not to rust on the bottom.

What about other steel case ammo like Wold and TulAmmo packaged in paper and 20 round boxes? Would you dump them all into can? I heard the paper packaging absorbs moisture and then holds it against the ammo causing rust. Better in a can? Then you lose lot number info.

What do you long term surplus shooters do?

[SVT-40]

The yugo ammo has a liner . I usually dump bulk ammo into cans. I have some more than 10 years old in the cans no issues.i also don't put any descssant packs in the cans. It's not necessary.

[splithoof]

If you open the wood crate, likely you will find either a sealed tin that is basically silver-soldered, or a heavy plastic sleeve or two that is sealed. Either of these alone is fine for long-term storage. Wood crates are typically used as protection during transport, as soldiers and other handlers tend to be aggressive when stacking, moving, etc. I would avoid opening any boxes and dumping into other bulk containers, as you will subject the ammunition to moisture.
Last year we opened up a sealed tin of communist ammunition for a AK and it was perfectly clean and looked like new, despite sitting on a shelf since the early 1980s.
As to your question of stacking surplus ammunition cans to prevent rust, yes we use a small rack made from one inch strips of oak. Concrete holds moisture in some cases, and metal in contact often gets rust.
Do keep live ammunition in a cool room, especially rimfire. Same for powder and primers. Clean brass cases, bullets, etc can be stored in an outdoor shed or Connex container because heat in the summer months has no effect on that stuff.

[PogoJack]

Thanks, gents! I believe the crates contain the rounds in 10 round stripper clips for SKS I imagine? I?ve no need for that but is kind of cool. I?ll leave it as is. Corrosive stuff is really just for SHTF needs when I?ve burnt through my non corrosive.

[jsanch03]

Like others have mentioned most crated ammo will have some type of interior liner. What I?ve done in the past is remove the tin from within the wooden crate to inspect the exterior integrity. If the tin was busted, punctured or showed signs of degradation then I would transfer the ammo to a can with some desiccant packs. If the tin looks good then slide it back in the crate and store it as such.