Plastic vs. Surplus Ammo cans

[till44]

I'm tired of keeping all the ammo tossed on shelves in the safe/closet, shoved under the bed, and stored in cardboard boxes. I want to get my ammo better organized, better protected/secured, and use something that will allow me to transport the ammo to the range/training with ease.

I have a small plastic ammo can (4"x6"x8") that I holds a few hundred or so loose rounds of 5.56 (it came with a bunch of ammo). It works but it is not as sturdy, nor does it lock up tight, as any GI surplus cans that I have handled in the past. I have a buddy that picked up a few OD green plastic ammo cans from a Big 5 or Sports Authority (about 8"x12"x12"). They are very sturdy, lock up tight, and can hold plenty. He picked up one for each of his primary calibers, when we head out to shoot he simply stacks them in tha back of his SUV and goes.

The GI surplus cans can be found for decent prices, they may be beat up, need paint, etc but they work well and are a bit cheaper than the plastic ones I have seen. On the other hand, the plastic ones are often easier to find, no need to paint, are new, but have a higher price tag.

So, are there any pros/cons that I have not thought of, what are your complaints/praise for what you are using, and what do you see as the better option?

[Sky_DiveR]

Find Zeke2517. He may be coming to your area soon. Good guy and good prices. Can are in good shape.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=395288

BTW, the plastic ones don't hold up to the abuse after awhile. I've cracked acouple from stacking too many on top of each other. Metal doesn't do that.

[760knox]

Metal ammo cans!

[BANG BANG]

Metal ammo cans!

PLUS 1,

the plastic ones are fine for light duty. But metal is the way to go for long term use and needing to invest in them once.

[Boltz]

I would say to get whatever you can get cheaper and in good condition. I have a mix of plastic and metal cans and lean towards my plastic ones, the main reason being that they are designed to be stackable, which my metal ones are not. Though as Sky DiveR mentioned, you probably don't want to be stacking too many on top of each other.

The plastic ones are also lighter, will never corrode, and have a nice lock hole for easy locking. But if you plan on tossing your cans around, you can't beat metal for durability.

[Enter_the_Dragon]

Long term storage and repetitive transporting, I say use metal ammo cans.

[Reductio]

Metal cans. I have some of those Cabela's plastic ones too, but i only use them for 12ga and cleaning supplies. Try putting 1,000 rounds of 5.56 in there and pick it up... the entire thing warps like mad. You'll appreciate the seal on the metal cans.

Long term storage and repetitive transporting, I say use metal ammo cans.

^^ And this is the guy you're gonna wanna buy them from.

[tileguy]

i have metal and plastic ammo cans, but i keep them in a steel job box [2x4x2]on rollers that holds thousands of rds, so if the shtf i can roll the whole thing into my toyhauler or just grab a few ammo cans, whatever time allows.

[shy 7th]

For storage, I use the cheap Cabelas plastice ones... mainly because they are large and they a free. I put an extra bead on silicon around the lid where the rubber seal will meet up because I think their stock seal is insufficient. I'm not sealing them closed, I'm just sort of supplementing the rubber bead thats already there.

As someone else posted, they do warp when you try to pick them up when they are filled to capacity. When I need to move them, I lift them from the bottoms.

For going to the range, though, I love the surplus 30cal cans, they are small and portable and the metal is durable.

[CHS]

The metal cans are cheap, last forever, and weatherproof.

The plastic cans are, well, cheap.

[Divernhunter]

+50 for the metal GI cans.

[GetBulletsandBrass]

Try out the MTM AC-30 ammo cans, pretty heavy duty for plastic and have a warranty from the factory. Rated for 30lbs, stackable and has an O-ring to keep you stuff dry. I use the metal ones still as well.

[jyo]

The metal GI cans are best! Buy them at gun shows---ALWAYS ask for a discount to buy multiples---inspect insides for rust.

[Spyder]

Metal cans are way better, but I buy a lot of bulk ammo from Cabelas when it goes on sale and their big plastic cans work very well. Right now they've got a good deal going on bulk .22lr, that comes with a can...

[INJUNTOM]

I buy surplus ammo boxes at car swapmeets for $5 - $10 each in like new condition.