r/canadaguns • u/PermissionSafe2183 • Apr 12 '26
Misc Loose or boxed ammo for storage?
There is about 660 rounds that fit in this .50 call ammo can boxed, would it be better to just dump em loose obviously it would fit more but is it going to be practical to move around? thoughts?
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u/SKS1953 Apr 12 '26
I store mine like that because it feels more organized than a bunch of loose cartridges. OCD
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u/i-Hermit Apr 12 '26
Ditto.. easier to count how much you have left too. You don't have to use fractions of .50cal cans as units of measure.
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u/-rifle-is-fine- Apr 12 '26
I empty a spam can at a time into a .50 can with a silica packet like you do, then just bring the can for a long range trip or fill a case for a short one.
Same thing with NC. I just plop label tape on the cans.
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u/CryptidWorks CryptidWorks Apr 12 '26
Pretty much this. .50 cal ammo cans with packets live in the ammo locker, and I fill up those smaller plastic .30 cal style ones for actual use.
I use a thermal label printer for shipping stuff so I just print out ammo can labels on that and slap'em on the side. For example:
"7.62x39, Chinese Surplus, Steel Core FMJ.
CORROSIVE. HS 61/89."
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u/Dummy_Wire Apr 12 '26
I store a lot of mine loose (in smaller containers though). It’s less garbage when I take it to the range, and saves a bit of room
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u/Old-Equivalent8393 Apr 12 '26
Damn I never use silica packs in my boxes. Never had a problem yet. Have you guys? I'm wondering if I should start using them.
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u/ablemount Apr 12 '26
I buy a big bag of pure silica gel for cat litter from Crappy Tire. Then I get some cheap coffee filters, pour some in each filter, and tape them closed.
Can be micro waved to reuse. It is a bit of work but very cheap!
I put them in ammo cans, gun safes, etc.
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u/MourningWood1942 Apr 12 '26
Might be just as cheap to buy prepackaged silica. I think I paid $10 for 100 back in the day
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u/Old-Equivalent8393 Apr 12 '26
Oh I didn't know you can microwave them to restore them! I actually keep alot from packages I receive but use them in other things. Not sure why I never used them in ammo cans though. I guess I'll be keeping alot more of these.
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u/International_Mud367 Apr 12 '26
dont need to worry about moisture if you're shooting and replenishing it fast enough :D
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Apr 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/PermissionSafe2183 Apr 12 '26
I thought holding moisture is only an issue for the box if ur environment is humid, and the can is sealed
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u/Ok_Rush_246 Apr 12 '26
Unless you live in rainforest or your house is really damp, just leave them in the boxes
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u/Accomplished-Beat779 Apr 12 '26
I have had some surplus Nagant ammo for 35 years in my basement with no discernible issues. Just in thier 20 round boxes
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u/theawesomedude646 Apr 12 '26
what would make it "impractical" to move? it's got a lid
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u/PermissionSafe2183 Apr 12 '26
Weight if it’s like 80+ pounds would be a bitch to carry long distances
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u/theawesomedude646 Apr 12 '26
it's also a *lot* of ammo, i think i've got over a thousand rounds loose in a .30 cal can. if you need *all* of it then you'll have to carry *all* of it. taking them out of the boxes also won't stop you from filling it partially, but if you don't intend on filling it all the way from the get go you might as well not bother unboxing them.
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u/DougMacRay617 Apr 12 '26
Long term = loose in can Short term = og packaging in can or sealed container
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u/ThePoeticJester Apr 12 '26
Depends how it stacks/fits the containers. I have some in boxes that all Tetris together really nice and some that didnt. Also reloads I usually box but when I make so many of one caliber I just start putting them in a bucket or ammo can
Dry pack is a good touch, Im in BC where humidity is always high
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u/Spydude84 Apr 12 '26
I keep mine in boxes but my ammo can is only used for transport and must contain multiple different calibers and projectiles, so I don't want to toss those in loose. Best bulk storage of the same caliber would be loose imo.
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u/Lpokie Apr 12 '26
I used to just dump rounds in containers, it was/is fun and neat looking. Lately, I've been boxing things up in the ammo cans, its easier to just grab a couple three boxes of each caliber for a multi-gun range day, If its just "work on pistol fundamentals", or "the gubberment hasn't banned things yet and the Venture Scouts want to shoot .223, I just grab the who ammo can
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u/handen Apr 12 '26
I was able to fit 500 rounds each (loose, chinese surplus) into those plastic .30 cal boxes from Princess Auto. As long as it's all the same, there's no reason to keep the boxes imo.
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u/ktto_ong Apr 12 '26
What lock are you using on ur 50 cal can that needs no drilling. Can u send me a link amazon/canadiantire etc thanks
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u/PermissionSafe2183 Apr 12 '26
It’s the long shackle brinks locks 21/2 inch shackle couldn’t find link
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u/ovjho Apr 12 '26
I keep mine in the boxes. I usually take multiple guns to a range trip so having 1000rnds of one type in a box is a little silly, considering having to lug it all around to shoot 100rnds. The boxes keep it organized and in place during transit. They also let me know when it’s time to order more - I know exactly how much I have left.
I keep the reusable silica boxes in my storage cabinet and recharge em on the furnace exhaust every two weeks or so.
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Apr 12 '26
Store-bought: boxed, except for spam cans
Small-batch reloads (<500): boxed
Large-batch reloads (>500): fill all mags, remainder bulk
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u/StrangePiper1 Apr 12 '26
I’ve always heard to get rid of the boxes for long term storage, but I’ve shot boxed ammo that was 50 years old with no issues, so I don’t think it matters.
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u/Hisoka365 Apr 12 '26
I keep mine in boxes and throw a silica pack along with a humidity sensor / hydrometer.
Debating 3D printing organizational boxes / slats to make it easier for storage since I don't like loose ammo. The boxes make it easy to take out to the range like someone mentioned above.
GPT says to keep it around 30% humidity but not too low as it can affect the primers long term. So I've been tossing tons of silica gel packets until it reaches the correct humidity and then taking them out after it reaches the desired humidity level. Then I'll close it one last time for long term storage and label it.
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u/mokapotWONTmokapot Apr 13 '26
Box for me. I did loose for a bit and kept hoarding ammo cuz my ammo box looked empty noticed I shot less in that time as well tbh it doesn’t matter as long as you use it
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u/CurlyWurly61 Apr 12 '26
Same silica pouches I have too haha. For myself, I put all my rounds on strippers and then store them in a .50Cal container