The weight of ammunition

gbclarkson · December 4, 2022, 09:06 PM

Hello. First post in quite a while.

I am following an auction that is selling loose ammunition by weight, for example: "31.5 lbs 223 Rem reloads in a steel ammo can", and "26.7 lbs 9mm in a steel ammo can". How do I approximate the number of rounds in the can? Is a website out there that lists rounds by average weight? And, what is the weight of a steel ammo can?

Thanks everyone!

**Aguila Blanca** · December 5, 2022, 12:11 AM

The weight of an ammo can depends on what ammo can. Also, is the weight supposed to be the total weight of the ammo plus the can, or is it what the statement implies -- "xx pounds of ammunition ... in a steel ammo can"?

Why would you risk buying ammunition that was reloaded by someone you don't know, and don't know anything about?>

**JohnKSa** · December 5, 2022, 01:25 AM

Agree. If they say there are so many lbs of ammo in a can, the weight of the can shouldn't be included.

As far as the number of rounds, my personal opinion is that it's moot. I wouldn't pay anything more than metal scrap value for the reloads, and then only if shipping were free.

Without any more information on the 9mm, I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay much more than scrap value either since that's what you might end up with.

**44 AMP** · December 5, 2022, 04:41 AM

Both 9x19 and 5.56mm rounds weight a bit over .4 oz, each.

round off to half an ounce, go from there...

Nathan · December 6, 2022, 06:44 AM

223/9mm
Primer - 5/5
Case = 91/61
Powder = 25/5
Bullet = 55/124

Weight(gr) = 176/195

7000 gr per lb

# per lb = 40/36

31.5lb 223 = 1260 rnds

26.7lb 9mm - 961 rnds

Mannlicher · December 7, 2022, 07:15 PM

I'd pass on that 'deal'

jonnyc · December 7, 2022, 11:38 PM

Do not shoot unknown reloads......ever!!!

**Mal H** · December 8, 2022, 01:57 AM

gbclarkson has received some of the information he was seeking concerning the weight of the two calibers and how to approximate the numbers of rounds. He has also received some advice on whether to use that ammo or not. The decision to buy it or not is strictly his decision to make. Further input isn't necessary.

Closed.

December 4, 2022, 09:06 PM	#1
gbclarkson Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2014 Location: None of yer business, sonny Posts: 440	The weight of ammunition Hello. First post in quite a while. I am following an auction that is selling loose ammunition by weight, for example: "31.5 lbs 223 Rem reloads in a steel ammo can", and "26.7 lbs 9mm in a steel ammo can". How do I approximate the number of rounds in the can? Is a website out there that lists rounds by average weight? And, what is the weight of a steel ammo can? Thanks everyone!

December 5, 2022, 12:11 AM	#2
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,051	The weight of an ammo can depends on what ammo can. Also, is the weight supposed to be the total weight of the ammo plus the can, or is it what the statement implies -- "xx pounds of ammunition ... in a steel ammo can"? Why would you risk buying ammunition that was reloaded by someone you don't know, and don't know anything about?> __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

December 5, 2022, 01:25 AM	#3
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,571	Agree. If they say there are so many lbs of ammo in a can, the weight of the can shouldn't be included. As far as the number of rounds, my personal opinion is that it's moot. I wouldn't pay anything more than metal scrap value for the reloads, and then only if shipping were free. Without any more information on the 9mm, I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay much more than scrap value either since that's what you might end up with. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

December 5, 2022, 04:41 AM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,503	Both 9x19 and 5.56mm rounds weight a bit over .4 oz, each. round off to half an ounce, go from there... __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

December 7, 2022, 07:15 PM	#6
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,239	I'd pass on that 'deal' __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

December 6, 2022, 06:44 AM	#5
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,829	223/9mm Primer - 5/5 Case = 91/61 Powder = 25/5 Bullet = 55/124 Weight(gr) = 176/195 7000 gr per lb # per lb = 40/36 31.5lb 223 = 1260 rnds 26.7lb 9mm - 961 rnds

December 7, 2022, 11:38 PM	#7
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,749	Do not shoot unknown reloads......ever!!! __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

December 8, 2022, 01:57 AM	#8
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 17,067	gbclarkson has received some of the information he was seeking concerning the weight of the two calibers and how to approximate the numbers of rounds. He has also received some advice on whether to use that ammo or not. The decision to buy it or not is strictly his decision to make. Further input isn't necessary. Closed.