Ammo Cans - Airtight?

Willie D · November 1, 2007, 10:26 AM

This might be a dumb question but are all US surplus ammo cans reasonably airtight/waterproof? Or are some better that others in that regard. I want to pick up a couple from the Army Navy Store but I don't want to spend $ on something that's no better than a shoebox.

sevensixtytwo · November 1, 2007, 11:51 AM

I'm pretty sure they're fairly airtight, because when you open one, it always has a certain smell to it. Go open one and you'll see (or rather smell) what I mean.

Shooters Plus · November 1, 2007, 12:24 PM

They are air-tight unless you get one with a bent lid or worn seal.

Wrascal · November 1, 2007, 05:04 PM

..... but not the ones with bullet holes in them.

Zombie Steve · November 1, 2007, 05:15 PM

+1 on checking the rubber gasket before you buy. I've seen some that look dry-rotted. I've seen others that where the steel was rusted through.

ludwig1138 · November 1, 2007, 09:36 PM

I used to take my 20mm cans from Houston to Big Bend Park. When I got to the mountains and opened them, they always poofed from the sea level air inside. When I got back home, I always had to pull the lids off due to low pressure inside.

I had my papers and home meds in one during a hurricane/tropical storm. It got soaked but the stuff inside was dry.

If the seal is intact, it will be OK.

hankpac · November 17, 2007, 02:47 PM

Also check the seams, and corners. Older can rust out there.
Newer cans are plastic and alum, and these seem to hold up really well.
High grade (pick through) the stack before going to the check stand.
Don't know where you live, but when I drive through Nevada on my way to Texas, going through Beatty, there is a guy selling military containers on the side of the road. Every imaginable size. Wants a little too much, but willing to discuss a price for larger purchases.
Also a good place for a hot spring soak.

tony pasley · November 17, 2007, 05:36 PM

They will seal if all is okay with them but do not consider them waterproof. Sept. 2004 my house got flooded and water level was 5' in the living room all G.I. boxes had water inside all plastic from Walmart did not.

November 1, 2007, 10:26 AM	#1
Willie D Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2007 Posts: 1,149	Ammo Cans - Airtight? This might be a dumb question but are all US surplus ammo cans reasonably airtight/waterproof? Or are some better that others in that regard. I want to pick up a couple from the Army Navy Store but I don't want to spend $ on something that's no better than a shoebox.

November 1, 2007, 12:24 PM	#3
Shooters Plus Member Join Date: October 6, 2007 Location: MS Posts: 84	They are air-tight unless you get one with a bent lid or worn seal. __________________ www.shootersplus.com Guns for Sale! Glock, Colt, Ruger, Sig Sauer, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, HK and many more! Wilson Combat 1911 parts and accessories

November 1, 2007, 11:51 AM	#2
sevensixtytwo Senior Member Join Date: September 25, 2007 Posts: 173	I'm pretty sure they're fairly airtight, because when you open one, it always has a certain smell to it. Go open one and you'll see (or rather smell) what I mean.

November 1, 2007, 05:04 PM	#4
Wrascal Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2007 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 197	..... but not the ones with bullet holes in them.

November 1, 2007, 05:15 PM	#5
Zombie Steve Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Location: Old Colorado City Posts: 527	+1 on checking the rubber gasket before you buy. I've seen some that look dry-rotted. I've seen others that where the steel was rusted through.

November 1, 2007, 09:36 PM	#6
ludwig1138 Member Join Date: July 31, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 74	I used to take my 20mm cans from Houston to Big Bend Park. When I got to the mountains and opened them, they always poofed from the sea level air inside. When I got back home, I always had to pull the lids off due to low pressure inside. I had my papers and home meds in one during a hurricane/tropical storm. It got soaked but the stuff inside was dry. If the seal is intact, it will be OK.

November 17, 2007, 02:47 PM	#7
hankpac Junior Member Join Date: November 13, 2007 Posts: 8	Also check the seams, and corners. Older can rust out there. Newer cans are plastic and alum, and these seem to hold up really well. High grade (pick through) the stack before going to the check stand. Don't know where you live, but when I drive through Nevada on my way to Texas, going through Beatty, there is a guy selling military containers on the side of the road. Every imaginable size. Wants a little too much, but willing to discuss a price for larger purchases. Also a good place for a hot spring soak.

November 17, 2007, 05:36 PM	#8
tony pasley Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2006 Location: western north carolina Posts: 1,641	They will seal if all is okay with them but do not consider them waterproof. Sept. 2004 my house got flooded and water level was 5' in the living room all G.I. boxes had water inside all plastic from Walmart did not.