Guys I lived on a farm in South Africa where we had a farm arrack one night. The attack went on for about 15 minutes. There ware approximately 8 attackers. In all that time I only used 2 x 30 round magazines for my 223 R4 (Gallil). It is good to store ammo. A lot is good, to much is better, and way to much is the best when it comes to ammo storage but you will only need about 3 mags in the initial contact if you are unlucky. More than that and you are in a serious difficult situation if you are on your own. Keep your other mags stored empty and available to load if needed. That is what I found the best. Rather make sure you can clear and assemble/ disassemble your weapon at night and also know where to find everything in an emergency. It is no good having a rifle in one safe and your ammo locked in another. Keep your primary weapon on you or close to you with at least two mags. I used my rifle as my primary and my handgun as secondly. If you have to shoot an intruder don’t stop shooting until he stops moving. While he is moving he is a potential threat. If you have to go past him when you have put him down put a round into his head as you go past. This makes sure he/ her is no longer a threat and you don.t leave a threat behind you after you have passed him/ her. Also don’t tell people you have a stockpile of ammo as word will get out and your house may be attacked to get your firearms and ammo. I later found out that the attack on us was to try and get weapons and ammo as they had heard or seen us shooting a some time. Be safe and pray for peace but load your ammunition. When all else fails load more ammo.

Looks cool to see all the cans stacked. My problem is how to afford filling them up.

To anyone worried about keeping mags full over extended periods of time: Springs fail from use. Sitting compressed or not will not fatigue the metal in any way. If this wasn't true, springs would be failing on vehicles in record pace :)

The best thing about that storage system, is also the worst thing about that storage system. Its neat and organized, but if you had to evacuate, losing one can takes a big chunk out of that type of ammo supply. I keep my "shooting ammo" the same way, but I have a number of the metal military cans prepped with an identical mix of 556, 9mm, 22lr, and 20 gauge. I call it a "bug out survival mix" so the loss of any one can doesn't render any of my firearms useless.

LOL, I've been storing ammo since the early 80s and before. I store my ammunition in Coleman and Igloo coolers in the original box. this last year I sold hundreds of thousands of rounds for reasonable profit. I had zero returns not counting people buying the wrong caliber. Ammo cans are great for small quantities but Igloo coolers are fantastic for very large quantities

Hey guys, just a quick tip to make storage better. On the military ammo cans, take a Q-tip and grease the rubber seal with Super Lube. Its a multi-purpose lubricant with Teflon, its milky white/clear, it goes on easy. It will keep the seal from ever drying out or wearing out and it adds to the waterproofing. Super Lube is made by Synco Chemical; Corp, comes in a plastic round jar, mine has lasted forever. No - I don't own the company or know them. I grease all my ammo cans with this stuff. I use it on lots of things also.

We kept our mags loaded constantly in the military. I worked the Armory and never even crossed my mind about the full mags going bad.

One thing I'd add is that cans stored on the floor should be placed on a pallet or something to keep it at least a couple of inches off of a concrete floor and to allow air flow to prevent moisture build up under the container. While this may not be an issue with plastic cans, it can quickly become an issue with metal cans. Also, it's good to keep your cans at least a couple of inches from walls for the same reasons.

I've always loaded my AR mags 1 short for the same reason you mentioned. It's so much easier to seat on a closed bolt.

I used the Plano cans until my handle failed me and over 3K rounds of .22 fell all over my garage floor before heading the range. Switched over to the all metal .30 cal cans.

THanks for confirming I am on the right track. I already do a lot of these things, using the containers you show. There were a couple of pointers you give that I will be trying too. Thank you!. Because of the state I live in, I choose to store my ammo in the simple cold rolled steel keyed gun cabinets. The small Plano boxes fit perfectly 3 wide and 6 tall. Really makes it nice.

At first I thought, ' is this really a video posting on you tube?' But for the many folks out there who haven't stored ammo, or are skeptical of methods, this is is actually an excellent bullet point of shooting (no pun intended) that is often overlooked. Excellent video.

Military cans can’t be beat. Those Plano cans can’t support the weight at the handle and setting them down hard an cause cracks. Just slowly start replacing them with military cans. Use the plastic cans for like range use or hunting ammo. Trust me it’s the way to go.

You confirmed the 2 questions I was looking for. Keep them loaded and with 1 round less that capacity. If there's a round in the chamber a full mag may not go in. Good Job! You just got a sub!!

Starting off talking about 380 had me questioning your credibility lol but you're legit. Great method and discipline.

I totally agree with all of you video regarding the storage of ammo, particularly loading all of my magazines.

Only thing I might consider is dating the cans, and slowly cycle through, that way your ammo is always relatively new.

It’s also important to remember risks like flooding, fire, and theft. I don’t have anywhere near the bulk you have but about 3000 each of AR/AK in metal cans that fit nicely in my gun safe as well as several loaded mags and drums. You’re spot on about keeping mags loaded. There was even a KZfaqr that had forgotten a pmag for 12 years fully loaded and it had no issues. It’s just an old wives tale that you shouldn’t store magazines fully loaded, especially with the newer gen pmags.

Thank you for your insight on ammo storage! I learned a lot. Keep the videos coming!

desiccant added to a long storage can filled with ammo will absorb all the moisture in the sealed can until opened. Storing bulk mini packs loose in a jar absorb the moisture in the storage jar and once opened will grab all the moisture that comes in... Every time you open the storage jar. With packs that small, your storage shelf life will be very short. I have found larger packs that can be baked in the oven and reused.. Great video. Keep it up!

We love those MTM cans, they are lighter than the milsurp cans and no worries about rust. Plus MTM has a tray that holds 3 of the 50s or 4 of the 30s, very handy for keeping things organized and easy for loadout.

Awesome. Especially these days when it’s so hard to come by. You have to stockpile!

Thanks for the links. I’ve been looking for ways to store my ammo.

Thanks for the reminder. Bought a handful of those Plano boxes. Yeah, I needed them.

RC Vietnam VET , good help for one's at don't now! Teacher of taking good care of the A&G!

My stock pile of seven 40 cal rounds are in my change jar. Good to go baby!

I really like that you mentioned the moisture packs. You are the only one I've seen to talk about moisture. Big thumbs up. Also i would like to say, i have 20 magpal mags in my plastic 50 cal cans. Stand them up and alternate up, down every other one. You will have to jiggle the can as you close it to get the lid to close.

Great info on storing loaded mags , Ive always wondered.

Great ideas all around. I put my 5.56 on stripper clips in ammo cans. That way, everything is organized and the most amount of space is utilized. I also leave spoons in there just in case I need to load magazines quickly for whatever reason.

If you're comfortable then your ammo is comfortable! Don't be one of the fools who store their ammo in the garage, damp basement, shed, attic, etc.

Good content. To-the-point. Thank you for taking the time creating and uploading it

Similar to how I store mine. I use the plastic Plano, Flambeau, and MTM ammo cans and add caliber labels. I also throw in 2 dessicate packs per can. I prefer the slightly larger MTM ACR4-18 ammo crates for shotgun and 5.56 ammo though. Holds 10-25 round boxes of shotgun shells per crate.

I store my ammo on wood shelving in their original packaging. Shot some forty year old ammo that I bought in 82 and not one failure. Just store in room temperature with normal to low humidity and you will have no problems.

On my 9mm bulk ammo I weigh out 50 rounds and put it into Ziplock freezer bags then put it in the ammo cans, while my .556 I weigh out 30 rounds per bag and store them. This makes it easy to help control moisture and to know how much ammo you are removing from a can of rounds. A digital scale makes it very easy to weigh out the exact round count. As for loaded .556 mags, I contacted Magpul and they told me that you could store full 30 round mag topped off and never worry about them failing.

Loved the video. Learned a lot, thanks.

Thanks for the video. The only thing I would add is, I prefer the metal ammo cans for durability.They are more expensive but also more durable and have a wide range of uses.

Great video lots of good tips. I keep my GTFO ammo vacuum sealed and mixed together in cans or small bags. .22LR, 9mm, 5.56 and 7.62x39 all in the same container so I can grab one container and still be able to feed everything I have from it. I keep AR mags loaded to 25 then seal 2 in a bag with a full stripper clip. If I need them now, I can load with 25 or if I have time, top them off. I also treat everything with silicone spray (I put that shit on everything) and put a desi pak and O2 absorber in each vacuum bag.

Back when I was stationed on the west coast, I used a 20mm ammo can to keep all of my reloading tools and supplies in.

This was extremely helpful. Thank you.

Helpful! Thanks much. I’m storing in original boxes... so a change is in order.

I was always told that it's the compression cycles (compression and release) that wears out magazines.

Stacking ammo cans has it's drawbacks. The can on the bottom will end up with a crushed seal and never seal right again without the weight on top. Plastic or steel cans will be effected, but the new m2a2 50cal cans have a built-in stop to prevent crushing of seals when stacked.

For AR, I always recommend doing a combo. Bulk storage in an ammo can, loose or boxed. Several mags worth on stripper clips with spoons for Metal and Magpul spoons. And finally, some loaded in mags. When loaded in clips, you can fully reload a 30 round mag in a matter or seconds.

I’ve been using the plastic for awhile, and I do the same thing. Mags full, or like .17 and other fairly small rounds just filled up. I recently added labels which you got to have once you have several different calibers.

I vacuum seal several boxes with a silica pack then store them in ammo cans, seems like extra work but when you store bulk these days with the shortage and prices it's protecting your investment. I also do the the same for reloading supplies since they can sit for long periods without being used, primer cases aren't air tight.

I stored all my ammo loose in 50cal cans. My 22lr ammo I left in packages but stored in 50cal can. I use Plano plastic cans for range can.

A couple of years ago I found several boxes of CCI Mini-Mag 22 LR that were dated 1994. All shot without any problems and they were just stored in the original container. They were inside the house and I did live in the high desert.

Another quality video! Thank you

I love the Plano cases, everyone roasted me for using them in a video but I am not getting rid of them!

I keep ammo long term for just in case reasons, but I also buy bulk specifically for my gun channel. So storage is important

I read on several forums that the Magpul mags come with a dust cover because if one does not use the dust cover for long term storage then the mag feed slips may distort due to pressure of rounds. I bought SureFeed aluminum mags as they are highly recommended.

I bought a bunch of those Plano boxes from Menards, I forget how much I paid for them but I do recall seeing them in store and thinking that was a good price so I picked up about ten of these.

I like how I used to buy .22LR for $50 for 5000 rounds, now it's $600-$1000 lmao.

Long term storage simply put is away from heat and sealed from moisture. Steel ammo can and a moisture absorber is a great idea. Don't store a huge amount of mags for long term loaded. Store some, but have plenty of spares with stripper clips ready to go for them. I'm talking of a possible 10+ year storage.

I'm a bachelor so I got my ammo cans in the living room stacked and in my bed room stacked. But I got my two favorite Ammo cans ready to rock and roll my 40S&W and my 12 gauge cans next to eachother in case I need to bug out, and got my tent sleeping pad and mukboots in my trucks told box.

I tried those plastic containers and they worked for me as long as I didn't pick them up by the handle. So I just got rid of "ALL" of them and replaced them with the green military ones and conditioned the seals with plumbers lube.

i saw a video from a guy who had fully loaded mags that were loaded for longer period of time than this guy has been on this earth...lol And the thing is, they worked just fine.

A short trip (hopefully) to cabelas and you will find the plastic ammo cans in a stackable set with storage tray. This reduces compression of seals and helps to keep everything organized. Also, if you want to transport multiple storage cans it keeps everything secure. I agree that labeling cans top front and sides with caliber, quantity and type is absolutely necessary unless you only have one type of ammo (doubtful).

This video brought me to your channel and got my sub. Been scrolling through a bunch of your other videos.

Very informative video, thanks for posting this!

I’ve been doing this for 25+ years. Mine are almost all metal. I made the mistake of filling a plastic 50-cal size can with 12 gauge field loads and the hinge and latch broke from the weight. They’ll definitely come unsealed from the weight of the shells.Thanks

I carry a Rock Island 1911 GI Series in 45 ACP and A Windham Weaponry MPC in 5.56x45. So I am correct in only stockpilin the ammunition that I will actually use. Very informative video. those ammo cans aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be

Stay prepared - sounds great! 👍

Before I lost all my ammo in an boating accident I used to get my wifes old stockings (12 inch lenght cuts) and put a handfull of cat litter box granulates in them. Two knots and place this in the ammo box. It will absorb humidity. You can also use rice bags.

it is best to not remove your ammo from the factory box due to the need for lot numbers for recalled and possibly dangerous ammo. store it in the box within a larger container for bulk.

Good video. I like ripping a tab off one of the boxes of ammo and putting it in the can so you can have the lot# and mfg in case it blows up a rifle or is just bad you can remember the mfg, contact them and reference the lot#.

I store my ammo the exact same way. AR mags loaded 28-29 each in the exact same box, and loose ammo stored exactly the same way too; only some calibers though, I keep 44 mag either in the original boxes or in reloader plastic cases. I was starting to think I was the only one that did it that way.

Desiccant is an awesome recommendation. Thanks for the great vid. God bless.

Great video learned a lot that I didn't know about storing ammo thanks👍

Good stuff. Only thing I would add is I put a thin layer of Vaseline on all the O rings of my cans to keep the rubber from drying out and loosing the seal. The tiniest of cracks can break the seal when your talking storage of potentially 10 + years.

I love the 30cal boxes been using them for loose storage for a while now

im glad he is on our side :)

My department policy is to load mags to 28 rounds. This makes for loading on a possible closed bolt extra reliable. Doing so on a fully loaded 30 round mag has been problematic under stress adrenaline and fear of getting shot in a few seconds while reloading.

Why do I love videos like this?

Ours is in boxes, cans or other. The ammo is stored in an enviroment that is 74 degrees, top, and 40-60 percent humidity. It did take a few dollars and time to do it. Today we're so glad it was done. Just an idea of the space, we can park two larger vehicles in it. It did take time and thanks to my wife for supporting it.

Thanks for the packs link. Good video. I like having it locked away from prying eyes.

I’m such a dork about my ammo, at least I’m aware of it lol. I’ll say this, I have 4 plastic cans same size, and it’s all in boxes #1025rd 9mm #370rd 10mm in each can! They look like Jenga puzzles. I too keep one box with loaded 9/10mm and 5.56 but it stays in my safe. If my old lady ever saw how much is in that safe I’d be sleeping outside!

To ensure long term storage viability I coat the metal ammo can rubber seal with Vaseline , I put the boxes of ammo into zip lock baggies and I put two large desicant packs Eva dry 150 (from amazon). I do a count of how much ammo is in each can, number the can then record the can number and ammo count on a small packet of cardstock. As I use or replace ammo I record the change on the appropriate card for that can.

What a great video! Nice job!

I remember when 50 cal ammo cans were about 8 bucks each. Now they are 15-20 each or more.

Good content. I always have to laugh anytime someone talks about having to "bug out"... in what scenario do people thinking running off away from your home with a small amount of supplies is advantageous haha

Thank you Sir, many have learned from you today. Excellent Masonry Plus FLORIDA

Infound a couple of my shells like that from hunting I went ahead and shot em just to get rid of em and 3 out of 5 the brass split when I shot them from corrosion still cycled properly and shot fine but idk what would’ve happed if I would’ve let them sit longer but great video on storage that’s how I store my ammo even have some vacuum sealed

Do you keep track of the brand and lot number? Right now there is a big recall for Winchester, browning (made by Win) and one other I do not recall. It isn't hard, just rip off the end of a box and tape it inside, to the top of the can.

Great video. If I can make one suggestion, the masking tape isnt going to hold up in a long term high stress environment, plus its way too bright. A black paint marker would be much better, or paint marker on a piece of olive green waterproof 100 MPH Tape. Regards

I started with plastic 30cal & 50cal cans either Plano or later Harbor Freight. About a year ago I got a few metal 50cal cans and did my own leak test, putting a tissue in both plastic and metal ones with enough weight to keep them submerged in a 5 gal bucket of water overnight. The plastic cans leaked, the metal ones did not. I've since replaced all of my cans with 50cal and 30cal metal cans, both milsurp and HF new. HF has some decent ones, or shop the net for used ones in A or B grade. I bag all my ammo in heavy-duty zip lock bags (4 mil) I purchased in 2 sizes for either 100rds of pistol caliber ammo (most of mine is 9mm) or 145rds 223/5.56 (ie 5 mags @ 29/mag). A couple of drypack moisture absorbers go in each bag along with a small label that has all purchase info on it. 30cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds of 9mm, 50cal cans will JUST fit 1000rds 223 packed this way. I am currently shooting some 9mm that I bought in late 2001 that was stored for at least 15 yrs just in a drawer in the box it came it. Zero malfunctions. While I don't expect my house to get flooded I DO live in FL so it's always a possibility. A recent video I saw showed that ammo with sealed primers (ie better than the typical range grade I buy) withstand water far better than the cheapest ammo you can buy (which is what I normally buy, just not remans or steel). BTW I've shot several cases of reman both 9mm & 223 and had no issues, the main thing for me now (2023) is the price difference is negligible. When I bought it (early 2020), reman 223 was literally half the price of new 223 brass cased. Watch for sales, I bought 10 30cal metal cans from Sportsman's Guide for $7/ea,. HF puts their cans on sale about every 3 months. Being a member of either helps but not necessary (for SG it gets you free shipping which saves a lot, but their membership price has gone up since I had one). Hope this helps.

Great info my friend, thanks!!

Look like cool 40k worth of ammo depends on sales and deals of bulk ammo

Plastic ammo cans are better than nothing,but just barely. I smoke tested them and they leak. Get steel military cans,and make sure the seals are in good shape. IMO.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME ,GREAT CONTENT

Also storage in consistent cool dark area is a plus .

Do not use wd40 or other oils near ammo to (preserve), it will seep into the cartridge and spoil the primer/powder 👍

I'm assuming you do the same for target and or home defense ammo

I never thought about silica gel for the moisture, great video.

I'm in the process of bulking up on my ammo. One good thing I do is any time I go to a gun store and some sporting goods store I'll make a habit of buying a box or more of some type of ammo. It adds up.

Just remember ... buying used metal ammo cans might be cheaper ... but the SEAL is the issue ... bad seal ... bad storage. As for plastic storage > most of them are easy to push in from the sides and thus the seal doesnt work. You spend a lot of $$$ on ammo (specially these days ... spend $ on storage it pays off in the long run

Honestly it's become a collectible. It literally is like a collectible for me. Some people collect baseball cards I collect bullets

I have a thousand rounds stored in magazines for my AR. I also use the mag cap retainers on top to keep the pressure of the round off of the feed lips.

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice i was looking for an video like this for long time great video and good BOXES

20yrs from now all this hoarded ammo will be cheap at estate sales.