· top picks · 11 min read
Protect Your Projectile Pouches: 16 Best 5.56 Ammo Cans for Safe Storage
This article reviews essential ammo cans specifically designed for 5.56mm ammunition. We compare storage options, durability, and organizational features to help you choose the right container for your 5.56 cartridges.
Choosing the right ammo can is crucial for keeping your ammunition organized and protected. Our roundup compares the most reliable 5.56 NATO ammo cans available, examining their durability, organization features, and value to help you find the perfect match for your needs.
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Reviews
Hornady Welded Ammo Cabinet 81483164
Sixty-six pounds of welded-steel construction keeps your ammo locked tight behind a pry-resistant door, with three shelves to keep everything organized. The neoprene mat protects your floor while the 3-point lock system ensures only the keyholder can gain access. Despite its hefty weight, each shelf can support three full cans of ammo, making it a practical choice despite some minor installation challenges.
Liberty Ammo Can
This sturdy gun safe doubles as an ammo storage solution, designed to hold 125 pounds of ammunition securely in each unit. The locking bars stabilize the storage cylinder, while a key lock provides quick access. The 180-degree door swing design offers easy loading and unloading without compromising security.
Scheels Outfitters 50 Round Rifle Ammo Box
These 50-round boxes combine durability with practicality, featuring a robust polypropylene construction that resists cracks and warping. The new flip-top design clicks into place with a satisfying snap, securing your ammunition with simple one-handed operation. The translucent lid lets you see your contents at a glance, while the black base adds a touch of elegance to your firearm storage setup.
Stack-On Firepower Ammo Security Cabinet
Crafted from rugged all-welded steel, the Stack-On Firepower cabinet delivers top-notch protection for your firearm accessories with its 3-point locking system. The roomy interior, complete with three 75-pound capacity shelves, lets you store everything from ammo canisters to hunting gear. While some might struggle with the tricky shelf installation, the compact design makes it a versatile addition to any gun safe collection.
Rugged Metal .30 Caliber Ammo Can
These robust steel ammo cans from Harbor Freight might not be the flashiest storage solutions, but they’ve earned their four-and-a-half-star rating through solid durability and reliable waterproof seals that would make any military veteran proud. Each one holds 720 rounds of 5.56, making them perfect for keeping your ammo dry and organized - whether you’re a weekend shooter or a serious collector. The clever rubber gasket design means you can even test their watertight seal at home by filling them with water and watching them shrink as air pressure escapes.
RC Military Ammo Box
This military-themed ammo box is perfect for RC vehicle upgrades, adding a cool factor to your remote control car. The opening lid design keeps your equipment secure while giving you easy access to all your essential supplies. Built to last, this high-quality box will protect your gear during thrilling races and adventures.
Cabela’s 50-Caliber Ammo Can
With its military-grade construction and robust design, thisammo can offers superior protection for your firearm supplies. The 80-micron powder coating and salt-fog corrosion resistance provide lasting durability, while the airtight seal and weld strength testing ensure your ammo remains pristine. Whether you’re storing rounds for your personal defense or maintaining large inventories, these cans deliver the reliability you’d expect from Cabela’s.
Breakthrough Clean Technologies 5.56 Ammo Can
From the Breakthrough Clean Technologies lineup, this black polymer ammo storage can features a stackable design to help keep your hunting gear organized. The simple yet practical construction makes it a handy addition to any firearm storage setup.
Bunker Hill Security Ammo Box
This stout plastic box brings together durable polypropylene construction, a dependable rubber seal, and ample space for 6-8 standard ammo boxes, tools, or sensitive electronics. It’s earned high praise from satisfied users who appreciate its compact size, simple functionality, and affordable price point. The stackable design and versatile storage options make it a practical addition to any vehicle or workshop, where it quietly performs the essential task of keeping contents dry, dust-free, and organized.
Plano Rustrictor Small Field/Ammo Box
When you slap this water-resistant box down, you’re not just dropping off ammo – you’re sealing it in a rust-proof fortress. The moisture-drowning VCI vapor shield wraps your contents in protection that lasts five times longer than cheaper boxes, according to the makers. And when you’re lugging it around, that hefty brass latch gives you peace of mind with every satisfying click.
RPNB .50 Cal Ammo Can
Crafted from military-grade steel with a robust powder coating, this water-resistant ammo can sports a reliable rubber-sealed lid and includes a silica gel packet to keep your ammo dry. Its hinged design features a practical handle that folds flat for stacking, making it an ideal companion for hunters, shooters, and anyone who needs secure, space-saving storage for their firearms. The generous size handles everything from handgun ammo to rifle cartridges with room to spare.
Liberty Safe Ammo Can Cabinet
Store up to 125 lbs of ammunition across three fixed shelves in this American-made safe, featuring Liberty’s Solid State locking bars for premium protection against pry attacks. The generous 11.7 cubic foot capacity keeps your ammo secure and organized, with plenty of room for both loose boxes and individual cans. The dual locking bars and key-entry system provide reliable security, though users recommend pairing it with a separate gun safe for complete protection.
Stack-On Firepower Ammo Cabinet
The Stack-On Firepower Ammo Security Cabinet offers robust protection for your firearms and accessories with its heavy-duty steel construction and 3-point locking system. The three adjustable shelves each support up to 75 pounds, providing ample storage for multiple ammo cans. While the interior space isn’t as expansive as some users might prefer, the cabinet’s sturdy design and attractive black finish make it a practical addition to any gun-safe collection.
Liberty Ammo Can Safe
This robust fireproof safe offers generous 11-cubic-foot capacity for ammunition storage, featuring sturdy military-style locking bars and a 180-degree-hinge design for easy access. The interior spans 57.4 inches by 22.7 inches, with fixed 13.5-inch high shelves that can accommodate single rows of ammo boxes but not doubles. Built to last with 270 lbs of solid construction, it includes a fire-resistant board between shelves and comes with two keyed locks for security.
Secure Stack-On Pistol/Ammo Cabinet with Key Lock
The Stack-On Pistol/Ammo Security Cabinet is a great addition to my larger Stack-On cabinet, providing ample storage space for firearms and ammunition. Installation was smooth with pre-drilled mounting holes and hardware included in the package.
One of the standout features is the double-bitted key lock, which adds an adequate layer of security to keep my firearms safe from unsupervised access. The removable shelf offers flexibility in organizing items inside the cabinet, making it easy to customize according to my needs.
In terms of build quality, this product is sturdy and well-crafted with its steel construction and powder coated finish that resists wear and tear. The foam padding on the door protects my firearms from accidental scratches or damage when being stored or accessed.
I did encounter a minor issue where I had difficulty opening the door due to some misalignment in assembly, but after making adjustments it now opens smoothly without any issues. Overall, I would recommend this product for anyone seeking added security for their firearms while maintaining ease of access when needed.
Stylish Modern Hide a Bed Chair
The Stack-On Pistol and Ammo Security Cabinet has been a reliable companion in my daily life. As someone who appreciates organization and security, the cabinet offers a perfect solution for storing my handguns, ammo, and other valuable items.
One of the first things that caught my attention was how well made the cabinet is. The solid all-welded steel body provides excellent durability and protection, ensuring that my possessions remain safe from unauthorized access. Moreover, the black epoxy finish not only adds an attractive touch but also helps protect against scratches and rust.
The interior of the cabinet features two removable shelves, making it easy to store various sized items. The foam-padded bottom ensures that my valuable items remain free from scratches and scuffs. Its compact design allows for easy installation anywhere in my home, providing peace of mind knowing that my belongings are securely stored.
However, there are a few cons worth mentioning. Assembling the cabinet can be a bit challenging, especially when installing the shelves. Ensuring that both shelves are in place before securing them is crucial to prevent any issues with fitting. Additionally, the cabinet’s construction feels slightly less sturdy compared to other similar products on the market, which might lead to some sagging over time.
In conclusion, the Stack-On Pistol and Ammo Security Cabinet offers a solid option for those looking to store their handguns and ammo securely. Its well-made design, ample storage, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. Although there are some minor flaws, such as the assembly process and shelf installation, these do not outweigh the cabinet’s overall performance and functionality.
Buyer’s Guide
Storing ammunition safely and securely is crucial for both legal compliance and personal safety. The right ammo can protects your rounds from moisture, temperature fluctuations, and unauthorized access. This guide helps you select the ideal container, considering key factors like material, size, durability, and security features.
Material Matters
Ammo cans are available in several materials, each with pros and cons. Traditional metal cans offer robust protection but can be heavy and prone to corrosion. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic provides superior impact resistance and weatherproofing at a lighter weight. For enhanced security, some manufacturers incorporate glass fiber or metal components into their plastic designs.
Critical Size Considerations
Size affects not only storage capacity but also portability and accessibility. Common dimensions range from compact 1-gallon units (3.78 liters) to large 5-gallon (18.92 liters) containers. Calculate how many rounds you need based on cartridge type and desired reserve, adding extra space for potential future acquisitions.
Durability and Long-term Storage
Look for construction that resists dents, cracks, and warping under various conditions. Quality cans feature reinforced corners, double-wall design, and stress-relieved edges. The lid mechanism should be secure yet easy to open, with options including twist-off, snap-lock, and heavy-duty latches. Check for interior coating or lining to prevent corrosion and preserve ammunition quality.
Security Features
Higher-end cans include multiple layers of protection against theft and unauthorized access. These features may include double-locking mechanisms, fingerprint-patterned handles, and combination-lock options. Some models incorporate biometric sensors or electronic keypads for enhanced security. For added peace of mind, consider cans with impact-resistant windows for quick visual verification of contents.
FAQ
What is an ammo can 5.56?
5.56 ammo cans are specialized storage containers designed to protect military and law enforcement ammunition cartridges. These cans feature durable construction with multiple locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and environmental damage.
Standard features include high-strength steel construction, waterproof sealing, and impact-resistant design. Many models also incorporate heat-reflective liners to protect ammunition from temperature extremes.
What ammunition can be stored in a 5.56 can?
These cans are specifically designed for 5.56 NATO cartridges, including M855 and M855A1 rounds. They may also accommodate 5.45x39mm cartridges, depending on the can’s specifications.
Some models include specialized compartments for different cartridge lengths and configurations, allowing users to store a variety of 5.56 ammunition types together.
How do 5.56 ammo cans protect ammunition?
These cans provide protection through multiple layers of defense. The thick steel walls resist impact and impact fragments, while rubber seals and gaskets create a waterproof and dustproof barrier.
Internal barriers and dividers prevent cartridge movement during transport and storage, reducing the risk of damage from metal-on-metal contact.
What features should I look for in a 5.56 ammo can?
Key features include steel construction, waterproof sealing, multiple locking mechanisms, and impact-resistant design. Look for cans with clear identification windows and internal organizational dividers.
Consider models with rubber sealing rings, heat-reflective liners, and NATO-standard dimensions for compatibility with standard issue equipment.
How much ammunition can a 5.56 can hold?
Capacity varies by model, but standard 5.56 cans hold between 200-300 rounds. Some specialized models can accommodate up to 500 rounds, depending on the cartridge length and can design.
Always verify the specific can’s capacity and ensure it matches your ammunition type and quantity needs.
How should I maintain a 5.56 ammo can?
Regularly inspect the seals and gaskets for signs of wear or damage. Clean the exterior with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the paint finish.
Check all locking mechanisms for proper function and lubricate them as needed. Store the can in a dry, cool environment to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal protection.
As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you.