How best to organize ammunition?

[fnfalguy]

Looking for some suggestions from folks who are happy with their method of organization. I’m in the process of redoing an area in the house and want to use it for storage purposes.
Background: will be using a wire storage rack. Capacity is not important for this discussion. Multiple calibers to be segregated. Thoughts range from leave them in their boxes (20 rd, 50 rd, etc) or aggregate into Ammo cans. Using and example of pro and con, looking at 30-30. Have a few different grain weights and projectile types. if using an Ammo can, cannot just grab and go for hunting season vs. having it out like at a gun shop.

any suggestions on what works for you? or anything you have seen that works.

 

[kev74]

I like ammo cans. Bulk reloads go in loose. Factory stuff gets grouped together. The reloads I took more care with goes into plastic boxes in the cans.

These things work good and let me get to the back of the shelves better.

MTM 3-Can Ammo Crate .50 Caliber AC3C Color: Army Green, $2.19 Off w/ Free Shipping

Shop MTM 3-Can Ammo Crate .50 Caliber | $2.19 Off 5 Star Rating on 11 Reviews for MTM 3-Can Ammo Crate .50 Caliber Best Rated + Free Shipping over $49.

www.opticsplanet.com

 

[Robin]

The small calibers and pistol go in the other wing.
Robin

 

[1075tech]

Mine are separated by caliber in ammo cans. If I'm going to the range, I'll load an empty can or two with what I'm taking.

 

[CaseHardened]

I store by weapon involved.

All 12GA Ammo in one can, all Makarov in one can, etc.

Weird, rarely used Ammo together (to cut down on the number of Ammo Cans.)

I do need to grab some tags and mark them to identify the cans. Right now it's guesswork.

 

[1075tech]

I do need to grab some tags and mark them to identify the cans. Right now it's guesswork.

I wrote on mine with a permanent marker. Labeled by caliber and some with number in can/mags

 

[nortatoga]

Any buddy need a bike??

View attachment 93756

 

[MikeyCNY]

Good question, I've been wondering the same...

In these dark times of no ammo I decided to take stock of what I had and do more organizing. (also found 500 rounds of .45 ACP I forgot about, WOOT)

TS-USA has been out of most 9mm (except for expensive stuff) so I've been ordering ammo cans - new cans for $14 or so for 30cal, $15 for 50cal. I also had a 10-pack of used (good condition) ones from either Brownells or MidwayUSA a while back.

I have some ammo can stencils, but I'm lazy so I ended up buying stickers from Ammo Can Labels

Those worked well, but then I also found these that stand out a little better - Amazon.com : MTM Ammo Caliber Labels : Sports & Outdoors

If I want to differentiate between types (grain, self-defense etc) a piece of masking tape works. The problem I'm having is that even a 50cal can will only fit so many boxes - I'd prefer to keep stuff in the factory boxes but due to size issues it gets tough. I do have an ammo can of loose 9mm set aside for a class next month, other than that all stuff is in boxes.

Right now my stuff is well organized - until I get more ammo in. I have those 3-can trays that @kev74 linked but those are more for bringing to the range. (I have the smaller 30cal version)

If you have Amazon Prime and don't mind waiting a couple of weeks, these are on sale for $14 each - Amazon.com: MTM ACR7-18 Ammo Crate Utility Box: Sports & Outdoors

I have a few of these in the larger size, good for bulk ammo packs and various other things - probably not as airtight as the metal cans though.

 

[spat]

Good question, I've been wondering the same...

In these dark times of no ammo I decided to take stock of what I had and do more organizing. (also found 500 rounds of .45 ACP I forgot about, WOOT)

TS-USA has been out of most 9mm (except for expensive stuff) so I've been ordering ammo cans - new cans for $14 or so for 30cal, $15 for 50cal. I also had a 10-pack of used (good condition) ones from either Brownells or MidwayUSA a while back.

I have some ammo can stencils, but I'm lazy so I ended up buying stickers from Ammo Can Labels

Those worked well, but then I also found these that stand out a little better - Amazon.com : MTM Ammo Caliber Labels : Sports & Outdoors

If I want to differentiate between types (grain, self-defense etc) a piece of masking tape works. The problem I'm having is that even a 50cal can will only fit so many boxes - I'd prefer to keep stuff in the factory boxes but due to size issues it gets tough. I do have an ammo can of loose 9mm set aside for a class next month, other than that all stuff is in boxes.

Right now my stuff is well organized - until I get more ammo in. I have those 3-can trays that @kev74 linked but those are more for bringing to the range. (I have the smaller 30cal version)

If you have Amazon Prime and don't mind waiting a couple of weeks, these are on sale for $14 each - Amazon.com: MTM ACR7-18 Ammo Crate Utility Box: Sports & Outdoors

I have a few of these in the larger size, good for bulk ammo packs and various other things - probably not as airtight as the metal cans though.

I just print up labels on my printer in a 72 point font.

I used to just use a paint pen, but this comes out way better. My handwriting sucks.

I don't even bother with label paper, I just print a sheet of regular paper with "9mm", "5.56", etc.. repeated a bunch of times, then I cut them out and attach them with clear packing tape.

I also have cans for the major calibers and then a couple "mixed/misc" ones for the oddballs. 7.7arisaka doesn’t need it's own can for instance.

If you're doing it right, the most important thing to organizing ammo is ensuring the floor can handle the weight

 

[cgrutt]

Ammo cans and a strong floor, preferably cement... reinforced...

 

[Criticalt]

I store my ammo in their original boxes, in a metal 50 gun cabinet that I made air tight. The cabinet is in a cool dry place which naturally stays at a low humidity......around 50% but I have a small Homelabs dehumidifier in the cabinet which can bring it down to 35% if need be......

 

[Acer-m14]

223/5.56 and 300BO you can mix and store in same box .. they will all chamber ..

 

[Vapor]

Keep buying until you lose count. It's called plausible deniability.

 

[masterswimmer]

.50 cal ammo cans and I've got a DYMO Label Maker. Works great and leaves the guesswork out of the picture.

Inventory? No idea atm.

 

[meketrefe]

Looking for some suggestions from folks who are happy with their method of organization. I’m in the process of redoing an area in the house and want to use it for storage purposes.
Background: will be using a wire storage rack. Capacity is not important for this discussion. Multiple calibers to be segregated. Thoughts range from leave them in their boxes (20 rd, 50 rd, etc) or aggregate into Ammo cans. Using and example of pro and con, looking at 30-30. Have a few different grain weights and projectile types. if using an Ammo can, cannot just grab and go for hunting season vs. having it out like at a gun shop.

any suggestions on what works for you? or anything you have seen that works.

Very long term ... vacuum bags of 50, 100 and 200 depending on caliber. Same batches. waxed and water sealed. Inside ammo cans and/or trunks.
long term ... hermetic containers, water tight. Could be loose. Then those inside ammo cans. Also sealed and waxed.
mid term ... plastic containers. I use lots of plastic jars and deli containers.
short term / regular use ... loose containers and the classic ammo boxes for match ammo.
Mid term and short term go on the shelves and they are easy at hand.
hunting ammo is full resized, sealed and waxed and tested for fit in the firearms is intended for. Also crimped.
defensive ammo is all crimped too.

The key to long term is preparation and very clean ammo free of contaminants. I wash fired brass before preparation and then again
after preparation with a oil solvents and then neutralizer. Sonic cleaning is the way.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[Vapor]

I store mine mostly in containers with a o ring seal, whether plastic or steel. I actually think as long as it's all the same, i.e. all 55 grain fed, you're better off storing it loose in a can. It let's you store a lot more.

Keeping it away from things like cardboard that attract moisture is better.


I also like to zero a rifle and pick one load for it. My chassis rifle for instance is zeroed on 168 GMM. That's all I buy and store for it. I leave it in the boxes mosty to keep the bullets from nicking each other.

This only applies if you have enough rifles and calibers that give you lots of tools in your tool box. If all you have is a .30-06, you might need 125 grain, 165 grain, and 220 grain.



I've shot shotgun slugs that say around for 12 years loose. They all fired fine. Same with some .308 that was left in my trunk through all 4 seasons for four years.


I've found. 22 shells that were left loose in a box of junk by my older brother 20 years ago. Still pop pop pop.


Is it better for it to be stored all perfect? Sure ,but you can go overboard. I think there's an entire industry made around giving people the impression that ammunition is some fragile commodity.

 

[tony]

Look for military style ammunition cans (metal) at Tractor supply $12.99. Most holidays they give 10% off.

 

[1075tech]

Look for military style ammunition cans (metal) at Tractor supply $12.99. Most holidays they give 10% off.

I picked up a couple there a few years ago. 50 cal cans for $10. Then someone (PSA?) had a sale on Blackhawk brand metal 50 cal cans. Free shipping on cases. 12/case. I bought 2. Came out to $7.50 a can

 

[dwa12479]

50 cal ammo cans are my favorite. They stack nice, seal tight, and are durable. I drop silica gel packets inside as well.

Metal 0.50 Caliber Ammo Can

Amazing deals on this Metal 0.50 Caliber Ammo Can at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[fnfalguy]

Thanks all. With your assistance, I was able to recreate the vibe of the local gun shop.

 

[masterswimmer]

Thanks all. With your assistance, I was able to recreate the vibe of the local gun shop.
View attachment 94029

I have a feeling I know where the rest went.

 

[masterswimmer]

FYI, I'd probably top those wire shelves with some plywood. If you were to put a decent store of ammo on them they don't appear all that sturdy. JMO

 

[fnfalguy]

Appreciate the thoughts, but I'm gonna see how it does. It has 4 additional beams per shelf that you can't see.

Its this one.

Member's Mark 4-Shelf Industrial Storage Rack Black, 77" W x 24" D x 72" H - Sam's Club

Buy Member's Mark 4-Shelf Industrial Storage Rack Black, 77" W x 24" D x 72" H : Garage Shelving at SamsClub.com

www.samsclub.com

Overkill for the 3 boxes i own, but have to start somewhere.

 

[masterswimmer]

Appreciate the thoughts, but I'm gonna see how it does. It has 4 additional beams per shelf that you can't see.

Its this one.

Member's Mark 4-Shelf Industrial Storage Rack Black, 77" W x 24" D x 72" H - Sam's Club

Buy Member's Mark 4-Shelf Industrial Storage Rack Black, 77" W x 24" D x 72" H : Garage Shelving at SamsClub.com

www.samsclub.com

Overkill for the 3 boxes i own, but have to start somewhere.

No weight limit on the specs. Interesting.
Stacked high, ammo is heavy, as you know. Multiple rows stacked high has considerable weight.
Nothing revelational to you, I know. Just an observation.

 

[fnfalguy]

Weird, not sure why the specs aren’t visible

• Capacity: 2,500 lbs. per shelf, 10,000 lb. total unit
• Durable powder-coated finish
• Certified by NSF international for health and safety
• Heavy-duty wire shelves
• Slot-post design for easy assembly

and now that I can see the photo well, the cross beams are visible. Only time will tell on the durability.

 

[tony]

Nice rack...

 

[Phazer]

Thanks all. With your assistance, I was able to recreate the vibe of the local gun shop.
View attachment 94029

They had that much in stock?

 

[Criticalt]

Ive got alot of ammo ive had in the original boxes for 35 years. Its literally like brad new....zero difference.
I dont plan on living another 35 years so I think im good to go.

 

[masterswimmer]

Ive got alot of ammo ive had in the original boxes for 35 years. Its literally like brad new....zero difference.
I dont plan on living another 35 years so I think im good to go.

With today's market, you've got retirement funds

 

[Criticalt]

With today's market, you've got retirement funds

To be honest, the stuff I have that is 35 years old is 80% shotgun shells.
But, I also have 30-06, 30-30, 308, 30 Carbine, 22LR, 22WMR......and a couple other random calibers.
I used to be really into 30 caliber rifles.
Still have them all.