Listen, we understand where you’re coming from. Bidenomics has crippled the average 2A-loving American’s budget, and we know that most shooters are living paycheck to paycheck.
But just because your budget has shrunk, that doesn’t mean that the hard-earned cash you sink into keeping your ammo stockpiles flush can’t be stretched a little.
In this article, we’re going to share with you our top 3 methods for ammo storage that you can utilize on any budget. If you follow these tried-and-true methods, you’ll ensure that your powder stays dry, your primers are hot, and your rounds are just as reliable as the day they rolled off the assembly line.
#1 Military Surplus 50-Cal Ammo Cans
If there’s one thing that is synonymous with “ammo storage on a budget”, then it must be Army surplus 50-cal ammo cans. And just like apple pie, sometimes you simply can’t beat a classic.
Military surplus ammo cans are extremely easy to find and your local tractor supply store, gun show, and sometimes even your local gun shop will have a few of these OD green ammo storage beauties lying about.
One of the major benefits of these ammo cans is their extreme reliability. These ammo cans have survived being dragged through the jungles of Vietnam, the harsh sands of Iraq, and the wild temperature swings of Afghanistan and they keep on kicking.
These cans are built to last and so long as the rubber gasket is intact and the metal housing isn’t rusted out, 50-cal ammo cans offer shooters a storage option that isn’t only reliable, but also affordable. Throw in a moisture absorbent packet and you’re good to go!
As an added bonus, these cans are designed to be stacked on top of each other, so it’s super easy to store them in the back of a closet for whenever you need them most.
In terms of cost, you can easily pick these up at a gun show for around $20 (circa 2025). But you might be able to pick some up for a little less if you’re willing to shop around.
The only downside to these ammo cans is that they are heavy. Although a solid steel construction makes them extremely durable, they aren’t doing your back any favors if you need to carry them a long distance.
Despite their weight, 50-cal ammo cans are a great option for anyone on a budget that will last longer than you so long as you don’t submerge them in a bog for a decade!
#2 MTM Ammo Cans
Although it’s hard to beat a classic, MTM has done their best with their upgraded ammo can design.
Made from tough-as-nails polypropylene plastic, these ammo cans are considerably lighter than traditional 50-cal ammo cans but don’t skimp at all when it comes to storage capacity.
When it comes to carrying these ammo cans, the MTM handles simply cannot be beat. They are ergonomic and feel great even when you’re carrying a full can. Furthermore, they fold down to allow for cans to be stacked on top of one another just like the classic 50-cal ammo can.
The MTM ammo cans also utilize a rubber gasket system to ensure their cans are water-tight and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions; all the while keeping your ammo safe and dry.
MTM cans come with an easy to use dual-latching system to ensure a tightly closed lid and also offer a double padlock system for enhanced security.
Although the MTM ammo cans come with a lot of new innovations and upgrades over 50-cal ammo cans, they do have some downsides as well.
The first off is the cost, as they are the most expensive option for bulk ammo storage on our list.
In addition to cost, there are some questions as to their long-term durability. The plastic can is great for keeping weight down, but it also loses a lot in terms of toughness. I doubt one of these cans would survive being dragged behind your pickup truck for a few miles, where I have no doubt that an Army surplus ammo can would still be totally functional.
The last question is how well these ammo cans stack. Although the MTM cans are designed for stacking, special care must be taken to ensure that the heavier cans end up on the bottom. In contrast to steel cans, it doesn’t matter if your lightest can is on the bottom, in the middle, or on top.
Although MTM cans have some downsides, they are the most recent advancement in ammo can technology and are a great option if you’re looking for something a little snazzier to store your precious ammunition in for a rainy day.
#3 Original Boxes
It might not be the best way, but keeping your ammo in its original box is definitely an option for long term storage.
By far and away, the best part of using the original box is that you have to spend exactly $0 extra for storage. So, the price is without question the best aspect of simply using the box it came in.
Although it might not be high-speed, low-drag tacticool Internet mall ninja approved, factory packaging is excellent at keeping corrosive agents off your ammo (to a degree).
If the packaging gets soaked in copper cleaner or bore cleaner, that’s not a good thing. But incidental contact with these solvents is typically blocked by standard cardboard packaging.
However, cardboard does have the tendency to absorb water rather well. This doesn’t bode well for keeping your ammo dry should it encounter excessive moisture.
So, if you’re planning on storing your ammo in its original packaging and nothing else, special care needs to be taken when picking a location for your ammunition stockpile.
First off, you’ll need to pick a cool and dry place that has as minimal temperature fluctuations as possible. Generally, a temperature-controlled area is best, meaning an outdoor storage unit or attached garage is probably not your best option.
Inside your residence is the best option, typically in the back of a closet or a cabinet ideally away from exterior walls.
One area to avoid (if possible) is closets attached to bathrooms as these areas typically see wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
However, if you have a designated area in your home that remains stable in terms of temperature where you can stash away a few boxes of ammo, you shouldn’t see a large degradation in performance over time.
An Alternative Ammo Storage Solution
The truth is ammo is best stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse where stocks are regularly rotated and humidity is minimized. However, the average American shooter isn’t going to be able to rent out warehouse space just to keep their ammo stockpiles.
However, that’s exactly what AmmoSquared offers you!
With our innovative system, you can seamlessly manage your ammo stockpiles and reserves online. Ensuring you always have the ideal mix of handgun, shotgun, and rifle ammo available to ship to your door at a moment’s notice.
We continuously rotate the ammo in your stockpile, ensuring that it is always fresh and ready for the range.
With a multitude of different ammo options and payment plans, there’s simply no excuse to fall victim to ammo shortages and panic buying.
So, if you’re ready to take your ammo storage to the next level, check out AmmoSquared for all your storage and stockpiling needs.