recently saw a different idea to store ammo. use paint cans instead of ammo cans. i already bought 2 cans for 3.50 each at my local homedepot. does anyone have experience storing ammo like this? is it as good, if not better than normal ammo cans?

You must paint alot. I'd rather go shooting with a GI ammo can.

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S&WHF 366

Can't see why it wouldn't be good. I'd just toss a small desiccant pack in the bottom and call it good. Although I doubt it's needed since it's an air tight seal.

Not painting alot, just wanting cheaper alternative. I can buy 3 paint cans for the price of one metal ammo can.

I think it's a good alternative - but you need to paint it OD or Tactical Black or camo to be cool.
jk - but I would have a concern with the handle holding up over the long run with the weight of that much ammo.

Real camo would be to just leave the can as-is. No one will suspect there is ammo inside instead of paint.

A GI ammo can will last almost forever. I have several that are over 30 years old and still in excellent shape. I had paint cans stored in a dry garage with solvents I them uncoated on the outside and rusted through in about 4-5 years. Paint cans are thin, if you drop loose rounds in it they may be able to penetrate the side or bottom, they bend easy and if uncoated will rust fast. Price wise for me GI cans are cheaper as they last longer, are stronger will open and close probably a million times (can't prove that have not did a actual test)and are designed to hold ammo with a strong carry handle. Paint can have to be opened with a screwdriver, church key or some other object, and for me at least the rim always bends and you lose your seal plus you have to have a item like I stated to open them. Maybe the plastic cans will last longer but like I said my preference is GI ammo cans.

Dribble a little paint down the sides.Nobody will ever look in there ;-)

im not going to use it as a range can, just for long term storage so taking the lid on and off alot isnt likely, and yes im going for the not so obvious place someone will look. and hey if it fails im onlu down 7 bucks and then ill just get the normal ammo cans

It would probably be great. I agree about the desiccant pack.

treycann10,

I've been using paint cans to store brass, primed and un-primed, as well as lead bullets for a couple of years now. They work great and I can label them with a "Sharpie" and remove it with MS or DA over and over again. I don't know why you couldn't store loaded ammo in them. I would paint them though to increase their longevity. YMMV

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