Military Ammo cans

[Johnnu2]

Didn't want to hi-jack another post on ammo storage options, but, MANY people recommended military (metal) ammo cans. I'm just wondering about the possibility (?) of these cans creating an explosive effect if caught in a house fire (?). It appears to me that these totally sealed cans could create the necessary "closed chamber" effect to create an explosion. I had been warned years ago by a primer company tech to never store my primers in such a container. He said that 6,000+ primers in a typical military can wouild explode in a house fire with the effect of a single stick of dynamite. Curious for comments/knowledge....
THANKS,
J.

 

[BE Mike]

Don't store primers in military ammo cans with a sealed top.https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Info-Doc-Primers.pdf

 

[Rule3]

No don't store primers, but loaded ammo is what they are made for, All the military in World seem to think they are OK.

 

[mckenney99]

I prefer to store my primers in the plastic MTM versions of the ammo cans. They still are sealed but won't pose an explosion hazard.

 

[duman444]

Another use for the cans-according to one guy on the Austin TX PD, is make IED's.

Back 10 or so years ago, I hunted in a town that picked up Austin's TV stations. News story talking about a guy had gone into town and made threats, showed weapon (don't remember particulars). They arrested him and went to the property he lived on to search.

APD officer on camera said "opened up a storage shed and saw a .50 cal. metal box on floor. His quote "Immediately backed out and called for bomb squad as I know these are used for IED's". Of course they never found any bombs or bomb making material, but why let that stand in the way of a good story.

I think he would have a heart attack if he ever saw my or probably most of any of yours ammo storage. But then again these days according to the news, more than 1 gun and a box of ammo is an arsenal!

 

[max503]

No don't store primers

Thanks. I didn't know that.

 

[Rule3]

I ammo gets so hot to burn off in a fire, it's not the bullets that go flying it's the cases that do.


Primers should be stored in original package in a cool dry place.

 

[Johnnu2]

Thanks for all the comments.... My personal feeling is that if you have to use ammo cans to store ammo or primers; plastic maybe the way to go. p.s. I'm guessing that homeowners' insurance probably isn't going to cover this type of explosion. I'm pretty sure they don't cover military ammo bunkers either
J.

 

[scoobysnacker]

Thanks for all the comments.... My personal feeling is that if you have to use ammo cans to store ammo or primers; plastic maybe the way to go. p.s. I'm guessing that homeowners' insurance probably isn't going to cover this type of explosion. I'm pretty sure they don't cover military ammo bunkers either
J.

Store primers in plastic if that concerns you, but I'd store ammo in steel milsurp cans.

I'd also recommend storing valuable papers in one.

Real cans, if undamaged, will seal up airtight (and watertight). Plastic won't.

I'm more worried about another flood, than a fire. I guess that's because I've been through one.

 

[diyj98]

I store ammo in my home in metal ammo cans, but leave the tops unlatched. That's to prevent pressure building up in case of a house fire. I do have some plastic cans as well.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

AMMO CANS

DO NOT,I REPEAT NOT store ANY kind of pressurize can in a sealed ammo can. If they leak they will pressurize the ammo can and when opened it can blow your hand off, or worse. Just saying.

 

[banger]

Thanks for all the comments.... My personal feeling is that if you have to use ammo cans to store ammo or primers; plastic maybe the way to go. p.s. I'm guessing that homeowners' insurance probably isn't going to cover this type of explosion. I'm pretty sure they don't cover military ammo bunkers either
J.

I honestly think you are "over thinking" a problem that doesn't exist.

Ask yourself.... when was the last time you actually heard of the problem you are trying to envision.

 

[CB3]

I am not an explosives knowledgeable guy, but I believe GI ammo cans will bulge and burst before they will explode like a bomb. They are not so sturdy as to contain rising pressures to the point where a major explosion would take place. Once the can’s ability to contain pressure is compromised, ammo will probably cook off similar to any other non-pressurized storage. The remaining parts of the can may even help reduce shrapnel from cartridge cases. I don’t know.

JMO, ready to be corrected by someone trained.

 

[Fishinfool]

I store ammo in my home in metal ammo cans, but leave the tops unlatched. That's to prevent pressure building up in case of a house fire. I do have some plastic cans as well.

I do the same thing - store primers in metal ammo cans, close the lids firmly, but do not latch them. Provides some protection, but hopefully will not explode in a fire. I run a dehumidifier in my garage / reloading room, so humidity isn't an issue.

Larry

 

[Johnnu2]

Great comments.... thanks everyone.... we got some interesting perspectives and info.
THANKS,
J.

 

[BE Mike]

Since apparently nobody bothered to read the SAAMI link, I'll spell it out...don't store primers in military ammo cans. They can be stored in a wooden cabinet made of 1" lumber. Don't store primers and powder together. It is perfectly ok to store ammo in military ammo cans. Of course, these days, internet opinions outweigh anything that SAAMI could come up with.

 

[raisedin99]

DO NOT,I REPEAT NOT store ANY kind of pressurize can in a sealed ammo can. If they leak they will pressurize the ammo can and when opened it can blow your hand off, or worse. Just saying.

Have to ask, if this information is first hand knowledge? For I cannot make my pea sized brain
understand how a can of bug spray stored within the ammo can might rupture, fill the box
with the contents and then cause me harm upon opening, I just don't see it. Just saying as well.

terry

 

[wetdog1911]

No don't store primers, but loaded ammo is what they are made for, All the military in World seem to think they are OK.

There IS that! I love the .50 cal size.

Rob

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

I am not an explosives knowledgeable guy, but I believe GI ammo cans will bulge and burst before they will explode like a bomb. They are not so sturdy as to contain rising pressures to the point where a major explosion would take place. Once the can’s ability to contain pressure is compromised, ammo will probably cook off similar to any other non-pressurized storage. The remaining parts of the can may even help reduce shrapnel from cartridge cases. I don’t know.

JMO, ready to be corrected by someone trained.

If you are referring to my post, You are wrong. Several years ago this happened. Just saying.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Store primers in plastic if that concerns you, but I'd store ammo in steel milsurp cans.

I'd also recommend storing valuable papers in one.

Real cans, if undamaged, will seal up airtight (and watertight). Plastic won't.

I'm more worried about another flood, than a fire. I guess that's because I've been through one.

I think plastic cans seal up tight with the rubber gaskets. They claim to be water resistant so.....makes sense that they're also air tight. Try to sink one.