Condition 1 #184 11" Small Waterproof Case
IP67 sealed, automatic pressure valve, padlock holes, and a resin shell that will not rust. 277 cubic inches inside for boxed ammo, magazines, and a desiccant pack.
$69.99, Red or Ranger Green.
Shop the #184 →What is the best way to store ammo long term?
Cool, dry, dark, and sealed. Moisture is the enemy. It corrodes brass, and it can get into primers and powder over time.
Temperature swings are the second enemy. Every hot day and cold night pulls humid air in and out of anything that is not sealed.
| Do | Why |
|---|---|
| Use a container with a rubber gasket | Keeps humid air out |
| Add a desiccant pack and swap it yearly | Soaks up the moisture that gets in when you open it |
| Store inside the house, not the garage or shed | Stable temperature, less condensation |
| Keep it off concrete floors | Concrete wicks moisture and stays cold |
| Label by caliber and date bought | Shoot the oldest first |
| Lock it | Keeps it away from kids and visitors |
Are ammo cans good for storing ammo?
Yes, if the gasket is good. Military surplus steel ammo cans have a rubber seal and a clamping lid, and they are cheap and stackable. Check the gasket before you trust one. A cracked or flattened seal does nothing.
The downsides are weight and rust. Steel cans get heavy fast, and scratched paint in a damp space starts to rust. They also have no pressure valve, so they can be hard to open after a temperature change.
Ammo can or waterproof hard case: which is better?
Ammo cans for bulk ammo that sits on a shelf. A waterproof hard case for ammo that moves: to the range, to deer camp, or in the truck.
| Steel ammo can | Condition 1 hard case | |
|---|---|---|
| Seal | Rubber gasket, if it is in good shape | Sealed lid, IP67 rated |
| Rust | Can rust when scratched or damp | Resin shell, will not rust |
| Pressure valve | No | Automatic |
| Organization | One open box | Pluckable foam or padded dividers |
| Locking | Usually not | Padlock holes, TSA compliant latches |
| Cost | Low | Higher, with a lifetime warranty from Condition 1 |
Plenty of people use both. Cans in the closet for the bulk supply, a hard case for the range kit.
Condition 1 #179 16" Waterproof Case
What we sell. A 16 inch IP67 case, 918 cubic inches inside, with padded dividers, a lid organizer, and a rubberized handle.
Why it helps you. Room for boxed ammo, magazines, ear and eye protection, and a cleaning kit. Dividers keep it from sliding around in the truck.
How to buy. $189.99, one time purchase.
Shop the #179 →How long does ammo last in storage?
Decades, if it is stored well. Ammunition does not have a real expiration date. What shortens its life is moisture, heat, and corrosion.
Inspect old ammo before you shoot it. Green corrosion, dented cases, or loose bullets mean it goes in the disposal pile, not the gun.
Should you store ammo in the original box?
Yes, inside a sealed container. The box keeps rounds from rattling and keeps the lot information with the ammo. The sealed container keeps out the moisture the cardboard cannot.
Pack the coffee too
What we sell. The G.O.O.D. Kit: an AeroPress Go, an insulated 20 oz ARC tumbler, and two bags of Spectre.
Why it helps you. Long range days start early. A hot cup that stays hot for 3+ hours beats whatever the gas station had.
How to buy. $99.99. Coffee subscriptions take 30% off the first order automatically, no code.
Shop the G.O.O.D. Kit →Questions people actually ask
What is the best way to store ammunition?
In its original box, inside a sealed container with a rubber gasket and a desiccant pack, kept somewhere cool, dry, and stable indoors. Avoid garages, sheds, and concrete floors.
Can ammo go bad?
Stored well, it lasts decades. Moisture and heat are what ruin it. Inspect older ammo for corrosion, dents, or loose bullets before you shoot it.
Are ammo cans waterproof?
A steel ammo can with a good rubber gasket is water resistant and keeps out humid air. Check the seal. A cracked gasket does nothing. An IP67 hard case is rated to survive submersion.
Is it OK to store ammo in a garage?
It is not ideal. Garages swing hot and cold, which pulls moisture into anything that is not sealed. Indoors, in a sealed container, is better.
How much ammo fits in a small hard case?
It depends on caliber and box size. The Condition 1 #184 has 277 cubic inches inside, enough for several boxes of handgun ammo and a few magazines with room for a desiccant pack.
