Why You Need an Ammo Can for Shotgun Shells
Protecting Your Ammunition from the Elements
Let’s be honest, ammunition is sensitive. It’s precision-engineered, and exposure to the wrong conditions can significantly impact its performance and even render it unsafe. Environmental factors are your ammunition’s biggest enemies, and the right ammo can acts as a formidable shield.
Moisture, that insidious enemy, is perhaps the greatest threat. Even small amounts of humidity can corrode the metal components of your Shotgun Shells, weakening the casings and potentially causing misfires. The gunpowder inside can also be affected, leading to inconsistent velocities and unpredictable results. A quality Ammo Can, particularly one with a rubber gasket seal, creates a barrier that actively prevents moisture from seeping in, ensuring your shells stay dry and ready to perform.
Temperature fluctuations are another significant concern. Extreme heat can degrade the propellants within the Shotgun Shells, potentially altering their burn rate and creating erratic pressures upon firing. Conversely, freezing temperatures can affect the primer, which is the tiny spark that ignites the gunpowder, leading to potential malfunctions. The insulated properties of a sturdy Ammo Can, while not offering perfect climate control, provide a level of protection against the extremes.
Dust, dirt, and other debris can also cause problems. Fine particles can get into the delicate mechanisms of your shotgun, causing jams and malfunctions. Dust and dirt can also corrode the brass of your Shotgun Shells over time, leading to similar performance issues. An Ammo Can keeps these contaminants away.
Safety and Security
Besides protecting your ammunition from the environment, ammo cans provide vital safety features. They are engineered to contain the ammunition, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
Preventing Accidental Discharge and Mishandling:
The secure latching mechanisms of Ammo Cans prevent accidental bumps, drops, or pressure from causing a round to fire unexpectedly. This is a critical safety consideration, especially in households with children or when transporting ammunition.
Keeping Shells Out of Reach of Children and Unauthorized Individuals:
Shotgun Shell Ammo Cans provide a crucial layer of security. The robust construction and secure locking mechanisms make it challenging for unauthorized individuals to access the ammunition, protecting both your family and yourself.
Organization and Convenience
Beyond safety and preservation, Shotgun Shell Ammo Cans contribute to a more organized and convenient experience.
Easy Transportation and Storage:
Ammo Cans are designed with portability in mind, often featuring convenient carrying handles. This makes it easy to transport your ammunition from home to the range, hunting grounds, or wherever your shooting adventures take you. Their standardized rectangular shapes also make them easy to stack and store, maximizing space efficiency in your home or storage facility.
Keeping Shells Neat and Organized:
A well-organized shooting setup is a happy shooting setup. Ammo Cans help you keep your Shotgun Shells neatly sorted by gauge, brand, or load type. This not only streamlines your preparation process but also helps prevent confusion at the range.
Types of Ammo Cans for Shotgun Shells
The market offers a variety of Ammo Cans, each with its own advantages. Understanding the different types will help you find the ideal match for your specific needs.
Military-Style Ammo Cans
These are the iconic, battle-tested storage solutions you’ve likely seen in movies and real life. Designed to military specifications, these cans are renowned for their ruggedness and ability to withstand the harshest conditions.
Origin and Characteristics:
Military-style Ammo Cans are engineered to rigorous standards, and are built to endure a lifetime of use. They’re built to be reliable, tough, and waterproof.
Material:
Typically constructed from heavy-gauge steel, these cans offer exceptional durability and resistance to impacts. They are designed to absorb the bumps and bangs of transport, protecting their contents.
Sealing:
One of the key features of a military-style can is its airtight seal, typically achieved with a rubber gasket around the lid. This seal provides a barrier against moisture, dust, and other contaminants.
Common Sizes:
Popular sizes include the M19A1, often preferred for smaller quantities of Shotgun Shells, and the larger M2A1, perfect for holding bulk ammunition. Be mindful of dimensions, as some cans are better suited to certain shell lengths than others.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Unmatched durability, excellent weather resistance, readily available, and relatively inexpensive.
Cons: Can be heavier than plastic options, and their weight might be a consideration when you need to move the contents.
Plastic Ammo Cans
Plastic Ammo Cans offer a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative to their metal counterparts. They come in various sizes, and are often more affordable.
Materials:
Usually made from high-density polyethylene or a similar polymer, these cans provide excellent protection against moisture and chemical exposure.
Features:
They often include water-resistant seals and sturdy latches, ensuring the contents remain secure and protected. They also feature handles for easy carrying.
Sizes and Configurations:
Plastic cans are available in a wide array of sizes and configurations, including options for bulk storage.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, often more affordable, and available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Cons: May not be as durable as military-style steel cans, and the latches could be less rugged.
Specialized Shotgun Shell Carriers
Besides these more general options, you’ll also find storage solutions tailored specifically for Shotgun Shells.
Pouches and Bags
These are perfect for range use or for carrying a smaller quantity of shells during a hunt. They are lightweight and provide easy access to your Shotgun Shells, typically attaching to a belt or vest.
Box Inserts
For those who want a more customized experience, you can find box inserts designed to fit within standard Ammo Cans. These inserts can be made of plastic, foam, or other materials and provide individual compartments for each shell, keeping them organized and preventing them from rattling around.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing an Ammo Can
Choosing the perfect Shotgun Shell Ammo Can is a personal decision. Evaluating these features will help you find the right one.
Capacity:
How much ammunition do you need to store? A dedicated hunter may need a larger capacity than a casual target shooter. Carefully consider the volume of your collection.
Material and Durability:
Assess the materials and construction quality. Steel cans are known for their robustness, while quality plastic cans are surprisingly resilient. Ensure the can can handle the knocks of transport and storage.
Sealing and Weather Resistance:
The integrity of the seal is critical. Look for cans with rubber gaskets or other features that provide a tight, waterproof seal.
Closure Mechanism:
Evaluate the ease of use and security of the latching mechanism. Does it open and close smoothly? Does it provide a secure closure?
Size and Dimensions:
Consider the available storage space and portability. Do you need something compact or are you happy with a larger can? Think about how the can will fit into your car, storage locker, or other storage locations.
Additional Features:
Carry handles, stackable designs, and integrated locking mechanisms can add significant value. Look for features that meet your specific needs.
Best Practices for Storing Shotgun Shells
Purchasing a good Shotgun Shell Ammo Can is just the first step. Practicing safe and organized storage habits is essential.
Proper Storage Location:
Store your Ammo Can in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Temperature extremes and humidity can degrade the shells, and exposure to chemicals can pose serious safety hazards.
Organize Your Shells:
Keep your Shotgun Shells labeled and sorted by type, gauge, and load. This makes it easier to find the right shells when you need them and helps to prevent accidental mix-ups.
Regularly Inspect Your Shells:
Check your Shotgun Shells for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you find any damaged shells, dispose of them properly.
Disposal:
When disposing of spent shells, follow local regulations. Avoid littering. Many ranges and recycling facilities accept spent brass and hulls.
The Shotgun Shell Ammo Can represents a critical component of responsible firearm ownership. It protects your ammunition, ensures your safety, and promotes an organized shooting experience. From the battle-tested durability of military-style cans to the portability of plastic alternatives, a perfect solution exists for everyone. Choosing the right can is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in the longevity and safety of your Shotgun Shells, and the future of your shooting endeavors.
