Introduction
Ammo cans are extra than simply containers; they’re the guardians of our helpful possessions, providing safety from the weather and offering a safe place to retailer important objects. All through historical past, these sturdy packing containers have been important for navy personnel and are actually an indispensable software for anybody who wants dependable storage. Whereas a wide range of supplies are used to assemble these important containers, a big and well-liked selection is the plastic fifty cal ammo can. This text explores the options, advantages, numerous makes use of, and necessary concerns that make these plastic containers the perfect selection for a large number of storage wants. We’ll delve into the main points, from the basic elements of the “fifty cal” designation to the important thing benefits supplied by trendy, plastic development.
Understanding the Fifty Cal Ammo Can
The time period “fifty cal” on an ammo can does not confer with its precise caliber, however quite the dimensions and form that was initially designed to carry ammunition for the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun. These containers, initially designed to resist the trials of navy life, have grow to be synonymous with safe and sturdy storage options.
The “Fifty Cal” Designation
The moniker “fifty cal” on this context refers back to the dimensions of the can, and never the precise caliber of the ammunition it as soon as held. The fifty-caliber machine gun was a workhorse of the navy, and its ammunition required a powerful and simply transportable container. These cans have discovered their means into varied purposes, holding all the pieces from ammunition of smaller calibers to general-purpose storage for instruments, survival gear, and different important objects.
Conventional vs. Fashionable Supplies
The historical past of ammo cans is strongly related to metal development, providing distinctive sturdiness and safety. Nevertheless, as expertise has superior, so has the out there vary of supplies. Fashionable plastic fifty cal ammo cans now present a viable and sometimes superior different. Let’s discover the important thing distinctions between the 2 supplies:
Sturdiness: Metal cans are undeniably powerful, able to withstanding important impression and stress. Nevertheless, high-quality plastic cans constructed from sturdy polymers usually present glorious impression resistance, sufficient for most traditional storage wants.
Weight: That is the place plastic actually shines. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are considerably lighter than their metal counterparts, making them simpler to move, particularly when loaded. This weight financial savings is a significant profit for anybody who wants to maneuver and deal with their storage continuously.
Corrosion Resistance: Metal is vulnerable to rust and corrosion when uncovered to moisture and humidity. Plastic, being non-metallic, is impervious to those points, making certain the long-term integrity of the container and its contents.
Price: Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are sometimes extra inexpensive than metal ones. Whereas the costs can range relying on the model and options, the decrease manufacturing prices of plastic usually translate to a greater worth for the patron.
Benefits of Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
The benefits of plastic fifty cal ammo cans lengthen past simply price and weight. They characterize a shift towards environment friendly, dependable, and versatile storage options.
Light-weight and Transportable
As beforehand mentioned, the diminished weight of plastic is a big benefit. This makes these cans a lot simpler to deal with, carry, and transport, whether or not you are loading them right into a automobile, taking them on a tenting journey, or just organizing a space for storing. The convenience of portability is a significant promoting level for many who prioritize comfort.
Corrosion Resistance
The resistance to corrosion supplied by plastic is a big benefit. Metal cans can rust over time, particularly when uncovered to moisture or saved in humid environments. This can’t solely compromise the structural integrity of the can but additionally probably injury the contents inside. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans, however, will not rust, making certain the long-term safety of your saved objects.
Waterproof and Hermetic Seals
Many plastic fifty cal ammo cans are designed with sturdy sealing methods, together with rubber gaskets and tight-fitting lids. These options create a water-resistant and hermetic setting, shielding the contents from moisture, mud, and different contaminants. That is essential for safeguarding delicate objects like ammunition, electronics, or meals.
Worth and Affordability
The affordability of plastic fifty cal ammo cans supplies a superb worth proposition. In comparison with metal counterparts, plastic cans continuously provide a decrease preliminary price, making them an accessible choice for a wider vary of customers. Moreover, the diminished weight and resistance to corrosion contribute to long-term price financial savings by lowering the necessity for replacements.
UV Resistance
Some high-quality plastic fifty cal ammo cans are constructed with UV-resistant supplies. This is a crucial function, as extended publicity to daylight can degrade many plastics over time. UV-resistant cans provide enhanced safety, making certain that the container stays sturdy and efficient even when saved outside or in direct daylight.
Different Options
Producers additionally provide options that enhance the usability of their plastic fifty cal ammo cans. These embrace molded handles for simpler carrying, stacking ribs to maximise space for storing, and added inside padding or modifications.
Options and Specs to Think about
Selecting the best plastic fifty cal ammo can will depend on the precise wants and meant use. A number of components ought to be thought of through the choice course of.
Building Materials
The kind of plastic used is a essential consider figuring out the can’s sturdiness, impression resistance, and total high quality. Frequent supplies embrace:
Polypropylene: This plastic is understood for its glorious chemical resistance, impression resistance, and affordability, making it a well-liked selection for a lot of ammo cans.
Excessive-density polyethylene: Gives good power, rigidity, and resistance to each chemical compounds and moisture.
Think about the thickness of the plastic used, as thicker supplies typically present better sturdiness.
Seal Mechanism
The seal mechanism is what retains the weather out and the contents secure. Excessive-quality seals are important for moisture safety. Search for cans with:
Rubber gaskets: Generally used to create a good seal between the lid and the physique of the can.
O-rings: Present a good tighter seal and sometimes contribute to raised total water resistance.
Dimensions and Capability
Decide the suitable dimensions to your storage wants. Think about each the interior and exterior dimensions of the can to make sure it matches your space for storing and might accommodate the meant contents. Pay shut consideration to the interior quantity to evaluate its capability.
Closure System
The closure system ought to be sturdy and safe, stopping unintentional openings. Frequent options embrace:
Latch sorts: Select a latch that’s simple to function but additionally supplies a safe closure.
Hinges: Be certain that the hinges are sturdy and well-attached to the can.
Shade Choices
Whereas the colour of the can is primarily aesthetic, it may possibly additionally play a practical position. Darker colours can soak up extra warmth when uncovered to daylight, whereas lighter colours could replicate extra warmth. Think about the place the can will likely be saved and the potential impression of daylight. The colour additionally helps in simple identification and group of saved objects.
Model and Producer Popularity
Selecting a good model is crucial for making certain the standard and sturdiness of the can. Analysis totally different manufacturers and browse buyer evaluations to get an thought of their fame and the efficiency of their merchandise. Search for manufacturers recognized for producing high-quality, dependable ammo cans.
Frequent Makes use of for Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
The flexibility of plastic fifty cal ammo cans makes them a helpful storage answer for varied purposes.
Ammunition Storage
That is, after all, their most typical utility. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are glorious for storing ammunition of varied calibers. They supply safety from moisture, corrosion, and impression injury, serving to to make sure the secure storage and preservation of rounds.
Outside Gear
These cans are nice for retaining tenting gear, survival kits, and first-aid provides shielded from the weather. They provide glorious safety in opposition to rain, snow, mud, and different environmental hazards.
Instruments and {Hardware}
The sturdy development of plastic fifty cal ammo cans makes them ultimate for organizing and defending instruments, {hardware}, and different workshop provides. The hermetic seals stop moisture from inflicting rust and corrosion.
Automotive Use
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans present safe and arranged storage in automobiles. They can be utilized to retailer instruments, emergency provides, restoration tools, or anything you might want to maintain secure whereas on the highway.
Different Purposes
Meals storage: Can be utilized to retailer dry items in safe, hermetic environments.
Doc storage: Defending necessary paperwork, pictures, or different delicate paperwork from moisture and injury.
Electronics storage: Present a safe and weatherproof setting for digital units and equipment.
Emergency preparedness: They’re used to retailer emergency provides in properties and automobiles.
Upkeep and Care
Correct care and upkeep be sure that your plastic fifty cal ammo can will present years of dependable service.
Cleansing and Upkeep
Repeatedly clear the can, each in and out, to take away any grime, particles, or moisture. Use delicate cleaning soap and water, and keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or abrasive cleaners that would injury the plastic.
Examine the gasket and seal mechanism usually for put on and tear. Substitute gaskets or seals that present indicators of harm to keep up the hermetic and waterproof integrity.
Storage Situations
Retailer the can in a cool, dry place away from direct daylight.
Keep away from excessive temperatures, as these can probably warp or injury the plastic.
If storing the can outside, be sure that it’s coated or sheltered to guard it from the weather.
Inspecting for Harm
Repeatedly examine the can for any indicators of harm, corresponding to cracks, dents, or warping.
Verify the hinges, latches, and deal with for any indicators of wear and tear or injury.
Tackle any points promptly to stop additional injury and keep the can’s integrity.
Evaluating Completely different Manufacturers and Fashions
The market gives a wide range of plastic fifty cal ammo can manufacturers and fashions. This part offers a basic thought of how they work.
Overview of Standard Manufacturers
M-Tech USA: Identified for producing heavy-duty ammo cans that supply glorious sturdiness and safety.
MTM Case-Gard: MTM is understood for its revolutionary designs and high-quality development, particularly of their line of ammo cans.
Plano: Plano is likely one of the largest manufacturers within the storage market. It has a wide array of inexpensive choices appropriate for general-purpose storage.
Different Manufacturers: Harbor Freight, and varied navy surplus suppliers provide a spread of cost-effective and sturdy plastic fifty cal ammo cans.
Mannequin Comparisons
It’s clever to do in-depth analysis to check manufacturers. Think about these components:
Worth: Examine the costs of various fashions.
Sturdiness: Assess the development supplies and total construct high quality.
Sealing: Confirm the effectiveness of the seal mechanism.
Options: Think about further options corresponding to handles, stacking ribs, and UV resistance.
The place to Purchase Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are extensively out there from varied retailers.
On-line Retailers
On-line retailers provide the comfort of buying from dwelling and sometimes present a wide array of manufacturers and fashions. Standard on-line retailers embrace:
Amazon.
eBay.
Retailer web sites corresponding to Walmart, Goal, and others.
Native Retailers
Native retailers provide the chance to look at the can in individual earlier than buying.
Sporting items shops (e.g., Cabela’s, Bass Professional Outlets).
Army surplus shops.
{Hardware} shops.
Worth Concerns
Costs can range relying on the model, options, and retailer.
Think about the cost-per-unit of every mannequin.
Search for gross sales and reductions to get the most effective worth.
Conclusion
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are a exceptional storage answer that mix the strengths of light-weight development, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Whether or not you are a hunter, camper, prepper, or somebody in search of dependable general-purpose storage, these containers provide a flexible and reliable technique to shield your valuables. With the precise concerns for materials, seals, dimensions, and model fame, you’ll be able to select a plastic fifty cal ammo can that fits your wants.
Name to Motion
Do you’ve got a favourite plastic fifty cal ammo can, or a novel means you make the most of them? Share your experiences and ideas within the feedback under! In case you are trying to find extra info, you may additionally like our associated articles on tenting storage, survival gear group, and ammunition storage options.
