Introduction
Ammo cans are extra than simply containers; they’re the guardians of our worthwhile possessions, providing safety from the weather and offering a safe place to retailer important gadgets. All through historical past, these strong bins have been important for army 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 fashionable alternative is the plastic fifty cal ammo can. This text explores the options, advantages, various makes use of, and vital concerns that make these plastic containers the perfect alternative for a large number of storage wants. We’ll delve into the small print, from the elemental elements of the “fifty cal” designation to the important thing benefits supplied by fashionable, plastic development.
Understanding the Fifty Cal Ammo Can
The time period “fifty cal” on an ammo can would not discuss with its precise caliber, however reasonably the dimensions and form that was initially designed to carry ammunition for the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun. These containers, initially designed to face up to the trials of army 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 particular caliber of the ammunition it as soon as held. The fifty-caliber machine gun was a workhorse of the army, and its ammunition required a robust and simply transportable container. These cans have discovered their manner into numerous purposes, holding every thing from ammunition of smaller calibers to general-purpose storage for instruments, survival gear, and different important gadgets.
Conventional vs. Fashionable Supplies
The historical past of ammo cans is strongly related to metal development, providing distinctive sturdiness and safety. Nonetheless, as expertise has superior, so has the accessible 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 vital affect and strain. Nonetheless, high-quality plastic cans constructed from sturdy polymers usually present wonderful affect resistance, sufficient for most traditional storage wants.
Weight: That is the place plastic really 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 steadily.
Corrosion Resistance: Metal is prone 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 usually extra reasonably priced than metal ones. Whereas the costs can fluctuate 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
Some great benefits of plastic fifty cal ammo cans prolong past simply price and weight. They characterize a shift towards environment friendly, dependable, and versatile storage options.
Light-weight and Moveable
As beforehand mentioned, the lowered 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 car, taking them on a tenting journey, or just organizing a space for storing. The convenience of portability is a significant promoting level for individuals 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 in addition doubtlessly injury the contents inside. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans, however, will not rust, making certain the long-term safety of your saved gadgets.
Waterproof and Hermetic Seals
Many plastic fifty cal ammo cans are designed with strong sealing techniques, together with rubber gaskets and tight-fitting lids. These options create a water-resistant and hermetic surroundings, shielding the contents from moisture, mud, and different contaminants. That is essential for safeguarding delicate gadgets like ammunition, electronics, or meals.
Worth and Affordability
The affordability of plastic fifty cal ammo cans offers a superb worth proposition. In comparison with metal counterparts, plastic cans steadily supply a decrease preliminary price, making them an accessible choice for a wider vary of shoppers. Moreover, the lowered 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 characteristic, as extended publicity to daylight can degrade many plastics over time. UV-resistant cans supply enhanced safety, making certain that the container stays sturdy and efficient even when saved outside or in direct daylight.
Different Options
Producers additionally supply options that enhance the usability of their plastic fifty cal ammo cans. These embody molded handles for simpler carrying, stacking ribs to maximise space for storing, and added inner padding or modifications.
Options and Specs to Contemplate
Selecting the best plastic fifty cal ammo can depends upon the particular wants and meant use. A number of elements ought to be thought of in the course of the choice course of.
Building Materials
The kind of plastic used is a essential think about figuring out the can’s sturdiness, affect resistance, and general high quality. Frequent supplies embody:
Polypropylene: This plastic is understood for its wonderful chemical resistance, affect resistance, and affordability, making it a preferred alternative for a lot of ammo cans.
Excessive-density polyethylene: Presents good energy, rigidity, and resistance to each chemical substances and moisture.
Contemplate 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 protected. 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 fair tighter seal and sometimes contribute to raised general water resistance.
Dimensions and Capability
Decide the suitable dimensions in your storage wants. Contemplate each the interior and exterior dimensions of the can to make sure it suits 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 unintended openings. Frequent options embody:
Latch sorts: Select a latch that’s simple to function but in addition offers a safe closure.
Hinges: Make sure that the hinges are sturdy and well-attached to the can.
Coloration Choices
Whereas the colour of the can is primarily aesthetic, it will probably additionally play a practical position. Darker colours can take in extra warmth when uncovered to daylight, whereas lighter colours might mirror extra warmth. Contemplate the place the can will probably be saved and the potential affect of daylight. The colour additionally helps in simple identification and group of saved gadgets.
Model and Producer Repute
Selecting a good model is crucial for making certain the standard and sturdiness of the can. Analysis completely different manufacturers and skim buyer evaluations to get an concept 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 worthwhile storage resolution for numerous purposes.
Ammunition Storage
That is, after all, their commonest utility. Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are wonderful for storing ammunition of assorted calibers. They supply safety from moisture, corrosion, and affect injury, serving to to make sure the protected storage and preservation of rounds.
Out of doors Gear
These cans are nice for conserving tenting gear, survival kits, and first-aid provides shielded from the weather. They provide wonderful safety in opposition to rain, snow, mud, and different environmental hazards.
Instruments and {Hardware}
The strong development of plastic fifty cal ammo cans makes them superb for organizing and defending instruments, {hardware}, and different workshop provides. The hermetic seals forestall moisture from inflicting rust and corrosion.
Automotive Use
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans present safe and arranged storage in autos. They can be utilized to retailer instruments, emergency provides, restoration tools, or anything it’s worthwhile to maintain protected whereas on the street.
Different Purposes
Meals storage: Can be utilized to retailer dry items in safe, hermetic environments.
Doc storage: Defending vital paperwork, pictures, or different delicate paperwork from moisture and injury.
Electronics storage: Present a safe and weatherproof surroundings for digital units and equipment.
Emergency preparedness: They’re used to retailer emergency provides in houses and autos.
Upkeep and Care
Correct care and upkeep be certain that your plastic fifty cal ammo can will present years of dependable service.
Cleansing and Upkeep
Recurrently clear the can, each inside and outside, to take away any grime, particles, or moisture. Use gentle cleaning soap and water, and keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or abrasive cleaners that would injury the plastic.
Examine the gasket and seal mechanism frequently for put on and tear. Substitute gaskets or seals that present indicators of harm to take care of the hermetic and waterproof integrity.
Storage Circumstances
Retailer the can in a cool, dry place away from direct daylight.
Keep away from excessive temperatures, as these can doubtlessly warp or injury the plastic.
If storing the can outside, be certain that it’s lined or sheltered to guard it from the weather.
Inspecting for Injury
Recurrently examine the can for any indicators of harm, resembling cracks, dents, or warping.
Test the hinges, latches, and deal with for any indicators of wear and tear or injury.
Handle any points promptly to forestall additional injury and keep the can’s integrity.
Evaluating Totally different Manufacturers and Fashions
The market affords a wide range of plastic fifty cal ammo can manufacturers and fashions. This part provides a common concept of how they work.
Overview of Standard Manufacturers
M-Tech USA: Identified for producing heavy-duty ammo cans that supply wonderful 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 without doubt one of the greatest manufacturers within the storage market. It has a big selection of reasonably priced choices appropriate for general-purpose storage.
Different Manufacturers: Harbor Freight, and numerous army surplus suppliers supply a variety of cost-effective and sturdy plastic fifty cal ammo cans.
Mannequin Comparisons
It’s sensible to do in-depth analysis to check manufacturers. Contemplate these elements:
Value: Evaluate the costs of various fashions.
Sturdiness: Assess the development supplies and general construct high quality.
Sealing: Confirm the effectiveness of the seal mechanism.
Options: Contemplate extra options resembling handles, stacking ribs, and UV resistance.
The place to Purchase Plastic Fifty Cal Ammo Cans
Plastic fifty cal ammo cans are extensively accessible from numerous retailers.
On-line Retailers
On-line retailers supply the comfort of buying from residence and sometimes present a big selection of manufacturers and fashions. Standard on-line retailers embody:
Amazon.
eBay.
Retailer web sites resembling Walmart, Goal, and others.
Native Retailers
Native retailers supply the chance to look at the can in particular person earlier than buying.
Sporting items shops (e.g., Cabela’s, Bass Professional Retailers).
Navy surplus shops.
{Hardware} shops.
Value Concerns
Costs can fluctuate relying on the model, options, and retailer.
Contemplate 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 resolution that mix the strengths of light-weight development, corrosion resistance, and affordability. Whether or not you are a hunter, camper, prepper, or somebody searching for dependable general-purpose storage, these containers supply a flexible and reliable approach to defend your valuables. With the precise concerns for materials, seals, dimensions, and model fame, you may 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 manner you make the most of them? Share your experiences and recommendations within the feedback beneath! In case you are trying to find extra data, you may also like our associated articles on tenting storage, survival gear group, and ammunition storage options.
