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Ammo cans: durable storage built to military spec

Ammo cans started life on military supply lines for one reason — keeping ammunition dry, sealed, and intact through anything the field could throw at them. That same build quality is why they remain one of the most useful pieces of surplus gear you can buy. Steel construction, gasketed lids, and folding latch handles make them watertight, stackable, and effectively indestructible compared to plastic storage alternatives. Whether you're stocking up for the range, organizing a workshop, or putting together long-term storage for tools, documents, or emergency supplies, browse our listings to find ammo cans in the sizes and grades you actually need.

Common ammo can sizes and what they hold

Most surplus ammo cans on the market trace back to standardized US military specifications. Knowing the size designations helps you pick the right can for the job:

• M19A1 (.30 cal): Roughly 11" x 3.8" x 7.1". Originally designed for belted .30 caliber ammunition. Compact, easy to carry, and ideal for smaller-volume storage like handgun ammo, electronics, or first aid kits.
• M2A1 (.50 cal): About 11" x 5.5" x 7". The classic 50 cal ammo box — versatile enough for rifle ammunition, hand tools, or sealed dry storage. The most common surplus can you'll see.
• PA108 (5.56mm linked): A larger can sized for linked 5.56mm rounds, with roughly double the cubic capacity of an M2A1. Useful when you need volume without going to a full fat 50.
• PA120 / M548 (20mm "fat 50"): Taller than the standard M2A1, giving more vertical space for bulk storage of ammo boxes, magazines, or longer items.
• 40mm cans: The largest of the common surplus sizes, originally for 40mm grenade rounds. Excellent for bulky gear or as a general-purpose dry box.

Why buy used military surplus ammo cans

New commercial ammo boxes exist, but they rarely match the build quality of genuine military-issue cans. Surplus M19A1 and M2A1 cans were built to a spec that assumes rough handling, water exposure, and decades of service life. Buying used through auction means you get the original heavy-gauge steel, the original rubber gasket seal, and the original latch hardware — typically at a fraction of what a new commercial-grade equivalent costs. We list ammo cans in lots and singles, and condition ranges from like-new grade-1 cans to well-used examples that still seal tight. For bulk buyers stocking up for resale, range use, or large-scale storage projects, auction lots are usually the most economical path.

Beyond ammo: how buyers actually use these cans

Plenty of cans we list never see a single round of ammunition. The watertight seal and rugged build make them go-to storage for:

• Tool storage in shops, trucks, and trailers
• Emergency kits — first aid, food, water purification, fire-starting supplies
• Document and electronics storage where moisture is a concern
• Geocaching containers and survival caches
• Dry storage on boats, ATVs, and overland rigs
• Stackable workshop organization — a step up from a flimsy ammo storage cabinet or plastic bin

If you need scaled-up secure storage instead, take a look at our gun safes or job site boxes — but for portable, sealed, modular storage, ammo cans are hard to beat.

What to look for when buying used ammo cans

• Gasket condition: The rubber gasket inside the lid is what makes the can watertight. Check for cracking, hardening, or missing sections. Replacement gaskets are cheap, but a tight original is best.
• Latch and hinge integrity: Open and close the can. The latch should snap shut firmly and pull the lid down evenly. Bent latches or sprung hinges mean the seal won't hold.
• Rust and pitting: Surface rust on military paint is normal and cosmetic. Watch for deep pitting along the seams, base corners, or inside the lip — that's where seal failure starts.
• Original markings: Stenciled lot numbers and NSN markings confirm genuine military issue. Aftermarket repaints can hide problems, so cans with original finish are usually a safer bet.
• Lid fitment: Some cans have removable lids that get swapped between units over years of service. Make sure the lid actually belongs to the can and seats correctly — mismatched lids rarely seal properly.
• Interior cleanliness: Cosmoline residue, old powder dust, or moisture stains inside aren't dealbreakers, but factor in cleanup time, especially for food or document storage.

Buy used ammo cans at Ritchie Bros.

Our inventory of ammo cans for sale includes everything from single M2A1 .50 cal cans to bulk pallet lots of surplus 5.56mm and 40mm containers, listed across our auctions and on IronPlanet. Each listing includes condition details and photos so you can assess gasket condition, rust level, and latch function before you bid. Whether you need a few cans for the workshop or a full pallet for resale, browse current listings and place your bid.