Best Ammo Cans and Boxes for Storage (2026)

Quick answer: For most shooters, a classic metal ammo can with a rubber gasket (such as a Fortress .50-cal can) is the best value for keeping ammunition dry. Choose an MTM ACR4-18 or AC4C crate for bulk storage and range trips, a Sheffield plastic box for lighter loads, and an MTM Tactical Magazine Can to store loaded magazines. Whatever you buy, store it somewhere cool and dry, add desiccant and keep it locked away from children.

Reviewed and updated October 31, 2026 by Daniel Guerra. General guidance; no new hands-on testing was done for this update.

Pick	Best for
Fortress metal ammo can	Airtight, gasketed long-term storage
Sheffield ammo storage box	Lightweight plastic storage and range trips
MTM AC4C 4-Can Crate	Carrying several cans of rifle ammo together
MTM ACR4-18 Ammo Crate	Large, stackable, padlockable bulk storage
MTM Tactical Magazine Can	Storing loaded pistol magazines

Fill them with ammo from our best places to buy ammo online and learn how often to replace carry ammo.

Best Ammo Can List

• Best Overall: Fortress Metal Ammo Can  
• Best Budget Option: Sheffield Ammo Storage Box  
• Best for Organization: MTM AC4C 4-Can Ammo Crate  
• Best Large Crate: MTM ACR4-18 Ammo Crate  
• Best for Magazines: MTM Tactical Magazine Can

Read Best Places to Buy Ammo Online

Best Ammo Cans

A good ammo can keeps ammunition dry, clean and organized. The picks below cover the main needs: airtight long-term storage, low-cost range boxes, multi-can crates, bulk storage and loaded magazines.

1. Fortress Metal Ammo Can

Best overall. A classic military-style steel can with a rubber gasket and a heavy latch that clamps the lid down. Steel resists crushing and the gasket keeps out moisture, which makes this the default choice for long-term storage.

Pros

• Steel body resists dents and crushing
• Gasketed lid for airtight, moisture-resistant storage
• Flat lid stacks well
• Fits most ammo types or small gear

Cons

• Heavier than plastic, especially when full
• Steel can rust if the finish is scratched and the can sits somewhere damp

2. Sheffield Ammo Storage Box

Best budget option. A lightweight, made-in-USA plastic box with an interlocking lid-to-base stacking design and locking options. It is a good pick for range trips and indoor storage, but its seal is not fully waterproof.

Pros

• Low price
• Light enough for a range bag
• Interlocking stack design
• Lockable

Cons

• Plastic is less impact-resistant than steel
• Not fully waterproof; add desiccant for long-term storage

3. MTM AC4C 4-Can Ammo Crate

Best for organization. Four detachable 30-caliber-size plastic cans in a carrying crate with tie-down points. Keep each caliber in its own can, grab one for a range trip or carry the whole crate.

Pros

• Four removable cans for sorting calibers
• Crate with tie-down points for truck or ATV transport
• Made in USA

Cons

• Costs more than a single can
• Each can holds less than a .50-cal can

4. MTM ACR4-18 Ammo Crate

Best large crate. A big, stackable polymer crate for bulk ammo or gear, with an O-ring seal, padlock tabs, four tie-down points and side handles. It replaced the larger ACR7-18 in this guide after that model had no in-stock Amazon offer on October 27, 2026.

Specification	Value
Capacity	570 cubic inches
Exterior dimensions	17.2 x 10.7 x 5.5 in (H)
Interior dimensions	13 x 9 x 4.8 in (H)
Rated carry load	Up to 65 lb
Seal	O-ring, water-resistant (not submersible)
Made in	USA

Pros

• Large 570-cubic-inch capacity
• O-ring seal for water-resistant storage
• Padlock tabs and tie-down points
• Made in USA

Cons

• Water-resistant, not submersible
• Smaller than the ACR7 it replaces

5. MTM Tactical Magazine Can

Best for magazines. A polymer can with pre-cut foam that holds loaded handgun magazines secure and rattle-free. It suits range bags, vehicle kits and organized storage of spare magazines.

Pros

• Foam holds magazines securely
• Stackable with tie-down points
• Seal helps keep out moisture and dust

Cons

• Holds magazines only, not loose ammo
• Check that your magazines fit the foam cutouts

How These Cans Were Chosen

Picks are based on build, seal, latch, capacity, stacking and value, plus current availability. Earlier versions of this guide included hands-on notes from founder Corey Rawlins; the current owner has not re-tested these cans.

What to look for in any ammo can:

• Material: steel is toughest; polymer is lighter and will not rust.
• Seal: a rubber gasket or O-ring keeps out moisture and dust.
• Latch: it should stay closed if the can is dropped.
• Capacity: size it to the amount and type of ammo you store.
• Stacking: flat lids or interlocking designs save space.
• Handles: full cans get heavy, so solid handles matter.

How To Store Ammo Properly

• Seal it: use gasketed cans and add desiccant packs; replace or recharge them periodically.
• Keep it cool and dry: avoid attics, hot garages and damp basements.
• Keep it off the floor: shelves reduce exposure to moisture and flooding.
• Label and rotate: mark caliber and purchase date and use older ammo first. See how often to replace carry ammo.
• Keep chemicals away: store away from solvents, fuel and cleaning products.
• Lock it up: padlock cans or use a locked cabinet away from children.

Ammo Can FAQ

Conclusion

For most people, a gasketed steel can like the Fortress is the best all-around choice. Pick the Sheffield box to save money, the MTM AC4C to sort calibers, the ACR4-18 for bulk storage and the MTM magazine can for loaded magazines. Keep them cool, dry and locked. For what to put in them, see our best self-defense ammo and best places to buy ammo online guides.