Ammo Cans - Airtight?

[Willie D]

This might be a dumb question but are all US surplus ammo cans reasonably airtight/waterproof? Or are some better that others in that regard. I want to pick up a couple from the Army Navy Store but I don't want to spend $ on something that's no better than a shoebox.

 

[sevensixtytwo]

I'm pretty sure they're fairly airtight, because when you open one, it always has a certain smell to it. Go open one and you'll see (or rather smell) what I mean.

 

[Shooters Plus]

They are air-tight unless you get one with a bent lid or worn seal.

 

[Wrascal]

..... but not the ones with bullet holes in them.

 

[Zombie Steve]

+1 on checking the rubber gasket before you buy. I've seen some that look dry-rotted. I've seen others that where the steel was rusted through.

 

[ludwig1138]

I used to take my 20mm cans from Houston to Big Bend Park. When I got to the mountains and opened them, they always poofed from the sea level air inside. When I got back home, I always had to pull the lids off due to low pressure inside.

I had my papers and home meds in one during a hurricane/tropical storm. It got soaked but the stuff inside was dry.

If the seal is intact, it will be OK.

 

[hankpac]

Also check the seams, and corners. Older can rust out there.
Newer cans are plastic and alum, and these seem to hold up really well.
High grade (pick through) the stack before going to the check stand.
Don't know where you live, but when I drive through Nevada on my way to Texas, going through Beatty, there is a guy selling military containers on the side of the road. Every imaginable size. Wants a little too much, but willing to discuss a price for larger purchases.
Also a good place for a hot spring soak.

 

[tony pasley]

They will seal if all is okay with them but do not consider them waterproof. Sept. 2004 my house got flooded and water level was 5' in the living room all G.I. boxes had water inside all plastic from Walmart did not.