Spam can vs. GI ammo can...

T

thedaddycat

New member
I tried a search for a thread on this and did not find one, so appologies if I somehow missed it...

For long term storage which type of ammo can is better? The spam can is probably sealed better but once opened cannot be resealed. The GI cans can be opened and closed repeatedly and have a rubber seal that may seal tight when new but does it hold up over time?

Which one is better for something like a burried cache? Are they both similar gauge metal so they would be equally rust-resistant? Would something like cold galvanize spray be better to improve moisture resistance or maybe a coat of grease and wrap it in a plastic bag?

I've looked at several ammo sites to find .223 and 7.62X39 in spam cans but I end up having to look through all the listings as most are not searchable by packaging, some not even by round count (bulk vs. 20 round boxes). Does anyone have a recommendation for a site that has decent prices on ammo in sealed cans?

Thanks for any input.
 
A FoodSaver-type vacum-sealer works well to seal ammo for long-term storage in a hard container of some sort. Double-bag it and pack it in a box.
 
Lacking an opener for the sealed "spam" can, I used a pair of tin snips. Can't do that with G.I. ammo cans. I use ammo cans solely. If you want to bury stuff, IIRC cheaper than dirt sells some of that gear.
To check an ammo can's seal, take a piece of chalk, rub it on the top of where the can comes in contact with the rubber, close, open back up and look for the unbroken line of chalk residue on the seal. Also, a bit of RTV gasket maker will do in a pinch.

PS, the flea market in Jewett City has some new ammo cans. Bought 6 last weekend.
 
If you are really worried about it why don't you get ammo cans that can hold the still sealed spam cans. Put the spam can in there with the opener then spray some type of rust inhibitor all over the ammo can.

When you go to open the spam can you have the ammo can to put the rounds in for the shorter term storage.

Honestly though, either one will likely last longer as is then you will (or you memory of where you buried it).
 
I ordered 30-06 ammo from CMP in spam cans. On arrival I opened several and found corrosion on the ammo. Opened them all and about half has some degree of corrosion. If I had not opened those spam cans I would not have known of the corrosion. Needless to say I repacked all the ammo in 50 cal cans after cleaning it.
 
Medalguy- that's crazy that there was corrosion in the spam can. I wonder what happened... I can only think of incorrect packaging or a pinhole in the can/seal somehow. I have heard of some of the rounds breaking apart in the can, but never corrosion. Definitely something to think about when preparing for long term storage..
 
for long term or SHTF storage, use the plastic ammo cans from midway and others. waterproof and no rust.
not uncommon to find corrosion in spam cans. they were packed and sealed in ambient temp and humidity. usually not bad enough to effect performance.
 
I've got ammo cans over 35 years old that still seal perfectly. In 23 years of active duty I never saw evidence of corrosion on ammo in ammo cans, regardless of ambient conditions or age. The steel in ammo cans is much heavier than spam cans.
 
I am at the age where I don't need to worry about anything long term. However, the corrosion on ammunition in sealed cans is probably from the primers. I don't think it's caused by humidity. Still, there may be other things you wish to store for a long time (your obsolete guns, for example) and that will require more careful preparation. Obviously it is something you do during a dry spell, weather-wise.
 
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