M2A1 .50 Cal Steel Ammo Can (Mil-Surplus, Grade 1)

The M2A1 .50 caliber can is the benchmark steel ammo can. The body is seam-welded carbon steel with the latch, hinge, and handle spot-welded on, and an integral rubber gasket runs the perimeter of the lid. When the lever latch is closed, that gasket compresses against the steel rim and renders the can effectively waterproof, which is why surplus cans pulled from depots decades later still hold a dry seal.

Grade 1 surplus is the grade to buy. These cans show light handling wear but the gasket and seal are fully serviceable out of the box. Grade 2 cans are cheaper and structurally sound but cosmetically rougher, and the gasket is more likely to be hardened or missing, so budget for a replacement seal if you go that route. A gasket that no longer compresses cleanly is the single failure point on an otherwise indestructible container.

The interior measures roughly 11 by 5.5 by 7 inches, enough for about 1,200 loose 5.56 rounds, 2,200 loose 9mm, or 100 linked rounds of .50 BMG. The steel body shrugs off punctures that would crack a polymer can and stacks securely thanks to the recessed lid. Pair it with a reusable silica gel desiccant canister and it becomes a sealed, humidity-controlled vault for long-term ammunition storage.