MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can Review

The MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can: Is It Really That Good?

After years of wrestling with heavy, often rusted metal ammo cans, I found myself in need of a lighter, more manageable solution for transporting ammunition to the range. The traditional military-style cans, while robust, are a bear to lug around, and their seals can be finicky. I was looking for something that offered similar capacity and protection but with a more user-friendly design. My search led me to the MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can, a plastic alternative promising durability and ease of use. On first inspection, the molded polypropylene felt surprisingly robust, a welcome departure from the flimsy plastic containers that sometimes litter the market. It felt solid in hand, with a satisfying click to its latches, and I immediately felt a sense of relief that my back might thank me for this choice. I briefly considered some other, less feature-rich plastic containers, but their lack of a proper O-ring seal and dual latches made them non-starters. This MTM can immediately struck me as a thoughtfully designed piece of gear.

Real-World Testing: Putting MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can were straightforward: loading it up with bulk .223 rounds at home and then transporting it to my local indoor range. The lighter weight was immediately apparent, making the trip from my garage to my vehicle and then into the range bag significantly easier. I filled it multiple times over the course of an afternoon, and the dual latches remained secure without any fuss. The textured exterior provided a decent grip, even with slightly sweaty hands after a few shooting sessions.

There were no significant surprises during its first outing. It performed exactly as advertised, holding a substantial amount of ammunition without feeling unwieldy. The only minor quirk was ensuring the O-ring seal was properly seated on one edge before snapping the lid shut, a brief learning curve that became second nature after the first few closures.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this MTM ammo container has become my go-to for most range trips. I’ve used it for everything from 9mm and .45 ACP to larger rifle calibers, and it handles them all with ease. I even subjected one to a light dusting from a dirt road on the way to an outdoor range, and the dust easily wiped away.

Despite being made of plastic, it has shown remarkable resilience. I’ve accidentally dropped one a short distance onto a concrete floor during a busy range day, and aside from a minor scuff, it remained perfectly intact with no cracks or compromises to its integrity. The dual latches are still firm, and the O-ring seal continues to provide excellent water resistance. In comparison to some older plastic containers I’ve used in workshop settings that became brittle over time, this MTM model feels like it will last. Cleaning is a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth, and storing them is easy thanks to their stackable design.

Breaking Down the Features of MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can

Specifications

The MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can boasts a design that blends capacity with user-friendly materials. It’s constructed from rugged polypropylene plastic, which significantly reduces its weight compared to traditional metal cans. This makes it ideal for transport and everyday handling. The dimensions are a practical 13.5 inches long, 7.4 inches wide, and 8.5 inches tall, providing ample space for bulk ammunition storage, mirroring the capacity of a standard 50-caliber metal can.

A standout feature is the MTM’s tongue and groove O-Ring seal system. This provides a superior water-resistant seal, crucial for protecting your ammunition from moisture damage. The heavy-duty dual latching system ensures a secure closure, minimizing the chance of accidental opening. For added security, it includes double padlock tabs, allowing for an extra layer of protection if needed. Finally, molded-in stacking ridges allow for secure and stable storage when multiple cans are piled up.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – securely storing and transporting ammunition – the MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can excels. The capacity is generous, easily accommodating several hundred rounds of most common calibers, such as 5.56 or 9mm. The water-resistant seal performed admirably, keeping the interior dry even when I accidentally splashed water near it during a clean-up session.

The dual latches are a significant improvement over single latches found on some other plastic containers; they engage with a satisfying click and hold firm, preventing any unwanted opening during transit. While it doesn’t offer the impenetrable security of a military-grade steel can against extreme force, for its intended purpose of protecting ammunition from the elements and ensuring easy transport, it is highly effective. Its performance is well within expectations for its price point and material.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this MTM ammo container is both functional and practical. The polypropylene plastic construction, while lighter, still feels substantial and well-made, not cheap or flimsy. The molded-in stacking ridges are a smart addition, allowing for neat and stable stacking in my storage area, preventing them from sliding around.

Ergonomically, the can is comfortable to handle. The comfortably handled design, as described by the manufacturer, is accurate; the molded grips along the sides provide a secure purchase. The dual latches are easy to operate, requiring just enough pressure to open them, which prevents them from being accidentally triggered. The overall finish is smooth, with no sharp edges, contributing to a pleasant user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the durability of the MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can appears to be excellent for its intended use. The rugged polypropylene material has shown no signs of cracking, warping, or becoming brittle, even after being exposed to temperature fluctuations in my garage. The O-ring seal has maintained its pliability, and the latches show no signs of weakening.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean. For more stubborn dirt or grime, a mild soap and water solution works effectively. There are no complex parts to maintain or lubricate. Potential failure points would likely be related to extreme impact or prolonged exposure to UV radiation, but under normal storage and transport conditions, it should offer years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can comes as a standalone unit, with no specific accessories included in the package. Its primary benefit lies in its inherent design features, such as the aforementioned O-Ring seal and dual latching system.

While there are no direct customization options for the can itself, its design makes it highly compatible with standard security measures. The double padlock tabs are a key feature here, allowing users to secure their contents with their preferred padlocks. This is particularly useful for individuals who need to comply with specific storage regulations or simply want an added layer of security.

Pros and Cons of MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can

Who Should Buy MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can?

This MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can is an ideal solution for a wide range of users who prioritize ease of transport and effective protection from the elements. Home range enthusiasts who frequently move ammunition to and from shooting ranges will appreciate the reduced weight. Workshop owners and DIYers can use these for organizing various small parts, fasteners, or even hazardous materials where a water-resistant seal is beneficial.

Anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable storage solution that is easier to handle than heavy metal cans should consider this model. Those who need extreme durability against crushing forces or require a completely sterile, sealed environment for medical or laboratory applications might need to look at more specialized, and often more expensive, options. For general ammo storage and transport, it’s a fantastic choice. I would also recommend having at least one spare or additional can, as their stackability makes them highly efficient for organizing different types of ammunition.

Conclusion on MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can

The MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can has proven itself to be a highly practical and well-executed alternative to traditional metal ammo cans. Its lightweight polypropylene construction makes a significant difference in day-to-day handling and transport, while the superior O-Ring seal and dual latches ensure effective protection for your contents. While it may not offer the same level of brute force resistance as a steel can, its durability for its intended use is impressive, as evidenced by its resilience to accidental drops.

For its price point of $15.99, the value proposition is strong, offering a combination of features and reliability that is hard to beat. I would absolutely recommend this MTM 50 Cal tall Ammo can to any shooter or hobbyist looking for an easier, more manageable, and still highly effective way to store and transport their gear. If you’re tired of back strain from lugging heavy metal cans, this plastic alternative is definitely worth making a staple in your equipment arsenal.