Ammo Can Dimensions: Size, Height and Length

Ammo cans are the rugged storage solution every gun enthusiast needs! These steel containers protect your ammunition from moisture and damage while keeping everything organized. 

Whether you’re planning long-term storage or hauling rounds to the range, knowing exact ammo can dimensions helps you pick the right ammo container for your needs.

M19A1 .30 Caliber Ammo Can Dimensions

The .30 cal ammo can is the compact choice for smaller caliber storage. It’s not huge, but it holds plenty for most shooters!

.30 Cal Ammo Can Size Specifications

External dimensions measure 11.75 inches × 3.75 inches × 7 inches. That’s length × width × height if you’re keeping track. The can isn’t very wide, which makes it easy to slide onto tight shelves.

Internal dimensions come out to 10 inches × 3.5 inches × 6.5 inches. You lose about an inch all around because of the thick walls and seal. That’s still ample space for several hundred rounds though!

The empty weight capacity sits at 3.7 lbs. That’s light enough to carry around when it’s empty. Fill it up with ammunition, and you’ll definitely feel the difference. But it won’t break your back like the bigger sizes can.

What Fits Inside a .30 Cal Ammo Can

This little container surprises people with its capacity! The dimensions might look small, but you can pack a serious amount of ammo inside.

12 Gauge shotgun shells fit about 140 rounds if you pour them in loose. Stack them carefully, and you might squeeze in a few more. The shells are bulky, so they take up more room than rifle or pistol ammunition.

.308 Win cartridges fit around 320 rounds. These are common rifle rounds that many shooters stock up on. The capacity makes this ammo box a solid choice for 308 storage.

5.56×45/.223 Rem ammunition packs in tight at about 600 rounds! These smaller rifle cartridges don’t take up much space, so you get excellent capacity in the compact dimensions.

.45 ACP pistol ammo hits around 770 rounds. Not bad for a can this size! You can bring plenty to the range without needing multiple containers.

9mm cartridges are the winner for capacity – you can stuff about 1,200 rounds in this can. The small size of 9mm means you maximize every inch of internal dimensions.

M2A1 and M2A2 .50 Caliber Ammo Can Dimensions

The .50 cal ammo can is the most popular size on the market. It’s the perfect middle ground between compact and spacious!

Standard .50 Cal Ammo Can Size

External dimensions measure 11.75 inches × 6 inches × 7.5 inches. Notice the width is bigger than the .30 cal version. That extra room makes a huge difference in capacity.

Internal dimensions come to 11 inches × 5.5 inches × 7 inches. You still lose some space to the thick walls, but there’s plenty of room for ammo storage.

The empty weight sits at 5.2 lbs. That’s about 1.5 lbs heavier than the .30 cal can. The extra metal in the wider design adds weight, but it’s still manageable when empty.

M2A2 Ammo Can Dimensions and Differences

The M2A2 measures 11-3/4 inches × 6 inches × 7-1/2 inches on the outside. These dimensions match the M2A1 almost exactly. You won’t notice any difference in size when you hold them side by side.

What makes the M2A2 special isn’t the dimensions – it’s the improved latch system. There’s an extra metal support bracket in the latch assembly. This little feature prevents the rubber gasket from getting crushed over time.

When you stack heavy cans on top of each other for months or years, pressure builds up. The old M2A1 sometimes had seal problems after extended stacking. The M2A2 handles the pressure better thanks to that support bracket.

You can spot an M2A2 by looking at the printing. These newer cans have white digital letters instead of the traditional yellow stenciling. The military started using this design around the mid-2010s.

.50 Cal Ammo Can Capacity Guide

This size doubles the capacity of the smaller .30 cal version. The wider dimensions pack in way more rounds!

12 Gauge shells fit about 250 rounds. That’s nearly double what the .30 cal holds. Perfect for shotgun enthusiasts who burn through shells at the clay range.

.308 Win cartridges pack in around 640 rounds. Again, that’s double the .30 cal capacity. Serious rifle shooters appreciate having this many rounds in one container.

5.56×45/.223 Rem ammunition reaches about 1,200 rounds in this size. The dimensions give you ample space for bulk rifle ammo. One can handles multiple range trips without refilling.

.45 ACP hits around 1,300 rounds. That’s a serious stockpile of 45 caliber pistol ammo in one weather-resistant container.

40 S&W/10mm cartridges fit approximately 1,750 rounds. These mid-size pistol cartridges pack efficiently into the available space.

9mm ammunition leads the pack at about 2,200 rounds! The small cartridge size means you maximize every cubic inch. This capacity makes the .50 cal can the excellent choice for 9mm bulk storage.

Specialty Ammo Can Dimensions and Sizes

Not everyone needs standard sizes. Sometimes you want something a little different for specific storage needs!

.50 Cal Fat Ammo Can Dimensions

The Fat .50 cal measures approximately 12 inches × 7 inches × 8.5 inches. That extra inch in width and height adds significant volume. You get more space without a massive jump in overall size.

This design works great when you need just a bit more room than a standard .50 cal provides. The increased dimensions still fit most storage areas where regular 50 cal ammo cans work.

Weight goes up with the larger size. The extra metal and additional capacity mean you’re carrying more when it’s full. Keep that in mind if you’re hauling cans long distances.

.50 Cal Tall Ammo Can Dimensions

The Tall .50 cal measures approximately 11.75 inches × 6 inches × 10 inches. Notice the width stays the same, but the height shoots up. You get a deeper container while maintaining the same shelf footprint.

This extra vertical space is perfect for certain storage situations. Long, narrow items that stick out of regular cans fit beautifully in the Tall version. Think cleaning rods, tools, or rolled-up maps and documents.

Large Format Ammo Can Dimensions

When you need serious size, these big boys deliver! They’re not for everyone, but certain situations call for maximum capacity.

M548 20mm Ammo Can Size

External dimensions hit 18.75 inches × 8.5 inches × 14.5 inches. This thing is huge compared to standard sizes! The dimensions give you massive storage volume.

Internal dimensions measure 17.25 inches × 7.5 inches × 14 inches. Even after accounting for the thick steel walls, you’ve got enormous space inside. This isn’t for a few boxes of ammunition – this is bulk storage!

Weight clocks in at 19.8 lbs empty. That’s before you put anything inside! A full 20mm can becomes seriously heavy. You’ll want a sturdy shelf or floor space for these monsters.

M116A2 40mm Ammo Can Dimensions

External dimensions come to 18.25 inches × 6 inches × 9.75 inches. Notice this can is long and tall but not very wide. The narrow profile differs from the boxy 20mm size.

Internal dimensions measure 17.25 inches × 5.5 inches × 9.5 inches. The slim width limits what fits inside, but the length and height provide good volume for long items.

Weight sits at 14.0 lbs empty. That’s lighter than the 20mm can despite similar length. The narrower construction uses less steel.

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Questions

What size is an ammo can?

The most common ammo can size is the .50 caliber can at 11.75 inches × 6 inches × 7.5 inches exterior. The .30 caliber version measures 11.75 inches × 3.75 inches × 7 inches. These standard dimensions cover most storage needs. Larger sizes like 20mm (18.75 inches × 8.5 inches × 14.5 inches) and 40mm (18.25 inches × 6 inches × 9.75 inches) exist for heavy-duty applications.

Are all ammo cans the same size?

No! Ammo cans come in various sizes based on military designations. The .30 cal and .50 cal are most common, but specialty dimensions include Fat and Tall variations of the .50 cal, plus large 20mm and 40mm sizes. Military surplus cans follow mil-spec standards, but commercial reproductions might vary slightly. Always check the specific dimensions before buying to ensure the size fits your needs.

What are the inside dimensions of a 50 Cal ammo can?

The internal dimensions of a standard .50 cal ammo can (M2A1/M2A2) measure 11 inches × 5.5 inches × 7 inches. These interior measurements are smaller than the external dimensions (11.75 inches × 6 inches × 7.5 inches) because the thick steel walls and rubber gasket take up space. The internal dimensions determine how much ammunition or other items actually fit inside the container.

What are the dimensions of a 556 ammo can?

There’s no specific “5.56 ammo can” designation. Most shooters use the .30 caliber can for 5.56/.223 ammunition. This can measures 11.75 inches × 3.75 inches × 7 inches externally and 10 inches × 3.5 inches × 6.5 inches internally. It holds approximately 600 rounds of 5.56/.223 when poured loose. The .50 cal size (11.75 inches × 6 inches × 7.5 inches) holds about 1,200 rounds for bulk storage.

What size is a 20mm ammo can?

The M548 20mm ammo can measures 18.75 inches × 8.5 inches × 14.5 inches on the exterior. Internal dimensions are 17.25 inches × 7.5 inches × 14 inches. This is substantially larger than standard .30 cal or .50 cal dimensions. The empty can weighs 19.8 lbs, and it becomes very heavy when full. This size works best for bulk storage, large tools, or emergency supply crates.

What size is a 40MM ammo can?

The M116A2 40mm ammo can measures 18.25 inches × 6 inches × 9.75 inches externally. Interior dimensions come to 17.25 inches × 5.5 inches × 9.5 inches. The narrow width compared to other large cans makes this size ideal for long, slim items. Empty weight is 14.0 lbs. Some dimension variation exists between military surplus and commercial versions, so verify measurements before purchasing.

Conclusion

Ammo can dimensions matter whether you’re storing ammunition, tools, or emergency supplies! The standard .30 cal (11.75 inches × 3.75 inches × 7 inches) and .50 cal (11.75 inches × 6 inches × 7.5 inches) sizes handle most needs. Specialty dimensions like the 20mm and 40mm cans provide massive capacity for serious storage requirements.

The rugged steel construction, rubber seal, and waterproof design protect your items for years. Just measure your space before buying, pick the right size for your capacity needs, and don’t drop a full can on your toes – you’ll want to keep all ten for your next time at the range!