Over the past 18 months, I've accumulated a good inventory of magazines. Lots of 30rnd Magpul Pmags, 30rnd GI Mags from Brownells, Butler Creek Steel lips for my 10/22, Blackdog 22LR mags for my AR-22 conversion, and various AR-9mm mags for my 9mm conversion. I had them all thrown into boxes in my computer room and I finally got around to organizing them. Along with the magazines, I purchased a bunch of 50cal ammo cans. Some are surplus, some are new. All of them (in my mind) are air/water tight so they will be good for long term storage. 50 cal ammo cans stack very well, are air/water tight, and can be had for around $15-25, depending on condition or smokin' sales deals. They are very tough and can take the abuse of bouncing inside the bed of a truck, during your "bug out of town" escape. :)

I can fit ten 30rnd AR mags into an ammo can. That took up 7 of my 50cal ammo cans! Geez, I have a lot. :) I usually have about 30 mags loaded and stored in my gun safe. It got tired of pulling them out one at a time to see what type of ammo I had loaded them up with. So I decided to color coded them.


RED = 223 Ballistic Tips (hunting).
YELLOW = 223 Full Metal Jacket (tactical drills).
GREEN = 223 hollowpoints (zombies)
BLUE = 223 Steel case crap (plinking).

WHITE&RED = 300 Blackout w/ ballistic tips.
WHITE&YELLOW = 300 Blackout w/ FMJ.
WHITE&GREEN = 300 Blackout (HP/subsonic)

The floorplate of the Magpul Pmags have 8 recessed areas and I filled in the colors. Most will have one color, as most will be 223/5.56. I don't expect to have much in 300 Blackout, since I was not planning on using Pmags for that caliber. Just GI mags.

All lined up and hanging off the cans, waiting for the paint to dry.



Previously, I did a write-up on color filling AR Receivers. I basically followed the same steps.

The rest of my ammo cans will store my reloaded ammo. Each can is labeled with caliber and load data. I have 4 cans that are also filled with factory ammo. All will be stored away for safe keeping, or until the need arises.

Nice clean look.

Great idea. Looks good.
I do that with my colored flashlights :p