Ammo Boxes vs. Tupperware

[+briansnat]

I've recently found a source for ammo boxes where they cost less than quality Rubbermaid/Tupperware containers. Ammo boxes (.50 cal) are also a perfect size for a Geocache and have a much better seal than most plastic containers. My concern is long term durability of ammo boxes. I noticed rust on some of the boxes in my recent shipment. Of those of you who've found ammo boxe caches that have been outside for a while, what is your opinion of them? Do they seem to rust easily? Which is better to you, the durabilty of Tupperware, or the size and solid seal of an ammo box?

 

P.S. Don't tell me about "Gladware". I've found it doesn't seal well and fails after a short period

[+Ttepee]

Ammo cans are definitely the best for the long haul. I replaced all my rubbermaid long ago as it requires too much maintenance. I have only seen minimal rust on an ammo can and that only cosmetic. I've seen year+ cans out there that are holding up like a charm. I wouldn't worry about it anymore... leave the rubbermaid in the fridge and let the big boys take care of the caches ;-)

[Davros]

Keep in mind guy's this is post 9-11-2k1! Many of the park services I have been talking to recently have strictly forbidden or frowned apon the use of Ammo cans! I agree to the reliability factor of them, they also agree but stressed the concern of citizens who may spot the cache unaware of its purpose. A tupperware container or some other sort of "non-threatening" type container was strongly recomended. Let's face it in todays times people are very threatend by suspicious packages lying around no matter what it looks like. Let's not provoke more fear into the unsuspecting by leaving Ammo Cans lying around!

 

Besides, placing a cache in a tupperware container might require you, or someone to properly maintain the cache or periodic visits instead of hiding it and forgetting it.

 

Park services and Police all across the country right now are on edge about Geocaching as it is. Let's not push it over the edge!

 

Take care.

 

Randall J. Berry

davros@mdgps.net

[+briansnat]

I don't know if this helps or not, but I paint the words GEOCACHE - NO DANGER on my boxes as well as my e-mail address.

[+Ttepee]

I put a geocaching lable on mine. Most of my caches are hidden in cooperation with the parks and they also appreciate the critter/weatherproofness of ammo cans. So long as there are no surprises the parks people have been very cooperative even here in NY an hour from the city.

[+Dekaner]

I just picked up a few ammo boxes from the local army/navy store and combined them with some of the 'official geocache' stickers found in the online store.

 

It wasn't the cheapest way to go, but it clearly illustrates the purpose of the cache and neatly covers the original ammunition writing on the side of the box.

 

No mistaking these bad boys.