Bullets Out / Batteries In

Bullets Out / Batteries InWeapon stores are a cool place for photogs to hang out in, not necessarily because photographers use firearms (though we are constantly treated as terrorists), but because photogs share some of the same concerns of hunters.

Readers Michael Page just spotted that bullet cases or ("Ammo" boxes) can be used to store batteries on long trips where you have no chargers. Or when you need lots of batteries to stay dry.

Here is what Michael had to say about it:

Dunham's [sports] sells stuff for hunters that load their own
ammunition, including these dandy little plastic cartridge boxes. The
"big bore" rifle cartridge box is the perfect size for storing and
carrying AA batteries, and "small rifle" is exactly right for AAA. I'm
going to keep the charged batteries in the boxes, and just dump the
depleted one's into an empty pocket on the camera bag. Not only that,
but it keeps the battery's contacts from coming into contact with each
other, doing strange and often unmentionable things to your battery's
innards. I even got one extra ($4 US) to separate rechargeable
batteries from standard.



Now, the big bore boxes are tall enough that if you're the rough and
tumble type that do a lot of jumping around, the batteries can come out
of the little dividers. They'll still be in the box, just scrambled
around. In that case, a little scrap foam inside the lid will keep
everyone in their place just nicely.

A short search on Amazon reveals a ton of those boxes for almost every size of battery out there, including some water proof cases if you expecting a wild watery ride. And they start at ridiculous prices like 3-4 Dollars.

Thanks, Michael for the tip. You can find many more tips and fellow great photogs who really know their stuff on DIYP's Flickr group where Michael shared the tip. If you have a question to ask, or a tip to share the group is a great place to do so.

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Comments

I like the pistol boxes too

Followed your link to Amazon and at the bottom of the first page was a Plano Four Pistol Case. This loooks to be perfect as a lighting case. I've long known the local hardware store was great for DIY Photography stuff. Now I'll have to peruse the "shooting sports" section of the local sporting goods store as well. Thanks for the tip!

Powerpax

  • April 3, 2010
  • Will

www.powerpax.net has actual battery caddies for just about the same price!

They are made in the US (Chicago) and use local suppliers for their goods/shipping.

They don't hold nearly as many, but they definitely look nicer and are more compact.

Great idea!

I'll have to take a tour over some local sports shooting shops.

battery pack

  • April 3, 2010
  • fotographx

Instead of putting batteries back in your bag loose why not just turn them over?  I have some battery holders that I have labeled charged on one end.  I put the hot end up and when I've used the batteries I put them back with the negative side up, that way I know which batteries I've used.  I use this company for my batteries as they sell the holders with them already.

http://www.all-battery.com/freeshipping24pcsofaa2600mahhighcapacitynimhr...

The local dollar stores here

  • April 5, 2010
  • Winston

The local dollar stores here sell plastic cases that hold a dozen AA and AAA batteries..  Also check batteriesamerica.com as they sell both cases and multi gang chargers so you can charge the whole case at once. lol.

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