Proper ammunition storage is about more than just tidiness. It’s a fundamental aspect of firearm safety, investment protection, and ensuring reliability when it matters most. A single compromised round can lead to a misfire or worse, turning a day at the range into a dangerous situation. That’s why dedicated storage solutions, like those from Frankford Arsenal, are non-negotiable for responsible shooters and reloaders.
This review focuses on the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505, a specific product designed for organized, secure storage. We’ll break down its features, compare it to the broader market, and integrate it into a complete system for ammunition preservation. From the role of desiccant packs to the realities of long-term storage in a gun safe, this guide covers what you need to know. My honest take is that a systematic approach to storage is one of the most overlooked yet critical habits a shooter can develop.
Frankford Arsenal Storage: A Focus on Core Functionality
Frankford Arsenal has built a reputation on providing practical, no-frills tools for the reloading bench. Their storage products follow the same philosophy. The Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is a clear example: it’s designed to do one job very well. It’s not a complex system with a dozen compartments; it’s a durable, single-purpose container that prioritizes protection and identification.
The product’s design centers on a true mechanical hinge. Honestly speaking, this is a small detail with a major impact. It prevents the lid from detaching and getting lost, a common annoyance with cheaper, snap-lid boxes. The secure clasp ensures a firm closure, which is the first line of defense against moisture and dust. Constructed from a high-density polymer, the box is built to withstand cold weather and the general rigors of range bags or shelf storage.
Key Specifications of the Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Holds 50 rounds of specific calibers: 17 Remington, 222 Remington, 222 Remington Mag, 223 Remington, or 357 Maximum. |
| Design | Hinge-top lid with a secure clasp for reliable closure. Built for stable stacking. |
| Material | High-density polymer for durability and cold-weather resistance. |
| Organization | Includes space for a 1″ x 2 5/8″ printer label for easy ammo identification. |
| Check current price on Amazon |
From my honest perspective, the label space is a standout feature for anyone who reloads or stores multiple loads. Clearly marking caliber, bullet weight, powder charge, and date takes the guesswork out of your ammo can. This simple practice, recommended by , is a cornerstone of safe and efficient ammunition management.
Building a Complete Ammunition Storage System
A single ammo box is just a component. Effective storage is a layered system addressing physical organization, environmental control, and safety. Heres a step-by-step guide to integrating a product like the Frankford Arsenal box into a robust setup.
Step 1: Primary Containment and Organization
Start with quality storage containers. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top box serves as an excellent primary holder for prepared rounds. Its stackable nature allows for efficient use of shelf space in a closet, safe, or storage locker. For bulkier quantities or larger calibers, traditional metal or heavy-duty polymer ammo cans are the next layer. Use the organized boxes inside the larger cans for the best of both worlds: easy access and bulk protection.
This method is particularly useful for reloading supplies. You can dedicate specific boxes to different projectile types or primed brass, keeping your components sorted and ready. Speaking honestly, chaos on the reloading bench leads to mistakes; organized storage is the first step in preventing them.
Step 2: Implementing Moisture and Humidity Control
This is where ammunition preservation is won or lost. The moisture-proof seal of a quality ammo can is your primary barrier, but internal humidity control is mandatory for long-term storage.
- Desiccant Packs: Silica gel packs are the standard. Toss a few into every ammo can and storage box. Reactivate them in the oven when they change color.
- Vacuum Sealing: For truly long-term storage (decades), vacuum-sealing loaded rounds or even reloading components like primers and powder in appropriate bags is highly effective.
- Climate Control: The ambient environment matters. A cool, dry, and stable place is ideal. Avoid attics (extreme heat) and basements (dampness).
I honestly believe that neglecting moisture control is the single biggest reason for ammunition degradation. That polymer box or metal can needs help from desiccants to create a true dry storage environment.
Step 3: Secure and Safe Final Storage
Your organized and dehumidified containers need a final, secure home. A gun safe is the best answer for most, providing theft deterrence, fire resistance, and a consolidated location. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.When storing ammo in a safe, consider these often-:
- Temperature Fluctuation: Even inside a safe, temperature swings can cause condensation. This makes your internal desiccant packs even more critical.
- Fire Safety: While modern smokeless powder is not explosive, it is combustible. A fire-rated safe can buy critical time, but storing very large quantities of powder separately is a wise safety consideration often overlooked in discussions of ammo can organizer strategies.
- Insurance Implications: Homeowners’ policies often have limits on ammunition coverage. For substantial collections, speaking with your insurer is a prudent step. Documenting your organized storage can also help in the claims process.
Frankford Arsenal vs. The Competition: MTM, Plano, and Hornady
How does the Frankford Arsenal approach stack up? Brands like MTM Case-Gard, Plano, and Hornady all offer similar plastic ammo boxes. The differences often come down to nuances in latch design, plastic clarity, and specific caliber fitments.
The Frankford Arsenal ammo storage line, including this hinge-top model, typically competes directly with MTM. In my honest assessment, Frankford Arsenal products often match or slightly undercut MTM on price while offering comparable seal integrity and durability. The hinge design on this model is a legitimate advantage over simple snap-lids. Plano boxes are widely available and affordable, but their seals can be less robust for long-term ammunition dry storage. Hornady’s boxes are excellent quality but sometimes command a premium.
For reloading accessory storage, Frankford Arsenal also offers dedicated trays and racks. The choice between brands often comes down to personal preference for latch feel or how a specific box fits your caliber. The best practice, according to many enthusiasts on forums like Reddit’s reloading community, is to standardize on one brand for consistent stackability.
Maximizing Ammunition Longevity: A Long-Term View
So, how long does ammunition last in proper storage? With an ideal systemcool, dry, and stablemodern centerfire ammunition can remain reliable for decades. The key is mitigating the enemies of ammunition: moisture and heat.
Ammunition longevity is directly tied to your system’s consistency. Regularly check your desiccant packs. Inspect stored rounds for any signs of verdigris (green corrosion) on brass or rust on steel cases. If you’re using a product like the Frankford Arsenal box with a label, note the storage date. Rotate your stock, using older ammunition first.
For your most valuable hand-loads or rare calibers, consider adding an oxygen absorber to the container alongside the desiccant. This creates an even more inert environment. To be completely honest, this is overkill for common range ammo, but for precision rounds or collectibles, it’s cheap insurance.
Final Assessment and Practical Recommendations
The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is a solid, purpose-built container. It excels at its core tasks: providing a durable, sealable, and label-friendly home for 50 rounds of specific calibers. Its mechanical hinge is a genuinely useful feature that adds durability over time. Its a perfect component for building a larger, organized moisture proof ammo storage system.
When considering how to store Frankford Arsenal reloading components or finished ammo, think in layers. Use these boxes for primary organization, place them inside larger, sealed ammo cans with desiccant, and store those cans in a cool, secure location like a safe. This is the best way to organize ammunition in a safe for both access and preservation.
Is it the only option? No. The Frankford Arsenal vs MTM ammo storage debate is largely a tie, decided by price and minor design preferences. You can find detailed comparisons of other Frankford tools, like the Frankford Arsenal M-Press or the Frankford Arsenal case prep center, for other parts of your reloading workflow.
In my honest opinion, investing in proper storage is investing in safety, reliability, and the value of your ammunition. It turns a collection of components and rounds into a managed, reliable resource. Start with a few good boxes, be religious about moisture control, and give your ammunition the stable environment it needs to perform for years to come. Your future self at the firing line will thank you.