Your ammunition is only as reliable as its storage. A single compromised round can mean the difference between a successful range day and a frustrating malfunction. For reloaders and shooters alike, proper ammunition storage is non-negotiable. It protects your investment from moisture, dust, and physical damage, ensuring every componentfrom primers to finished cartridgesperforms as intended. The market is flooded with options, but today we’re putting a popular choice under the microscope: the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box.
This review isn’t about hypotheticals. We’re analyzing its real-world performance against key competitors like the MTM ACR4-18 and Plano 1012. The core questions we’re answering: are Frankford Arsenal ammo boxes worth the money, and how do they stack up in the critical areas of durability, seal, and value? My honest take is that the devil is in the details, and those details define whether a box is just a container or a true protective system.
Head-to-Head: Frankford Arsenal vs. The Competition
To understand where the Frankford Arsenal box stands, we need context. It exists in a competitive space dominated by a few key players, each with a slightly different philosophy. The MTM Case-Gard series, particularly models like the ACR4-18, is often hailed for its robust build and positive latch feel. Plano boxes, such as the 1012, are ubiquitous for their affordability and straightforward design. Then you have various generic options, sometimes found at places like Harbor Freight, which prioritize cost above all else.
The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top enters this fray with a specific design focus: the true mechanical hinge. This isn’t a living hinge molded into the polypropylene construction; it’s a separate piece. Honestly speaking, this is the first major differentiator. While many boxes use the lid itself as a flex point, Frankford Arsenal’s approach aims for long-term durability at the most common failure point. But a hinge is just one part of the equation for a waterproof container.
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505: A Closer Look
Let’s break down the specific unit we’re examining. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is designed for 50 rounds of specific calibers: 17 Remington, 222 Remington, 222 Remington Mag, 223 Remington, or 357 Maximum. This specificity is crucial for organization, a key aspect of managing reloading supplies.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 |
| Capacity | 50 rounds of .17 Rem, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .357 Max |
| Key Design | True mechanical hinge, clasp closure |
| Material | High-density polymer |
| Special Features | Stackable design, label space (1″ x 2 5/8″) |
| Intended Use | Storing factory or reloaded ammunition |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The hinge-top design is promoted to prevent the lid from inadvertently closing during loading, a small but thoughtful touch. The high-density polymer promises durability, even in cold weather. From my honest perspective, the inclusion of a dedicated label space is a huge win for organization, especially if you load multiple bullet weights or powders for the same caliber. You’re not just buying a box; you’re buying a system for identification, a practice that, according to Honest Opinion, separates seasoned reloaders from beginners.
Key Comparison Metrics: Where It Really Matters
Durability and Material Construction
All these boxes use plastic, but not all plastics are equal. The Frankford Arsenal specifies “high-density polymer,” a common term for polypropylene construction. This material is known for good impact resistance and flexibility in the cold, as noted. MTM and Plano use similar materials, but thickness, ribbing, and mold quality vary dramatically. A point often missed in reviews is long-term chemical resistance. Spilled gun oil, solvents, or even certain case lubricants can degrade some plastics over time, causing brittleness. While specific IPX or MIL-STD waterproof ratings are rarely given for these consumer boxes, the material’s innate resistance to environmental stress is a silent spec.
The true mechanical hinge is Frankford’s play for longevity. Living hinges can fatigue and crack after thousands of cycles. I honestly believe this design choice is aimed at the serious shooter who opens and closes their boxes frequently. However, durability isn’t just about the hinge. How do the latches hold up? Does the box feel rigid or flex under load? These are questions answered through user reviews and real-world testing, which often reveal that MTM’s latches have a more positive, heavy-duty snap, while Plano’s can feel lighter.
Seal and Waterproofing Performance
This is the heart of moisture protection. The question of which ammo box has the best seal for humidity is paramount for long-term storage. The Frankford Arsenal box described here uses a clasp closure. Critically, there is no mention of an O-ring seal or a pressure equalization valve in the provided features. These are the hallmarks of true sealed storage for creating a moisture-proof environment, often found in higher-end “dry boxes” or the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series.
Without an integrated gasket, this Hinge-Top model relies on a tight fit to keep water and humidity out. It will likely protect against splashes and dust, making it a fine range bag companion. But for truly submerging your ammo can or storing primers and powder for decades, you need that confirmed, compressible seal. For true long-term ammunition storage, the lack of a defined seal is a significant limitation. My honest assessment is that this box is best classified as water-resistant, not waterproof.
Price, Value, and Capacity
At around $5. 49, the Frankford Arsenal box sits in a competitive mid-range. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.It’s typically more expensive than the most basic Plano boxes but often comparable to or slightly less than equivalent MTM products. The Frankford Arsenal vs MTM vs Plano comparison on price is tight. Value, however, is measured in features per dollar.
- Frankford Arsenal: True hinge, label space, specific caliber fit.
- MTM: Often features beefier latches and sometimes gasket seals in their “Dry” line.
- Plano: Value leader, tremendous variety of sizes, but often simpler construction.
Capacity is another factor. The model 505 is for 50 rounds of specific rifle calibers. Other sizes exist, but the concept of an ammo crate that holds multiple smaller boxes is often a more flexible solution for high-volume shooters. You must match the box to your typical batch size. Buying a 100-round box for your 50-round test loads is inefficient.
Best Use Case Scenarios
Not every box is for every job. This is where the Frankford Arsenal vs other ammo boxes debate finds resolution.
For the Range Bag & Active Shooting
The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top excels here. The hinge that stays open is fantastic when you’re grabbing rounds under the clock or in the field. The label lets you quickly identify different loads (e.g., “77gr OTM Match” vs. “55gr FMJ Blaster”). Its durable polymer can handle being tossed in a truck or range bag. It’s a perfect organizer for your gun accessories and ready ammunition.
For Long-Term Storage & Reloading Components
This is where you must be cautious. For storing bulk, finished ammo or sensitive reloading components like primers, you need a confirmed moisture barrier. The lack of an O-ring seal in this model makes it less ideal than a dedicated sealed option. For powder storage, you should always use the original, sealed container from the manufacturer. For the best waterproof ammo box for long term storage, you’d want to look at Frankford’s own Platinum line or MTM’s Dry boxes which include gaskets and sometimes valves. The discussion on forums like the reloading subreddit consistently emphasizes sealed containers with desiccant for long-term primer and ammo storage.
Final Verdict & Buying Recommendations
So, are Frankford Arsenal ammo boxes worth the money? For their intended purpose, absolutely. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is a well-designed, thoughtful organizer built for active use. The true mechanical hinge is a legitimate durability upgrade, the label space is invaluable, and the caliber-specific fit prevents rattle and damage.
However, to be completely honest, it is not a universal solution. It is not a substitute for a true waterproof, gasketed storage system for safeguarding your ammo against humidity for years. Think of it as a premium tactical organizer rather than an archival storage vault.
You should buy the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top if:
- You need durable, organized boxes for frequent range trips.
- You appreciate the convenience of a stay-open hinge and labeling.
- Your primary need is physical organization and splash resistance, not hermetic sealing.
- You’re looking for a quality mid-tier box that avoids the cheapest feel.
You should look at other options (like gasketed MTM or Frankford Platinum) if:
- Your top priority is long-term, climate-proof ammunition storage.
- You store ammunition or components in humid environments.
- You want a box you could theoretically submerge.
- You need to store very small components like primers outside their original packaging.
In the end, the best setup often involves both. Use sealed, gasketed cans for your bulk, long-term reserves. Then, use organized, easy-access boxes like this Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top to portion out what you need for your next session. This layered approach to ammunition storage ensures both ultimate protection and daily convenience. For those diving deeper into the reloading process with Frankford Arsenal equipment, understanding your press options is key, whether it’s their single-stage M-Press Coaxial or their versatile precision turret press. And for case preparation, a critical step for accuracy, their case prep center is a popular choice against competitors. Speaking honestly, the right gun accessories work together to create a seamless workflow from component to confident shot.