You need a reliable place to put your rounds. Whether it’s factory ammo or your latest batch of handloads, proper storage is non-negotiable. For many shooters and reloaders, the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box has become a go-to solution, promising organization and protection without the heft of traditional metal. But does it live up to the hype for your ammunition storage needs?
This isn’t just about tossing cartridges in a bin. It’s about safeguarding your investment, keeping your reloading supplies sorted, and grabbing exactly what you need at the range. A good ammo organizer is a fundamental gun accessory, often overlooked until you’re digging through a messy range bag. My honest take is that the value of a well-designed container becomes crystal clear the moment you start accumulating different calibers and loads.
Introduction to Frankford Arsenal Ammo Boxes
Frankford Arsenal has carved out a solid reputation in the reloading world, known for tools like the Frankford Arsenal case prep center and various presses. Their foray into ammunition containers makes perfect sense. They understand what shooters need from the bench to the field. These plastic ammo boxes are positioned as modern, user-friendly alternatives to classic military surplus cans.
The core promise is straightforward: a durable, sealed ammo container that’s easy to use and identify. Honestly speaking, the hinge-top design is the immediate standout feature, addressing a common frustration with traditional flip-lid boxes. Its a simple innovation that speaks volumes about practical design thinking for everyday range gear.
Key Features and Material Breakdown
Let’s break down what this box actually offers. The construction and design details are where any ammo storage solution proves its worth, especially for long-term reliability.
Durability and Construction
The box is made from a high-density polymer. This polypropylene construction is a key point. Polypropylene is known for its toughness, chemical resistance, and ability to handle temperature fluctuations. It provides maximum durability and can withstand cold weather conditions, as noted in the specifications. This is crucial because, to be completely honest, many competitors don’t specify their plastic’s behavior in extreme cold or heat, or its resistance to common gun cleaners and oils. While the product data confirms cold weather resilience, a deeper look into its specific temperature range tolerance and UV resistance for outdoor storage would be valuable for users planning to keep boxes in garages or vehicles.
The Hinge and Seal System
The “True Mechanical Hinge” is the star. This design prevents the lid from inadvertently closing while you’re loading or unloading, a small but brilliant quality-of-life improvement. The clasp provides a secure closure. While it features a seal, the product data doesn’t explicitly detail an O-ring seal like some higher-end waterproof containers. Its performance as a truly waterproof container for submerged protection would depend on the specific gasket design. For typical range use, storage in a damp basement, or transport in the bed of a truck, its sealing is likely more than sufficient.
Practical Design Elements
Two features show thoughtful engineering. First, the stackable design. Built for stacking, these boxes maximize vertical space in your safe, on your reloading bench, or in a closet. Second, the included space for a 1″ x 2 5/8″ printer label. This transforms the box from a simple container into an identifiable part of your system. You can label caliber, bullet weight, powder charge, and datean essential feature for any serious reloader managing multiple loads. From my honest perspective, this labeling capability is a huge, underrated advantage.
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 |
| Primary Material | High-Density Polymer (Polypropylene) |
| Key Design | True Mechanical Hinge-Top with Clasp |
| Capacity (Examples) | 50 rounds of .223 Remington, .222 Remington, .357 Maximum |
| Storage Feature | Stackable Design |
| Labeling | Space for 1″ x 2 5/8″ Printer Label |
| Durability Note | Withstands Cold Weather Conditions |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Available Sizes and Capacity Guide
The provided data is for the “505” model, which holds 50 rounds of specific calibers like .223 Remington. This naturally leads to the question: what’s the best size Frankford Arsenal ammo box for 9mm? While this particular 505 model is configured for certain rifle calibers, Frankford Arsenal typically produces these boxes in multiple sizes tailored to different rounds. For pistol calibers like 9mm, you would generally look for a box with smaller individual cartridge slots or a wider interior dimension. I honestly believe that verifying the exact internal dimensions or model number for your specific caliber is a critical step before purchasing, as a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works well in ammo storage solutions.
Capacity is more than a number. It’s about fit. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.A box that holds 50 . 223 rounds snugly prevents rattle and potential damage during transport. When evaluating ammo storage solutions, consider how you use them. Is it for bulk storage. Then larger capacity or simply more boxes is the answer. Is it for taking pre-loaded magazines to the range. Then a box that holds a logical multiple of your magazine capacity (e. g. , 50 rounds for five 10-round mags) is ideal. The stackability factor here multiplies the utility, allowing you to create modular, space-efficient blocks of organized ammunition.
Frankford Arsenal vs. Competitor Brands
No product exists in a vacuum. The Frankford Arsenal vs MTM ammo box comparison is a common one among shooters. MTM Case-Gard is arguably the most direct competitor, offering similar plastic hinge-top boxes. Plano also makes popular options, often found in big-box stores. Then there’s the budget option: the ubiquitous ammo cans from Harbor Freight.
So how do you choose? If you want my honest opinion, it often comes down to nuances in the hinge mechanism, the feel of the latch, and the clarity of the plastic. Some brands have a more positive “click” on closure. Others might offer slightly thicker walls. Price is a factor, but often marginal. The real differentiator can be in the finer details, like the label area size or the exact texture of the polymer. Speaking honestly, Frankford Arsenal’s deep roots in the reloading community, as seen with products like their M-Press coaxial reloading press, give them an inherent understanding of the end-user’s workflow that sometimes translates into better-thought-out accessories.
Versus metal mil-spec cans, the advantages are weight and customization. Plastic boxes are far lighter to carry to the range. You can also see the contents without opening them if you use the label. The trade-off is ultimate crush resistance and that classic, indestructible feel. For most civilian applications, a high-quality plastic box like this Frankford Arsenal model is perfectly adequate and often more convenient.
Buying Considerations and Final Recommendations
Before you click “buy,” think about your primary use case. Are these for permanent storage of valuable collectible ammo? Then maximum seal integrity is paramount. Are they for organizing components on your reloading bench? Then label visibility and stackability take priority. For tossing in a range bag? Durability and secure closure are key.
critical questions to ask, the kind of practical advice you’d find according to Honest Opinion:
- Waterproofing: Are Frankford Arsenal ammo boxes waterproof? They are likely water-resistant for rain and spills, but if you need submersion-level protection, verify the seal type or consider a different option.
- Chemical Exposure: Will they be near solvents, powders, or oils on your bench? The polypropylene should resist common chemicals, but it’s wise to test in an inconspicuous spot.
- UV Exposure: Will they sit in sunlight? Most plastics degrade with prolonged UV exposure. For long-term storage in bright areas, a shaded location is best.
- Quantity: These boxes work best as a system. Buying in multiples is often more cost-effective and gives you a uniform, stackable storage library.
My honest assessment is that the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box excels as a practical, well-designed workhorse. It solves the main pain points of ammo organization with its clever hinge, robust polypropylene construction, and smart labeling feature. It may not have the nostalgic heft of steel, but it offers modern convenience that integrates seamlessly into a shooter’s or reloader’s ecosystem.
For the reloader who already uses Frankford Arsenal tools like the Frankford Arsenal precision turret press, these boxes are a logical extension. They speak the same language of efficiency. For the shooter looking to de-tangle a pile of loose boxes in the safe, they offer a path to order. To get the full picture from a community of dedicated users, it’s worth checking discussions on forums like the Frankford Arsenal dedicated reloading forum for long-term user experiences.
So, where to buy Frankford Arsenal ammo cans? They are widely available at major online retailers, sporting goods stores, and directly from Frankford Arsenal dealers. The value proposition is clear: for a modest investment, you gain control over a critical part of your shooting hobby. You protect your ammunition, streamline your range trips, and bring a little more order to the beautiful chaos of handloading. In the end, thats a win you can stack up neatly on the shelf.