right container for your ammunition is more than just a storage solution. It’s about organization, protection, and ensuring your rounds are ready when you are. For many shooters, a 50-round capacity hits the sweet spotmanageable for a range trip, perfect for a specific caliber’s batch, and easy to organize. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is a prime contender in this space, offering a dedicated solution for your ammunition storage needs.
This isn’t just another plastic bin. It’s a purpose-built piece of range gear designed with specific features for the shooter who values order and accessibility. From its mechanical hinge to its material construction, every aspect seems tailored to make your life at the bench or in the field a bit simpler. Let’s break down what makes this ammo container stand out and whether it deserves a spot in your kit.
Key Features of the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box
The Frankford Arsenal 505 box is built around a few core principles: durability, ease of use, and clear organization. Honestly speaking, these are the pillars of any good ammo storage system. A flimsy box that spills its contents or a lid that won’t stay open is more than an annoyance; it’s a workflow killer.
This model addresses those pain points directly. The hinged lid is a standout feature, designed to prevent accidental closure while you’re loading or unloading. No more holding the lid with your chin or having it slam shut. The secure clasp ensures everything stays put during transport. the high-density polymer construction promises to withstand the rigors of range bags, vehicle trunks, and even cold weather conditions without becoming brittle.
For those who reload or stock multiple loads, the included space for a 1″ x 2 5/8″ printer label is a small but significant touch. You can instantly identify your ammo by caliber, bullet weight, or powder charge. This level of organization, in my honest opinion, is what separates a simple container from a true ammo organizer.
Material and Durability: A Closer Look
The choice of high-density polymer is critical. It offers a lightweight yet robust alternative to traditional metal cans. While a metal ammunition case has its place for bulk, long-term storage, a plastic ammo box like this excels in daily handling and portability. The material is resistant to rust and corrosion, a non-issue with polymers but a constant threat to steel cans in humid environments.
One often-overlooked factor is UV degradation. Some plastics can become brittle and discolored after prolonged sun exposure. While the product description emphasizes cold-weather durability, it’s a good practice, as noted by , to store any plastic ammunition storage containers away from direct, constant sunlight to maximize their lifespan. For true long-term storage, consider adding a desiccant pack to combat internal moisture, an entity many reviews miss.
Capacity and Caliber Specificity
This is a caliber specific box, designed to hold exactly 50 rounds of certain cartridges. The listed compatibilities are 17 Remington, 222 Remington, 222 Remington Mag, 223 Remington, and 357 Maximum. This precise fit minimizes cartridge rattle and movement, protecting your rounds’ primers and ensuring they remain oriented correctly. If your primary caliber is .223 Remington/5.56mm, this box is practically tailor-made.
For other calibers, you’d need to check Frankford Arsenal’s lineup for different model numbers. This specificity is a double-edged sword: excellent for organization, but less flexible if you need a one-box-fits-all solution. My honest take is that this targeted approach is better for the serious shooter who accumulates ammo in batches.
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top 505: Specification Breakdown
Let’s consolidate the key details of this 50 round ammo can into a clear table. This gives you a quick reference for its capabilities and intended use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 Rounds |
| Compatible Calibers | 17 Rem, 222 Rem, 222 Rem Mag, 223 Rem, 357 Max |
| Lid Design | True Mechanical Hinge-Top |
| Closure | Secure Clasp |
| Primary Material | High-Density Polymer |
| Key Feature | Space for 1″ x 2 5/8″ Identification Label |
| Design Benefit | Built for stackable Storage |
| Durability Claim | Withstands Cold Weather Conditions |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Plastic vs. Metal: Choosing Your Ammo Container
The eternal debate for ammo storage box shoppers: plastic or metal? Each has its ardent supporters. From my honest perspective, the choice isn’t about which is universally better, but which is better for your specific application.
Metal Ammunition Cans (like traditional .50 cal or 30 cal cans):
Pros: Legendary durability, often include a rubber O-ring sealammunition storage.
Cons: Heavy, can rust, noisy, often overkill for taking 50-100 rounds to the range.
Plastic Ammo Boxes (like the Frankford Arsenal 505):
Pros: Lightweight, quiet, no rust, often transparent or label-friendly for easy identification, typically more affordable. Perfect for range gear and organized reloading supplies storage. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.Cons: May not be fully waterproof or airtight without a specific O-ring seal, potentially less crush-proof than heavy-gauge steel.
For the shooter who needs a waterproof 50 round ammo container for boating or extreme environments, a sealed metal can might still be the answer. But for 99% of range trips, organized cabinet storage, and general use, a well-made plastic ammo box is more than sufficient. I honestly believe the convenience and organization features of modern polymer boxes make them the superior choice for active shooters.
Practical Use Cases and Applications
Where does this 50 round box fit into your shooting ecosystem? Its design cues point to several ideal applications.
- Range Day Ready: Grab a pre-filled box (or several) and go. The label tells you exactly what’s insideno more mystery ammo. The hinged lid stays open for easy access on the bench.
- Reloading Workflow: After processing brass on a tool like the Frankford Arsenal case prep center, you can store sized/deprimed brass. Then, use it for finished rounds. It keeps batches separate and identifiable.
- Organized Long-Term Storage: While not hermetically sealed, these boxes are excellent for ammo preservation in a climate-controlled safe or cabinet. Stack them neatly, label them clearly, and use silica gel packets for added moisture protection.
- Travel & Transport: For flying to a shooting competition, the TSA requires ammunition to be in a secure, dedicated container. A sturdy, latchable box like this is perfect. Always check current airline policies, but a stackable, hard-sided box is generally compliant.
Honest to goodness, the utility of a simple box like this is often underestimated. It brings order to the potential chaos of loose ammo bags and bins.
How It Stacks Up: Brand Considerations
Frankford Arsenal isn’t the only player. Brands like MTM Case-Gard and Plano have long been staples in the gun accessories market for plastic boxes. Hornady also offers similar solutions. So, what might differentiate them?
Often, it comes down to subtle design choices: the smoothness of the hinge, the feel of the latch, the clarity of the plastic, or the exact label slot dimensions. Some brands offer boxes with integrated O-ring seals for a more moisture-resistant claim. Others focus on ultra-clear plastic for maximum visibility.
The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top’s claim to fame is its “true mechanical hinge.” This isn’t just a thin living hinge molded into the plastic; it’s a more robust design intended for longevity. When comparing a cheap ammo boxes for 50 rounds to this, you’re often paying for this kind of engineered durability over a simple flip-top that can fatigue and break. For a deeper dive into Frankford Arsenal’s engineering in other tools, the community at r/reloading on Reddit often has robust discussions.
Buying Guide and Final Recommendations
Selecting the best plastic ammo box for 50 rounds involves a few key considerations. Ask yourself these questions before buying:
- What caliber(s) do I shoot most? Match the box to your primary cartridge for a perfect fit.
- Where will I use it? Primarily for transport? Look for robust latches and stackable design. For shelf storage? Labeling becomes paramount.
- What’s my climate like? For humid areas, consider adding desiccant or looking for boxes that advertise a seal.
- How important is rapid identification? A label slot or transparent lid is invaluable for organized shooters.
My honest assessment is that the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505 is an excellent choice for the organized shooter, especially one who deals in .223 Remington. Its thoughtful design prioritizes user experience at the range and organization at home. The hinge is a genuine quality-of-life improvement, and the build quality feels substantial.
It may not be the absolute cheap ammo boxes for 50 rounds on the market, but it represents a solid value for its construction. You’re investing in a tool that should last through countless range trips and reloading sessions. For those looking to build a system of stackable 50 round ammo storage, this box is a compelling foundation.
If your needs extend into the reloading press itself, it’s worth researching how different presses handle workflow. For instance, comparing a progressive press like the Dillon Precision RL550C to a single-stage kit can inform how many finished rounds you’ll be boxing at once. Similarly, capabilities of a RCBS Rock Chucker kit provides context for the precision reloading market.
In the end, good gear works together seamlessly. A reliable ammo box is the final step in the chainsecuring and organizing the product of your labor and investment. The Frankford Arsenal 505 performs that duty with commendable simplicity and effectiveness. For more specialized insights from dedicated shooters, forums like the Frankford Arsenal section on CastBoolits can be a treasure trove of user experience.