Every shooter eventually faces the same logistical puzzle. You’ve got factory loads, hand-loaded precision rounds, and maybe a few boxes of that oddball caliber you bought on a whim. Keeping this collection organized, protected, and ready for the range or the field is non-negotiable. The right ammo storage solutions prevent corrosion, simplify your range day organization, and protect your investment. It’s a fundamental part of your gun accessories setup.
Frankford Arsenal is a well-known name, particularly for their reloading kits and presses. Their Hinge-Top Ammo Box is a common sight on shelves and in online carts. But is it the best choice for your needs, or are there better alternatives out there? Honestly speaking, a single product rarely fits every scenario. Let’s break down what this box offers and explore the landscape of worthy competitors.
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 505: A Closer Look
This specific model is designed as a compact, stackable container for rifle cartridges. It’s a classic example of a plastic ammo box, prioritizing organization and basic protection. In my honest opinion, its value becomes clear when you examine its stated purpose against its price point.
The box is constructed from a high-density polymer, which the manufacturer notes can withstand cold weather conditions. It features a true mechanical hinge-top design. This hinge is intended to prevent the lid from inadvertently closing while you’re loading or accessing your rounds, and it secures with a simple clasp. For identification, it includes space for a standard 1″ x 2 5/8″ printer label. Its primary function is holding 50 rounds of specific calibers: 17 Remington, 222 Remington, 222 Remington Mag, 223 Remington, or 357 Maximum.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | High-Density Polymer |
| Capacity | 50 rounds (17 Rem, 222 Rem, 222 Rem Mag, 223 Rem, 357 Max) |
| Closure | Mechanical Hinge & Clasp |
| Special Features | Built for stacking, label space, cold-weather resistant |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Where It Shines and Where It Falls Short
For the shooter who needs to organize a batch of 223 Remington reloads on the reloading bench or grab a few labeled boxes for a casual range trip, this Frankford Arsenal box is perfectly adequate. The stackability is a genuine benefit for shelf storage, and the label space eliminates guesswork. From my honest perspective, it’s a solid, budget-conscious option for controlled, indoor environments.
However, limitations appear quickly when your needs expand. The seal is not advertised as waterproof or airtightit’s a friction-fit lid with a clasp. For long-term storage or transport in a damp range bag, this lack of a true O-ring seal is a significant drawback. Moisture protection would require adding your own desiccant pack with no guarantee of efficacy. the plastic, while durable for its price, may not survive a serious drop onto concrete compared to a metal ammo can. If you’re looking for the best ammo boxes for the range under $50, you’re likely seeking a balance of durability and seal that this model doesn’t fully provide.
Top 5 Frankford Arsenal Ammo Box Alternatives
Given the specific use-case of the Hinge-Top model, several brands offer compelling alternatives that address its shortcomings. Whether you need extreme durability, a true moisture barrier, or simply a different form factor, this comparison should help. The best practices, according to , always involve matching the container to the mission.
1. MTM Case-Gard ACR4 (ACR Series)
MTM is a powerhouse in the ammunition storage world. Their ACR (Ammo Can Rubber) series is a direct step-up from basic plastic boxes. The key feature is the integrated rubber O-ring seal that provides a waterproof and airtight closure. These boxes are often submersible and far better suited for long-term storage or harsh environments. They also feature positive-locking latches and are typically stackable. The MTM ACR represents the gold standard for sealed plastic ammo cans.
2. Plano 1312/1354 Ammo Can
Plano offers a fantastic balance between cost and performance. Their 1312 (small) and 1354 (large) ammo cans feature a patented sealing technology with a tongue-and-groove gasket. While perhaps not quite as robust as MTM’s O-ring, it provides excellent moisture resistance for most practical purposes. These cans are incredibly tough, often winning informal drop tests, and their price point makes them ideal for buying ammo boxes in bulk. They are a top contender in the plastic vs metal ammo cans durability debate, offering rust-proof convenience.
3. Harbor Freight (Apache) Hard Cases
For the ultimate in crush-proof and waterproof protection, especially for transport, hard cases from Harbor Freight’s Apache line (or similar brands like Plano’s Pistol Cases) are worth considering. While bulkier than dedicated ammo cans, they feature pluck-foam interiors, pressure-release valves, and waterproof container guarantees. They are excellent for flying with ammunition (always check TSA and airline rules first) or for protecting valuable precision hand-loads. This addresses a missing entity many overlook: TSA-approved options for travel.
4. Military Surplus .30 Cal & .50 Cal Metal Ammo Cans
The original mil-spec standard. Surplus metal ammo cans with their iconic rubber gaskets are legendary for durability and seal. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.They are virtually indestructible, offer fantastic long-term storage capabilities, and have a timeless utility. The trade-offs are weight and the potential for rust if the finish is compromised. For a pure, no-nonsense bullet storage solution in a garage or bunker, they are unbeatable. The debate of waterproof vs airtight ammo storage is often settled by these proven containers.
5. MTM “Utility” or “Rifle” Ammo Boxes (Non-Sealed)
If you liked the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top’s form factor but want more brand consistency or different size options, MTM’s non-sealed utility boxes are a direct alternative. They offer the same basic hinge-lid, label-ready organization for the reloading bench. They come in a wider array of sizes to fit everything from pistol rounds to long rifle cartridges, making them perfect as reloading tray box organizers once your ammo is processed on a press like the Frankford Arsenal M-Press or a single-stage kit.
| Brand/Model | Key Material | Seal Type | Best For | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top | Plastic | Friction-fit Clasp | Bench Organization, Light Range Use | Budget |
| MTM ACR4 | Plastic | O-ring (Waterproof/Airtight) | Long-Term Storage, Field Use | Mid-Range |
| Plano 1312/1354 | Plastic | Tongue & Groove Gasket | General Purpose, Bulk Storage | Budget-Mid |
| Apache Hard Case | Polymer Shell | Full Perimeter Gasket | Travel, Maximum Protection | Mid-Range |
| Mil-Spec Metal Can | Steel | Rubber Gasket | Lifetime Storage, Heavy-Duty | Varies |
| Check current price on Amazon | ||||
Key Buying Considerations: Beyond the Brand Name
an ammo box isn’t just about picking a familiar logo. You need to dissect the specs to match your actual use. My honest assessment is that most shooters need a combination of types, not just one.
Material: Plastic vs. Metal
The plastic vs metal ammo cans durability discussion is nuanced. Modern high-density polymers like those from MTM and Plano are incredibly tough, rust-proof, and lighter. They excel for general range use and storage. Metal ammo cans (surplus or new production) offer unmatched crush resistance and a proven track record for decades-long storage. However, they can rust, are heavier, and may have sharper edges. For insights on matching tools to tasks, discussions on forums like the reloading subreddit or specialty forums are invaluable.
The Seal: The Guardian of Your Ammo
This is the most critical feature for preservation. A basic clasp or friction lid keeps dust out and rounds in. A foam or rubber gasket resists moisture. A true O-ring seal creates a waterproof and airtight environment, crucial for using desiccant effectively. Consider your local climate and storage location. Is your ammo in a climate-controlled safe or a damp basement? Your answer dictates the necessary seal level.
Size, Stackability, and UV Resistance
Capacity seems straightforward, but consider how you’ll use the box. A giant can is inefficient for taking 100 rounds to the range. Smaller, labeled boxes promote better range day organization. Stackability or interlocking features are a major space-saver on shelves. if storage involves any exposure to sunlight (like in a garage), UV resistance becomes important to prevent plastic degradation over timea feature often highlighted by brands like Plano.
Price and Where to Buy
Budget dictates scope. The best ammo boxes for the range under $50 will likely be quality plastic options from MTM or Plano, perhaps even in multi-packs. For where to buy ammo boxes in bulk, big-box sporting goods stores, direct online retailers, and wholesale clubs often offer the best value. Harbor Freight is a prime source for their Apache cases. Honestly speaking, investing in proper storage is a one-time cost that protects a recurring investment in ammunition and reloading supplies.
Final Recommendations & Usage Scenarios
So, where does the Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top box fit, and what should you buy instead? To be completely honest, it’s a niche product. It’s perfect for the reloader who wants to neatly store and label specific batches of rifle cartridges on a shelf right next to their case prep center. It’s a fine organizational tool.
For nearly every other application, an alternative is superior.
- For the Range Bag: Smaller, sealed boxes like the MTM ACR3 or Plano 1312. They protect against moisture from water bottles or weather and are easy to grab-and-go.
- For Long-Term/Bulk Storage: Large, sealed plastic cans (Plano 1354, MTM ACR5) or mil-spec metal cans. Use desiccant, label clearly, and store in a cool, dry place.
- For Reloading Bench Organization: Non-sealed utility boxes (from MTM, Frankford, etc.) in various calibers. They keep your finished rounds sorted before they go into long-term storage.
- For Travel or Maximum Protection: A padded, waterproof hard case like those from Apache or Plano. This is especially relevant for competitors flying to matches or anyone transporting valuable ammunition in rough conditions.
The world of ammo storage solutions is vast. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top has its place as a basic organizer. But by importance of material, seal, and intended use, you can build a storage system that truly protects your ammunition. Your future self, reaching for a perfectly preserved round years from now, will thank you for looking beyond the first option on the shelf. I honestly believe that strategic investment here is as important as the gear you use to create the ammunition in the first place.