Keeping your ammunition organized and protected is a fundamental part of responsible shooting. Whether you’re a reloader managing batches of handcrafted rounds or a casual shooter prepping for a range day, the right storage solution matters. The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 512 promises a simple, durable, and versatile answer for your 50 round capacity needs.
This plastic ammo holder is designed as a straightforward reloading accessory and range gear staple. It aims to solve the common problem of loose rounds rattling around in a bag or bulky, inconvenient storage. But does its execution live up to the promise? Let’s get into the specifics.
Frankford Arsenal 50 Round Holder: Product Overview
The Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box is a no-frills, single-purpose container. Its core mission is to securely hold 50 rounds of specific rifle calibers, offering a compact and stackable form of ammunition storage. It’s part of a broader ecosystem of ammo organizers from a brand well-known in the reloading accessory space.
From my honest perspective, the value proposition is clear: affordable, dedicated protection for your ammunition. It’s not trying to be a multi-caliber marvel or a high-end display case. It’s a workhorse. The design focuses on a few key elements: a specific caliber fit, a robust hinge, and a secure latch. For shooters who deal in volume with the supported calibers, this box could be a game-changer for bench and range organization.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box 512 |
| Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Compatible Calibers | 22 BR, 22 PPC, 6mm BR, 6.8mm SPC, 7mm BR, 7.6x39mm |
| Primary Material | High-density polymer |
| Lid Design | True mechanical hinge-top with clasp |
| Additional Feature | Space for a 1″ x 2 5/8″ printer label |
| Design Feature | Built for stacking |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Detailed Features & Construction Analysis
Peeling back the layers on this Frankford Arsenal ammo case reveals where the design shines and where it makes specific compromises. The construction speaks directly to its intended use case.
Build Quality & Material Durability
The box is constructed from a injection-molded polymer that Frankford Arsenal describes as high-density. Honestly speaking, the feel is solid without being overly heavy. It has a slight flex that suggests impact resistance rather than brittle fragility. This material choice is common for ammo boxes as it balances weight, cost, and durability.
A critical, often overlooked aspect is long-term material integrity. While the listing mentions withstanding cold weather conditions, questions about long-term UV resistance and performance in extreme temperatures (like a hot car trunk or garage) remain. Most polymers will degrade with prolonged UV exposure, so storing these boxes out of direct sunlight is, as noted by Honest Opinion, a best practice for any plastic storage. The hinge and clasp mechanism feels robust in hand, addressing a common competitor focus area regarding the durability of these moving parts.
Design & Functional Engineering
The design is elegantly simple. The positive-latch lid is the star here. The true mechanical hinge is designed to prevent the lid from inadvertently closing on your fingers while loading, a small but appreciated detail. The clasp provides a definitive snap when closed, giving auditory and tactile confirmation your rounds are secure. This is a step up from flimsier friction-fit lids.
The stackable design is a major logistical benefit. When filled, these boxes can be neatly stacked for efficient storage in a safe, on a shelf, or in a larger ammo can. This maximizes space, a key consideration for reloaders who might have dozens of batches. The label space is a simple yet brilliant addition for a reloading tray holder. Being able to mark the box with load data, date, or caliber eliminates guesswork, turning a simple container into an organized system. My honest take is that this feature alone adds significant functional value for the serious reloader.
Ammo Compatibility & Fit
This is the most crucial and specific aspect of the 50 round plastic tray. The ammo compatibility is explicitly for a set of primarily wildcat or specialized rifle cartridges: 22 BR, 22 PPC, 6mm BR, 6.8mm SPC, 7mm BR, and 7.6x39mm. The precision of the cartridge fit for these calibers is presumably very good, as the product is tailored to them.
However, this specificity is a double-edged sword. It’s not a universal pistol ammo storage solution. You cannot use this for 9mm, .223 Remington, or .308 Winchester. If you’re wondering about the best 50 round ammo box for 9mm, this isn’t it. Frankford Arsenal and other brands like MTM Case-Gard or Plano make models for those popular calibers. This box serves a niche market of precision rifle shooters and reloaders working with these specific rounds. For them, the tailored fit is a major advantage, protecting case necks and preventing rattle.
Hands-On Testing & User Experience
Evaluating this as a piece of functional range gear involves considering its entire lifecyclefrom loading at the bench to transport and use at the range.
Loading, Transport, and Range Use
The loading process is straightforward. The individual cartridge holes provide a secure grip on each round. The hinge design keeps the lid wide open and out of the way. For transport, the secure latch and stackable design make these boxes easy to organize in a range bag or crate. They are far more compact and protective than loose ammo boxes or trays without lids.
At the range, the box functions well. The lid opens fully and stays put, allowing for easy access. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The label is a huge help for keeping track of different loads during a testing session. The size is convenient, fitting neatly on a bench without taking up excessive space. Portability for range trips, a key competitor focus, is excellent due to its slim profile and secure closure.
Long-Term Storage & Environmental Considerations
For long-term storage of reloads or factory ammunition, the box provides good protection from dust, moisture, and minor impacts. The seal isn’t waterproof or airtight, so for truly critical long-term storage in humid environments, additional measures like desiccant packs inside a larger sealed container would be wise.
The question of performance in extreme temperatures is practical. While it handles cold, I honestly believe leaving any plastic ammo box in a scorching hot car repeatedly could potentially warp the lid or weaken the polymer over many years. It’s a consideration for those in extreme climates. Regarding warranty or customer service experience, Frankford Arsenal generally has a solid reputation in the reloading community, which is echoed in discussions on forums like the dedicated reloading subreddit.
Pros, Cons & Value Verdict
So, is the Frankford Arsenal 50 round holder worth it? The answer depends entirely on your needs. Let’s break down the clear advantages and limitations.
Advantages
- Secure & Specific Fit: Perfectly tailored for the listed calibers, offering excellent protection.
- Robust Latch & Hinge: The positive-latch lid and true hinge are reliable and user-friendly.
- Superb Organization: The label space and stackable design make inventory management simple.
- Compact and Portable: Ideal for range trips and efficient storage.
- Great Value: At its price point, it offers specialized functionality that’s hard to beat.
Limitations
- Very Specific Caliber Compatibility: Useless if you don’t shoot the supported cartridges.
- Not for Common Calibers: Cannot be used for 9mm, .223, .308, etc.
- Material Longevity Unknown: Questions about UV and extreme heat resistance over decades remain.
- Basic Seal: Not waterproof or air-tight for hermetic long-term storage.
Value Assessment
My honest assessment is that this product provides exceptional value for its intended, niche audience. For the precision shooter or reloader working with 6mm BR, 6.8 SPC, or the other listed rounds, this box solves a real problem. It’s an affordable, purpose-built tool that enhances organization and protects your investment in components and loaded ammunition. The cost is minimal compared to the value of the ammunition it holds and organizes.
For the general shooter, however, its utility is zero. You must match the tool to your caliber. Speaking honestly, its value is binary: if you need this specific fit, it’s a must-have. If you don’t, it’s irrelevant.
Alternatives & Final Recommendation
No product exists in a vacuum. It’s essential to see how the Frankford Arsenal ammunition tray stacks up against other options in the Ammunition Accessories market.
Frankford Arsenal Ammo Tray vs MTM & Others
The natural comparison is to the dominant player: MTM Case-Gard. The perennial question of Frankford Arsenal ammo tray vs MTM often comes down to specific model features and price. MTM offers an incredibly wide variety of caliber-specific and universal trays. Generally, MTM boxes are also highly regarded for durability. The Frankford Arsenal model competes often at a slightly more competitive price point and with its distinctive label spot.
Other brands like Plano and Hornady also produce quality ammo boxes. Hornady’s boxes, for instance, often have a slightly different latch design. The choice can be subjective, based on preferred latch action or slight dimensional differences for your storage system. For broader context on Frankford Arsenal’s place in the reloading world, industry coverage from sources like American Rifleman often highlights their commitment to the shooter and reloader market.
Who Should Buy This?
Buy this Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Box if:
- You reload or shoot any of these calibers: 22 BR, 22 PPC, 6mm BR, 6.8mm SPC, 7mm BR, 7.6x39mm.
- You want organized, stackable, and labeled storage for your rounds.
- You need a durable box for regular range trips and bench use.
- You appreciate thoughtful design like a stay-open hinge and a positive latch.
Look for an alternative if:
- You shoot common pistol or rifle calibers like 9mm or .223.
- You require a completely waterproof or air-tight seal for decades of storage.
- You need a universal tray that can hold multiple, mismatched calibers.
Final Verdict
The Frankford Arsenal 50 Round Hinge-Top Ammo Box is a specialist’s tool executed very well. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. For the precision rifle enthusiast or competitive shooter using these specific cartridges, it is an outstanding piece of Reloading Supplies and Range & Storage Gear. The build quality is solid, the design features are smart, and the price is right.
To be completely honest, its success is defined by its constraints. Its limited caliber compatibility is its greatest weakness for the general public but its core strength for its target user. If you are among that target group, this box will bring order and protection to your ammunition handling process. It’s a simple, effective, and highly recommended solution for a specific need. For all other applications, the extensive lines from MTM, Plano, or even other Frankford Arsenal case and storage products will likely have exactly what you’re looking for.