Frankford Arsenal vs MTM 22 Hornet Ammo Box: Which Holds More and Lasts Longer?
By Amis Thains Published 6 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
You are reloading 22 Hornet and need a box that actually fits the brass without forcing the lid shut, or you are choosing between Frankford Arsenal's hinge-top polymer box and MTM's classic tumbler-style can. This page compares both for capacity, durability, and usability so you can stop guessing which one clears the bench space.
In short: Frankford Arsenal wins for most 22 Hornet shooters because their X-10-style hinge-top boxes hold more rounds securely with a clasp that prevents accidental closing. MTM wins if you want a bulletproof aluminum can that survives being tossed into a truck bed, but it holds fewer rounds and takes up more surface area per round.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Holds 50 rounds with a hinge top and clasp, fitting the exact cartridge for easy loading.
Aluminum construction handles drops and outdoor conditions better than polymer options.
The differences at a glance
Frankford Arsenal focuses on plastic polymer boxes with mechanical hinges, while MTM uses stamped aluminum tumblers with metal clips. The material change dictates how each box feels, holds, and survives rough handling. Below is the quick comparison for 22 Hornet specifically. Loaders in this spot often ask about frankford intellidropper 2.0 review as well.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal | MTM |
|---|---|---|
| Material | High-density polymer | Aluminum |
| Lid Mechanism | Hinge-top with clasp | Top-loading with clips |
| 22 Hornet Capacity | ~50 rounds (varies by model) | ~40-50 rounds (varies by size) |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Price Tier | Budget to Mid | Mid |
Frankford Arsenal’s hinge design keeps the lid up while you load, which matters when your hands are dusty or slippery. MTM’s top-loading design means you carry the whole can open or risk dropping rounds if the clips are loose.
This specific model holds 50 rounds of 22 Hornet, making it the easiest to manage during a long loading session.
- Holds 50 rounds of 22 Hornet, 22 Remington Jet, 218 Bee, 221 Remington, or 30 M1
- A hinge-top design prevents the lid from advertently closing and features a clasp for a
Build quality: Polymer vs. Aluminum
Frankford Arsenal uses high-density polymer that resists corrosion and remains flexible in cold weather. This material does not rust, so it tolerates storage in damp tool chests without degrading. MTM uses aluminum, which is rigid and resistant to impact, but it can dent or bend if dropped on hard concrete.
If you keep your ammo in a garage that sees temperature swings, polymer is the safer choice against moisture absorption. Aluminum will not corrode, but it can dent, which is cosmetic rather than functional. For the average hand-loader keeping boxes on a shelf, neither material will fail under normal use.
MTM wins this factor for sheer toughness in rough field conditions. Frankford Arsenal wins for bench-side use where weight and cold-weather flexibility matter more than impact resistance.
Pro tip: Check the maker's spec sheet for temperature tolerance if you store ammo in an unheated shed.
Capacity and fit for 22 Hornet
22 Hornet brass is short and thick, so box dimensions matter more than for smaller cartridges. Frankford Arsenal designs specific models for this cartridge, ensuring the rounds stand upright without tipping. The hinge-top allows you to load rounds one by one without the lid swinging closed and knocking them over. If that sounds like your bench, read up on dillon 750 production rate next.
MTM boxes are sized in increments, and you must verify the specific model holds 22 Hornet. Many standard sizes fit, but the top-loading design means you cannot see the level of the stack easily without opening the clips fully. This makes it harder to top off a box quickly.
Frankford Arsenal wins for visibility and ease of loading. The clasp keeps the lid secure, but the hinge keeps it accessible. MTM is better if you want a sealed container that you tuck into a safe or a gun bag.
Ease of use and bench integration
Frankford Arsenal boxes integrate well into modern reloading setups because they are lightweight and stackable. The clasp opens with one hand, which helps if you are holding a scale or powder measure. This makes them better for active loading benches where you move between tools frequently.
MTM boxes are top-loading, which means you lift the entire box to see inside or manipulate rounds. This is slower and clumsier on a crowded bench. However, the metal clips seal tightly, making them better for transport. If your workflow involves moving ammo from a safe to a range bag, MTM handles that transition more securely.
Frankford Arsenal wins for bench-side reloading efficiency. MTM wins for transport and safe storage where a sealed, rigid container is preferred.
While not a box, pairing the trimmer with the same brand ecosystem creates a unified bench setup for 22 Hornet prep.
- Trimmer indexes cases on the shoulder for speed and precision
- Adjustable Collet System works with all shouldered cases from .17 Remington to .460
Value and long-term cost
Frankford Arsenal boxes are generally in the budget to mid-price range, making them easy to buy in multiples for different cartridges. You can grab a specific 22 Hornet box and a .223 box without a huge financial outlay. The polymer material is durable but not as long-lasting as metal if subjected to UV light or sharp objects. We cover lee vs frankford in a guide of its own.
MTM boxes are mid-price and last a lifetime if cared for. They do not crack or warp. You might buy fewer of them, but they survive decades of use.
The value proposition is durability over volume. If you want ten boxes for your entire cartridge collection, Frankford Arsenal is more economical. If you want two or three boxes that last 20 years, MTM is the better investment.
Frankford Arsenal wins on upfront cost and variety. MTM wins on long-term durability per unit.
Pro tip: Buy one of each to test which workflow fits your bench better before committing to a full set.
Which should you buy?
- For active bench reloading: Get Frankford Arsenal. The hinge-top and light weight keep your workflow smooth when loading 22 Hornet.
- For safe or field storage: Get MTM. The aluminum construction and tight seals protect ammo from moisture and impact.
- For a mixed cartridge collection: Get Frankford Arsenal. It is cheaper to buy multiple specialized boxes for different calibers.
- For long-term heirloom quality: Get MTM. The metal box will outlast polymer and can be passed down.
Most hand-loaders who work at a bench will prefer Frankford Arsenal for daily use. If you are an outdoor shooter moving ammo between vehicles and ranges, MTM is the better companion. The next step is to check the specific model numbers for 22 Hornet capacity on both brands’ current catalogs.
The bottom line
Frankford Arsenal is the better choice for most hand-loaders working at a bench because the hinge-top design and polymer weight make 22 Hornet loading faster and less fiddly. MTM wins if you need a rugged, sealed container for transport or safe storage. Start with the Frankford Arsenal box for daily use and add an MTM can only if you frequently move ammo in rough conditions.
- Holds 50 rounds of 22 Hornet, 22 Remington Jet, 218 Bee, 221 Remington, or 30 M1
- A hinge-top design prevents the lid from advertently closing and features a clasp for a
Frequently asked questions
Does the Frankford Arsenal box hold more 22 Hornet rounds than MTM?
Generally, yes. Frankford Arsenal designs specific models for 22 Hornet that hold around 50 rounds in a compact footprint. MTM boxes vary by size, and the top-loading design often means a slightly less efficient stack for short cases. Always check the current spec sheet for the exact model you are considering.
Is MTM aluminum better than Frankford polymer for keeping ammo dry?
Both keep water out when closed properly. MTM’s metal clips can seal tighter against moisture, which is good for humid environments. Frankford’s polymer clasp is sufficient for normal indoor use. For long-term storage in a damp basement, MTM’s rigid seal gives it a slight edge.
Can I stack Frankford Arsenal boxes on my bench?
Yes, the polymer design allows for stable stacking. This is a big plus over MTM, which is top-loading and harder to stack securely. If you have multiple cartridges, stacking Frankford boxes saves vertical bench space and keeps everything organized.