Written by When it comes to ammunition storage, many gun owners still picture heavy-duty metal boxes or bulky plastic cases. While these traditional options have their place, there’s a lightweight, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative that’s quickly gaining traction: cardboard ammo boxes.
If you’re looking for smart storage solutions for your reloading bench, prepping stash, or just an organized trip to the range, cardboard ammo boxes are worth a closer look.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cardboard ammo boxes — their uses, benefits, how they compare to other storage options, and why they’re becoming a favorite among shooting enthusiasts and packaging professionals alike.
What Are Cardboard Ammo Boxes?
Cardboard ammo boxes are designed to safely hold and organize rounds of ammunition, usually sorted by caliber. Unlike bulky metal or plastic containers, these boxes are made of durable cardboard and often come with internal trays that keep each round separated and secure.
These boxes are most popular among
- Reloaders and hobby shooters
- Shooting ranges and instructors
- Hunters and competitive shooters
- Ammo manufacturers and small businesses
They’re lightweight, easy to stack, and much more compact than traditional alternatives.
Why Choose Cardboard Ammo Boxes?
1. Lightweight & Portable
If you’re heading to the range or transporting your ammo to a competition, every ounce matters. Cardboard ammo boxes keep your rounds organized without adding extra bulk. They’re compact enough to fit in your range bag without the heft of a metal container.
2. Cost-Effective
Compared to metal and hard plastic cases, cardboard options are budget-friendly. This makes them especially popular among reloaders who need to store large volumes of ammo without spending a fortune.
3. Eco-Friendly
More shooters today are thinking green — and rightly so. Cardboard is recyclable and biodegradable, making these ammo boxes a more sustainable choice. At PackCrafted.com, we believe in supporting businesses and hobbyists that care about the planet while maintaining functionality.
4. Customizable & Brandable
For ammo manufacturers and sellers, presentation matters. Cardboard ammo boxes can be customized with logos, colors, and product details — giving your packaging a professional, clean look. Whether you’re running a small ammo brand or want to brand your private label, custom cardboard boxes give you that polished edge.
Want to see how this applies across the board? Check out our post on Luxury Packaging for Small Businesses.
Different Types of Cardboard Ammo Boxes
There’s more than one style of cardboard ammo box. Here are a few popular options:
📦 Standard Flip-Top Boxes
These boxes feature a hinged lid and are commonly used for pistol or rifle rounds. They usually hold 50 or 100 rounds, depending on the caliber and design.
🧩 Cardboard Ammo Boxes with Tray
This type includes an insert or grid tray that separates each round, keeping them upright and secure. Ideal for .223, .308, 9mm, and other popular calibers, these are especially favored by reloaders.
📥 Slide-Top Ammo Boxes
Slide-top designs offer a tight seal and are great for stacking and organizing multiple calibers or reload batches.
At PackCrafted.com, we offer custom candle boxes, custom bakery boxes, and soon — a curated line of custom ammo packaging options tailored for small ammo brands, reloaders, and wholesalers.
Common Calibers Stored in Cardboard Ammo Boxes
Cardboard ammo boxes are available for a wide range of calibers. The most popular include:
- 9mm
- .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO
- .308 Win
- .45 ACP
- .38 Special
- .30-06 Springfield
Many boxes are labeled for specific calibers, making storage and organization much easier — especially when dealing with reloads or mixed batches.
Who Uses Cardboard Ammo Boxes?
🎯 Recreational Shooters
At the range, cardboard boxes make it easy to carry multiple calibers in a single bag without dealing with the noise and weight of metal.
🧪 Reloaders
Reloading ammo at home? Then you already know the importance of having a reliable, labeled box for each batch. These boxes make it easy to sort by grain weight, powder type, and bullet type.
💼 Ammo Businesses
Startups and small-scale ammo sellers use branded cardboard ammo boxes to package and ship their rounds. It’s cost-effective and leaves a professional impression on customers.
Cardboard vs. Plastic or Metal Ammo Boxes
| Feature | Cardboard Boxes | Plastic Boxes | Metal Ammo Cans |
| Weight | Very Light | Moderate | Heavy |
| Cost | Very Affordable | Moderate | Expensive |
| Eco-Friendliness | Recyclable | Not Biodegradable | Recyclable (with effort) |
| Customization | High | Low | Low |
| Durability | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Stackability | Excellent | Good | Fair (can be bulky) |
How to Store Ammo in Cardboard Boxes Properly
Cardboard boxes are great, but they’re not immune to moisture. To keep your rounds safe and your packaging intact:
- Store boxes in a cool, dry place
- Add silica gel packs to your storage containers
- Use airtight tubs or ammo crates for long-term storage
- Label your boxes with caliber, grain, and date loaded (especially for reloads)
Want more tips? Our article on Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Packaging Online covers the importance of material durability and planning ahead.
Where to Buy Cardboard Ammo Boxes
You can find generic cardboard ammo boxes at most sporting goods stores or online. But if you’re looking for custom cardboard ammo boxes with trays, branding, or bulk pricing — PackCrafted.com has you covered.
We specialize in custom packaging solutions for niche markets like ammo, candles, bakery goods, and more. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a growing brand, we can help you create packaging that protects your product and tells your story.
Final Thoughts
Cardboard ammo boxes may not be the flashiest storage option, but they deliver big on practicality, cost-efficiency, and customization. For reloaders, retailers, and range-goers alike, they offer a smart, sustainable way to keep your ammunition secure and organized.
Looking to elevate your ammo packaging with custom designs and professional printing? Or maybe you’re just tired of bulky plastic and metal?
👉 Explore custom cardboard ammo boxes at PackCrafted.com — where smart design meets functionality
💥 Ready to upgrade your ammo storage?
Visit PackCrafted.com today and get started with custom cardboard ammo boxes that fit your brand, your gear, and your style.
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