ForgeBox Co. 3D-Printed Ammunition Boxes — Practical, Customizable Ammo Storage

Sometimes a product doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers a practical solution to an everyday problem. That’s exactly what I found with ForgeBox Co.’s custom 3D-printed ammunition storage boxes.

ForgeBox is a small American company based in New Hampshire that specializes in made-to-order ammunition storage solutions. They recently sent me a pair of their boxes chambered for the venerable .45-70 Government cartridge: one holding 20 rounds and the other holding 50.

I’ve had these boxes for several months now, using them around my home range and reloading bench, and I believe I’ve spent enough time with them to give y’all an informed opinion.

Construction and Materials

ForgeBox manufactures these containers using 3D-printing technology and PLA, or polylactic acid, a thermoplastic commonly used in additive manufacturing. Unlike conventional injection-molded plastic products, which are formed by injecting molten plastic into a mold, these boxes are produced by depositing successive layers of heated plastic filament until the finished component takes shape. PLA offers several advantages for an application like this. It’s relatively lightweight, rigid, dimensionally consistent, and resistant to rust and corrosion. It also allows manufacturers to produce relatively small quantities of highly customized products without investing in expensive injection molds.

These boxes also aren’t intended to replace military-style ammunition cans or heavy-duty protective cases. They’re not advertised as waterproof, airtight, or crushproof, and I wouldn’t expect them to survive the kind of abuse that a quality metal ammunition can might tolerate. But that’s not what they’re designed for. They’re meant to provide convenient, organized ammunition storage for normal use at home, on the reloading bench, and at the range.

Configuration and Customization

One thing I particularly appreciate about these boxes is the customization ForgeBox offers. The company manufactures boxes for a wide variety of rifle, pistol, and shotgun calibers, with different capacities available depending on the cartridge. Customers can choose different box and lettering colors, plus personalized text identifying the contents.

That means I can look at either box, even with the lid closed, and immediately identify not only the cartridge but the particular load stored inside. For somebody who reloads ammunition or keeps several different bullet weights and configurations for the same cartridge, that’s a practical feature. It eliminates the need to open multiple containers to figure out which ammunition is which. These containers are also stackable. ForgeBox uses a compatibility system called Stack Codes to identify which box sizes share the same footprint and can be stacked together. Not every configuration is compatible with every other, so check that when placing an order.

Range Use and Durability

I’ve been using these boxes around my home range for several months. During that time, they’ve done exactly what I expected.

The containers have held up well through normal handling, opening and closing, and trips between my ammunition storage area and shooting bench. The construction feels sturdy enough for their intended purpose, and I haven’t had any issues that would discourage me from continuing to use them.

Another advantage is their relatively compact design.

Traditional factory ammunition boxes, particularly cardboard packaging, aren’t always ideal for long-term organization. Cardboard can become damaged, torn, or worn through repeated handling. These ForgeBox containers offer a more durable alternative for everyday use. They also let you store ammunition consistently and organized, rather than having an assortment of differently sized factory boxes taking up unnecessary room. For someone with a substantial ammunition collection, particularly a handloader who frequently works with different bullet weights and loads, I can see this becoming quite useful.

Why Not Just Print Your Own?

When I first introduced these boxes in a Range Hot Short, several people pointed out that anybody with a 3D printer could manufacture something similar. And they’re absolutely correct. If you already own a 3D printer, have experience working with the software, and enjoy making your own accessories, there’s no reason you couldn’t explore printing ammunition boxes yourself.

But here’s the other side of that argument.

I don’t own a 3D printer, and I’m certainly not interested in purchasing one, learning the software, sourcing materials, and experimenting with print settings simply because I want a handful of ammunition containers. Manufacturing your own products requires an investment in equipment, materials, and time. If you enjoy 3D printing as a hobby, that investment may be worthwhile.

For somebody like me, it’s considerably easier to order a finished product configured exactly the way I want it.

ForgeBox handles the printing, customization, assembly, and inspection before shipping the completed product. Sometimes convenience is worth paying for, particularly when the finished product is relatively inexpensive.

Pricing and Availability

The two examples I evaluated are priced at approximately:

– 20-round ammunition box: about $20

– 50-round ammunition box: about $25

Pricing can vary depending on configuration and personalization. Considering the customization options, construction, and convenience, I find those prices reasonable. ForgeBox produces its products to order in New Hampshire rather than maintaining a large inventory of finished containers. According to the company, orders typically ship within three to five business days. Customers can select their desired caliber, capacity, colors, and personalization options through the “Build Yours” heading or follow this website link.

After several months of use, I’ve come away with a favorable impression. They’re well suited to what they’re designed to do: provide an organized, customizable, and relatively inexpensive way to store ammunition. I particularly appreciate being able to identify my different .45-70 loads without opening the containers. Their stackable, compact construction also makes organizing ammunition a little easier than keeping everything in its original cardboard packaging. Are they going to replace my metal ammunition cans? Absolutely not. But they weren’t designed to. For ammunition I’m actively using at the range, particularly my handloads and different bullet configurations, these boxes make good sense.

If you’re looking for a practical way to organize your ammunition, the ForgeBox containers are certainly worth considering.