MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top Review

Let’s Dive into MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top

The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top promises a convenient and durable solution for organizing and transporting your .223/5.56 ammunition. Manufactured by MTM, this small, smoke-colored box is designed to hold 100 rounds and features a flip-top lid with a mechanical hinge. As someone who’s spent countless hours at the range and in the field, proper ammo storage is critical, and I was curious to see if this offering from MTM could live up to the task.

My usual ammo storage consists of a mix of original cardboard boxes and bulk-packed ammunition cans. While functional, the cardboard falls apart, and the ammo cans aren’t ideal for organizing smaller quantities for a specific shooting session. I was hoping the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top would provide a more organized and portable solution for my .223 Remington rounds.

Upon receiving the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top, my initial impression was mixed. The plastic felt reasonably sturdy, but the lightweight nature concerned me. The flip-top design seemed convenient, but I immediately tested the hinge, and my concerns grew about its durability over time.

I considered several alternatives before settling on this box. Products like Plano’s ammo boxes offer similar functionality, but I liked the compact size and flip-top design of the MTM box, at least in theory. I also looked at metal ammo boxes but decided they were overkill for the smaller quantities I wanted to store.

Frankly, I was cautiously optimistic about the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top. The price point was attractive, but I suspected there might be compromises in build quality. Only real-world testing would reveal if it could stand up to the demands of regular use.


Real-World Testing: Putting MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded it with 100 rounds of .223 Remington ammunition and tossed it into my range bag. The ease of accessing the ammo with the flip-top was initially pleasing, making reloading magazines quick and simple.

The box performed reasonably well in dry conditions, but I noticed some slight shifting of the rounds inside. I imagine if it were exposed to moisture, it wouldn’t do much to protect from water damage. The smoke-colored, see-through top was a nice feature, allowing me to quickly check the ammo level.

I didn’t experience any major issues during the first use, but the latch felt somewhat flimsy. The ease of access was offset by a slight concern that it might accidentally open in my bag. I did not like the fact that if you turned the box upside down the cartridges will spill out.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of intermittent use, the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top showed some noticeable wear and tear. The hinge, despite its supposed 25-year guarantee, started to feel loose, and the latch required more force to close securely. The plastic exterior accumulated scratches easily.

The box has held up okay, but definitely not great. The internal grid pattern helped to keep the rounds somewhat organized, but they still shifted around during transport. Cleaning was easy enough, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my experience with metal ammo cans, the MTM box fell short in terms of durability and long-term reliability. It serves its purpose for short-term storage and range trips but doesn’t offer the same level of protection or robustness. I have other MTM products, and this one is definitely not one of their best.

Breaking Down the Features of MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top

Specifications

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top is designed to hold 100 rounds of .223REM/5.56×45 ammunition. Its compact size, with dimensions of W=4 7/8″ (124mm); L=5 1/4″ (134mm) including latch&hinge; Depth= 2 7/8″ (73mm), makes it easily portable.

  • It features a flip-top design with a mechanical hinge and a snap-lock latch. The box is constructed from virtually indestructible polypropylene plastic.

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top is smoke-colored with a see-through top. The internal grid pattern is arranged in a 10 x 10 configuration.

  • The maximum overall length (MAX OAL) of ammunition it can accommodate is 2.65″ (66mm). This is an important factor for reloaders to consider.

Performance & Functionality

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top performs adequately in organizing and transporting ammunition. The flip-top design offers relatively quick access to the rounds.
  • However, the loose fit of the rounds within the box and the questionable durability of the hinge and latch are significant weaknesses. The box barely meets expectations and could be dramatically improved with simple design tweaks.

Design & Ergonomics

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top has a simple, utilitarian design. The plastic construction keeps the weight down, but sacrifices robustness.
  • The box is reasonably user-friendly, with the flip-top design allowing for easy access. However, the flimsy latch and hinge detract from the overall user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top‘s durability is questionable based on my experience. The polypropylene plastic is prone to scratches, and the hinge and latch seem to be the weakest points.
  • Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. However, if the hinge or latch fails, repair isn’t really an option.

Accessories and Customization Options

  • The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top does not come with any accessories. The product description mentioned an optional foam insert, but it wouldn’t fix the structural flaws.
  • There are no customization options available for this product. Given the basic design, there’s limited scope for aftermarket modifications.

Pros and Cons of MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top

Pros

  • Relatively inexpensive.
  • Compact and lightweight for easy portability.
  • See-through top allows for quick ammo checks.
  • Flip-top design offers quick access to rounds.
  • Internal grid pattern helps organize ammunition (to a point).

Cons

  • Questionable durability, especially the hinge and latch.
  • Rounds shift inside the box during transport.
  • Minimal protection from moisture or impact.
  • Latch feels flimsy.


Who Should Buy MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top?

The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top is perfect for casual shooters who need a cheap, basic way to organize their .223/5.56 ammunition for short trips to the range. It’s suitable for those who prioritize affordability and convenience over long-term durability and protection. If you require a cheap container, then this is it!

Serious shooters, reloaders, and those who need reliable ammo storage in harsh conditions should skip this product. They would be better served by investing in more robust ammo cans or higher-quality plastic boxes. You will spend more money, but the longevity will make up for it.

A must-have modification would be a stronger latch and hinge if that were even possible!

Conclusion on MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top

The MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top offers a budget-friendly solution for organizing and transporting .223/5.56 ammunition, but its drawbacks outweigh its benefits. The low price is appealing, but the questionable durability and lack of protection make it a less-than-ideal choice for serious shooters.

The value proposition is questionable. While the price is low, the lack of durability means it may need to be replaced sooner than later. I would personally not recommend this product to someone looking for a long-term ammo storage solution.

Ultimately, the MTM Ammo Box 100 Round Flip-Top is a classic case of getting what you pay for. If you’re on a tight budget and only need basic ammo organization for occasional range trips, it might suffice. However, investing in a more robust option will provide better protection and peace of mind in the long run. Consider spending a little more for a far better product.

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