Why no .40 cal ammo boxes?

random guy

New member
27 years after the introduction of the .40 S&W, choices for ammo boxes seem to be flimsy cardboard or those plastic boxes which are made for .45 ACP rounds. The one box I've tried so far gives a really sloppy fit with rounds tipping in every direction and of course is more bulky than it needs to be. On the bright side, there is plenty of room to get hold of individual rounds.

Are manufacturers still waiting to see if .40 cal catches on? :rolleyes: Maybe I've overlooked some good boxes?
 
Apparently so.

I suppose it's kind of a "First World Problem" but I tend to think that any conceivable demand will be met by a supply in this entrepreneurial paradise.

At least there is that bright side of ample space. I've cussed at overly cramped ammo boxes a few times.
 
Same thing with 10mm - as one would suspect.

I use MTM boxes for every caliber. But the ones I use for 10mm are the same ones I use for 44 Mag. So yes, the fit is sloppy. Fortunately, I have saved most all my factory 10mm ammo boxes. They work better ;)

If it's any consolation, MTM's 9mm boxes are perfect for 38 Special wadcutters - they fit like a glove. So that's kinda neat.
 
Midway just added a cardboard box with styrofoam tray that appears to have the correct size holes although the external dimensions seem to be the same as the old multi-fit box. They are cheap at 42 cents apiece. My cardboard boxes seem to get ratty pretty quick though.

I'm just about resigned to getting more of the Plano boxes and enjoying all that extra space. I really have struggled with picking 9mm rounds out of the little flex-hinge boxes that don't want to open fully. Although sloppy looking, it's not all bad.
 
I pick the boxes out of the trash for 9mm, 40, and 45. The box is just heavy paper but the trays are hard plastic. I do buy the MTM boxes for rifle brass because I wore out the boxes I had.
 
Buy MagTech ammo.
Shoot it.
Reuse the box.

Magtech looks like good ammo at a decent price but my "problem" (that's right...another problem:rolleyes:) is that I've got a pretty large quantity of new Starline brass with no boxes. If the Magtech brass is good to reload, I still don't gain a box. Problems, problems.

I pick the boxes out of the trash for 9mm, 40, and 45. The box is just heavy paper but the trays are hard plastic.

Oh yes. I've got my share of those trays. Pretty handy for storing and sorting range brass. The outer box always seems to be MIA, perhaps in the bottom of the can. The things some people throw away...
 
All my cardboard boxes wore out got sick and tired of taping them back together. Broke down and bought some Berry's plastic boxes. Keep all my reloads in loose in ammo cans, and fill the plastic boxes as needed.
 
I would buy them. I would also like to see boxes made like the small s&b boxes or better yet, like the 100 small box size. I hate wasting space with air!
 
All my cardboard boxes wore out got sick and tired of taping them back together.

Yeah, pretty much my experience with factory boxes. Carrying them in an ammo can as opposed to throwing them in the range bag would probably prolong their life.

For these semi-auto pistol rounds, I considered just using food storage bags inside an ammo can but there may be a safety issue if the can is dropped.

I'm stenciling up a Wal Mart .50 ammo can right now but it doesn't look like any boxes fit in it especially well. A fat fifty can would probably be better.

I would buy them.

Seriously, .40 (not to mention 10mm) is right behind .45ACP in ammo sales. Also high on the list of loading die sales. Seems like a missed opportunity.

I can picture a product planner, upon hearing that the FBI is going 9mm, shouting "I told you .40 would never last!". :D
 
There are lots of the plastic ammo boxes on the market...for .40 / 10mm....

I have about 20 of them.../ they're are all kinds of them available on Midway ....and over the years, I've bought them at a variety of shooting stores.
 
I get mine from Cabelas. They carry ones made by MTM or Plano for .40/10 mm and .45. I prefer the the clear MTM boxes.
 
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I'd like to know more about those Chainsaw.

As of now, my Midway cart contains 25 of the new white cardboard boxes that at least fit the cartridges. I'll also get a few of the oversized Plano boxes.
 
Well crap. Sorry but Im a big fat liar. :( I just went and grabbed a box of her ammo, pulled out a 40 case and a 45 case slides right in. Guess they are looser than I recalled. Sorry for blowing smoke up your skirt!:(
 
Anyone who reloads pistol ammo should be using inexpensive GI ammo cans. I had a 50cal can FILLED w/ .45ACP and just about emptied it after three days of shooting. :D
 
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