SmartReloaderAmmo Box 50Jeff JohnThis ingenious plastic ammo boxfrom SmartReloader comes withthree stackable trays each with 12,2" wide x 2-3/4" long x 1-7/8" deepcompartments. The center dividerrunning lengthwise is molded in andthe other dividers can be pulled outto form larger compartments. The lidhas a moisture tight gasket, both lidand clasps have metal pins runningthrough the hinges and the box can bepadlocked. The internal volume of theAmmo Box 50 is the same as a military.50 BMG ammo can. All three trays fitmy GI Surplus .50 BMG can and areavailable separately for $5.95 each. Afolding tab on either side of the traysfacilitates lifting them in or out. TheAmmo Box 50 is rated for 70 poundsmax and the handle is ergonomicallydesigned to make toting such weightbearable.The SmartReloader Ammo Can 50 has threestackable trays you can customize to fit avariety of tasks shooters and collectors have forrange or storage.Since the trays are stackable,whatever is put in them will be bestprotected if the contents do not stickup above the trays. The width ofthe trays are not great enough for astandard box of .38 Special or 9mmammo. I puzzled over the best way touse the space as I read Duke’s featurein the October issue on VIMBAR/VIMSAR shooting matches featuringvintage bolt action and self-loadingrifles. It turns out by removing everyother divider, I can store 12 loaded M1Garand clips (96 rounds) or 24 .303British or 8x57mm 5-round clips ofammo per tray (120 rounds). In eachinstance, the ammo does not stick upabove the tray and will remain clean,fresh and easily accessible during amatch.Another tray could be set up tohold five 1911 magazines in fourcompartments (20 mags per tray)or three Browning Hi-Power mags.In some cases, the compartmentmay only be able to hold two hi-capmags depending on the base plateconfiguration.Another way to use the trays is tokeep a cartridge collection organized.Here, I’ve removed most of the ammofrom the plastic bags I keep them inorder to show off the versatility ofthe removable dividers. I use theserounds for reference and being ableto keep them compartmentalized willbe a boon. Otherwise, I have to dig inthe can and sort through the bags tofind what I want—which is usually atthe bottom. I may have to get a fewof these for my cartridge collection aswell one for the range. The Ammo Can50 retails for $29.95 and is availablein OD green or Flat Earth. Since it isan airtight “dry box,” be sure to adddesiccant.SmartReloader ProductsHelvetica Trading USA, LLC701 Lawton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216(800) 954-2689www.gunsmagazine.com/smart-reloader-mfgBuffalo Bore .45 ColtMike CumpstonDue diligence and a keenunderstanding of what makesbullets work are the hallmarks ofBuffalo Bore’s line of personaldefense ammunition. A case in pointis the standard-pressure .38 SpecialLead Hollowpoint. While manyhollowpoint bullets are pure windowdressing when fired from a 2" barrel,this soft lead, gaschecked bulletdelivers profound expansion whenfired into any aqueous medium. Acrossthe board, Buffalo Bore selects bulletsfor optimum performance loaded tostandard or +P levels and advertisedvelocities derive from actual firearmsrather than test fixtures.Recently arrived is a standardpressure, low flash 225-grain fullwadcutter loading designed to delivera maximum crush cavity and deeppenetration in .45 Colt-chamberedrevolvers ranging from the 2"-barrelTaurus Titanium through the fullsizedsingle and double actionsprized by dedicated revolver shooters.Founder, owner and CEO TimSundle’s own Taurus snub deliversa respectable 850 fps. He derives thelisted velocity of 1,050 fps from acouple of 5-1/2" single actions.The Buffalo Bore .45 Colt full wadcutterload delivers maximum crush and deeppenetration at pressure levels suitable toall mechanically sound firearms chamberedfor the round. It delivers about the sameperceived recoil as a standard 250- or255-grain loading and hits to the samepoint of impact. This group fired 2-handedunsupported at 25 yards.Full wadcutter bullets provide optimumperformance regardless of interveningbarriers that might defeat standard velocityjacketed hollowpoint rounds.My own 5-1/2" Colt Single ActionArmy put five across the screens atan average of 1,084 fps with a nice,consistent 31 fps spread and 587 ftlbsof energy 10' off the muzzle. Giventhe expense of premium defensiveammunition, it is a much-appreciatedbenefit when the selected ammunitionrecoils the same and hits to the samepoint of impact as less expensivepractice ammunition. With this inmind, I fired a couple of groups at 25yards—one from a 2-hand hold and theother 1-handed as is my usual practicewith the Colt Single Action. The Anti-Personnel load grouped as tightly as my250-grain 850 fps standard loads andhit to the same point of impact.Buffalo Bore AmmunitionP.O. Box 1480St. Ignatius, MT 59865(406) 745-2666www.gunsmagazine.com/buffalo-bore-ammunition78WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM • NOVEMBER <strong>2011</strong>
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