
Building a wood ammunition box is a fun and rewarding project that requires some basic woodworking skills. You'll need a plan to get started, and that's where these wood ammunition box plans come in.
To make a traditional ammunition box, you'll need to cut out the wood for the box's sides, bottom, and top. The plans recommend using 3/4-inch thick hardwood for the sides and 1/2-inch thick plywood for the bottom and top.
The box's dimensions are critical, with the plans specifying a width of 12 inches, a length of 8 inches, and a height of 4 inches. This size is ideal for storing small-caliber ammunition.
The plans also include a detailed cut list, which includes cutting the wood for the box's lid, hinges, and latch. This will ensure that your box is both functional and secure.
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Materials and Preparation
To build a wood ammunition box, you'll need to gather the right materials and prepare them properly.
You'll need a variety of wood pieces, including 1x2 pine and 1x6 cedar.
Cutting the wood is the first step, and you'll need a saw that can do cross cutting. I used a radial arm saw.
Here's a cut list to get you started:
- 4 - 1x2 x 12” pine
- 4 - 1x2 x 11” pine
- 4 - 1x2 x 10” pine
- 4 – 1x2 x 9” pine
- 4 – 1x2 x 7 pine
- 8 – 1x6 x30 cedar
- 4 – 1x6 x 9 cedar
To cut the cedar pieces to a uniform width, you'll need to use a table saw, track saw, or a radial arm saw. I chose to cut mine to 5 1/8” wide.
Related reading: How to Use a Cement Saw
Ammunition Boxes and Containers
Milan Box Corporation has been manufacturing boxes and crates since 1927, and they've been making military ammunition boxes since the Second World War.
Their M6 reactive armor tile wooden container comes in several versions, including the M3, M4, M5, and M7, designed to package various sizes of armor tiles for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The M2A1 wirebound plywood container is used for the 5.56mm, 9mm, 45cal, and 7.62mm cartridges, and it's manufactured according to military specification designated PPP-B-585D.
These containers are built to last, with a special heat treatment and preservative treatment to ensure they can withstand harsh conditions.
The 120mm mortar plywood container is designed to hold two rounds and is manufactured according to military specification designated Mil-B-46506.
It's a popular type used by international munitions manufacturers and can be heat treated and preservative treated for added durability.
Wooden ammo boxes are also a great solution for transporting ammunition in a car or for long-term ammunition storage, making them a practical choice for many people.
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Design and Construction
A well-designed wood ammunition box requires careful consideration of the materials and construction methods used.
The type of wood used for the box is crucial, with hardwoods like oak and maple being preferred for their durability and resistance to moisture.
A typical wood ammunition box is made from a single piece of wood, with the grain running along the length of the box to minimize warping and cracking.
The box is constructed using traditional woodworking techniques, such as mortise and tenon joinery, to ensure a strong and secure fit.
Step 4: Sanding

Sanding is an essential step in the design and construction process. It helps to smooth out the surface of the cedar boards and end handles, removing any rough edges or splinters.
Using a palm sander or sanding block, take some time to sand the faces of the cedar boards with 150 grit.
If this caught your attention, see: Box Cedar
Building a Better Ammo Box
When choosing materials for your ammo box, consider using natural materials like wood. These boxes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also more ecologically friendly.
Wooden ammo boxes are versatile and can be used for transporting ammunition in a car. They're also great for long-term ammunition storage.
One of the benefits of wooden ammo boxes is that they can be used for rifle magazines and small-caliber ammunition. This makes them a convenient solution for transporting a few rounds on the go.
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