Custom Cardboard Ammo Boxes Wholesale: The Complete 2026 Guide for Ammunition Brands, Distributors & OEM Manufacturers

The ammunition industry has become more competitive than ever. With tighter retail standards, more private-label ammo brands entering the market, and stricter packaging expectations from consumers and distributors, the importance of high-quality custom cardboard ammo boxes has skyrocketed. Today, packaging isn’t just about holding rounds—it’s a tool for branding, compliance, marketing, safety, and customer experience.

Whether you’re producing thousands of rounds per day or operating a specialized ammunition shop with premium handcrafted loads, the packaging you choose directly impacts your sales success, retail visibility, and brand perception. This guide breaks down the whole landscape of custom cardboard ammo boxes wholesale, covering informational, commercial, and transactional angles to help you understand materials, inserts, printing options, compliance guidelines, and how to place an efficient wholesale order.

What Exactly Are Custom Cardboard Ammo Boxes?

Custom cardboard ammo boxes are structurally engineered cartons explicitly designed to package, store, and protect ammunition cartridges of various calibers. Unlike generic packaging, these boxes are manufactured using reinforced SBS cardstock or lightweight corrugated materials that balance durability with premium print quality.

They ensure:

• Protection against crushing, moisture, and inconsistent storage conditions

• Organization through internal dividers for safe cartridge separation

• Compliance with industry labeling standards

• Brand consistency for expanding ammunition lines

• Cost efficiency for large-scale production

The combination of structural integrity and print-ready surfaces makes cardboard ammo boxes the industry standard for retail-focused ammunition brands.

Why the Ammunition Industry Prefers Cardboard Packaging Over Plastic or Metal

While metal ammo cans and plastic cartridge trays still serve important functions, cardboard boxes offer several advantages that modern ammunition companies find essential:

1. Lightweight = Lower Shipping Costs

A single pallet containing thousands of cardboard ammo boxes weighs significantly less than its plastic equivalent. In an industry where freight and storage contribute heavily to operational cost, this difference quickly compounds to annual savings.

2. Better Printability for Branding

Cardboard allows full-coverage CMYK printing, metallic foils, digital detailing, and matte/gloss coatings. This level of branding is nearly impossible with plastic boxes.

3. Retail-Friendly Aesthetics

Retailers prefer packaging that clearly communicates caliber, grain, performance, and branding in an attractive format. Cardboard contributes to better shelf appeal.

4. Eco-Friendly and State-Compliant

With growing eco-awareness among U.S. buyers and distributors, recyclable packaging is a strong competitive edge. Several states encourage the use of recyclable materials for consumer goods sold in outdoor, hunting, and sporting industries.

Standard Ammo Packaging Sizes (With Real Dimensions)

50-Round Ammo Boxes (Most Popular)

Recommended Size: 5.575″ × 2.850″ × 2.260″

These are ideal for:

• 9mm

• .223

• .22LR

• .38 Special

• .40 S&W

• 10mm

• .380 ACP

The interior can be fitted with chipboard dividers or customized inserts designed to match the exact cartridge profile.

20-Round Rifle Ammo Boxes

Often used for:

• .308 Winchester

• .30-06 Springfield

• .300 Blackout

• .243 Winchester

• .270

These boxes prioritize structural rigidity and printed ballistic data on the outer panels.

Advanced Features Available in Cardboard Ammo Boxes

Today’s ammunition brands want packaging that reflects professionalism. Common upgrades include:

• Soft-touch lamination for a premium feel

• Spot UV to highlight caliber or logo details

• Matte finish for tactical/military-style packaging

• Gloss finish for commercial/sporting ammo

• Holographic foils for branding distinction

• Custom bronze and red foils for stripe design (requested by many ammo brands and included in your current quote request)

These features help products stand out in retail environments dominated by bold visuals and technical data.

Why Brands Choose Wholesale Custom Ammo Packaging

As the ammunition market becomes increasingly saturated, brands are turning to custom packaging to differentiate themselves.

1. Strong Retail Presence

A buyer’s first impression often comes from packaging, not performance specs. Clean, sharp visuals with consistent branding across calibers dramatically increase cart conversions both in-store and online.

2. Credibility & Trust

High-quality packaging communicates that the contents are manufactured with precision and reliability. Premium brands cannot afford low-quality cartons.

3. Cost Savings Through Wholesale

Wholesale purchasing ensures:

• Lower cost per unit

• Priority production

• Better inventory planning

• Faster restocking cycles

• Consistent print quality batch after batch

Hola Custom Boxes offers wholesale tiers starting from 100 to 1000+ boxes, with scalable pricing.

4. Flexibility Across Calibers and Variants

Wholesale orders allow you to maintain a unified brand identity across:

• Handgun ammo

• Rifle ammo

• Shotgun shells

• Subsonic loads

• Match-grade cartridges

Every variant can maintain cohesive packaging visuals for a more professional retail footprint.

Inserts & Internal Dividers

Ammunition packaging is only as strong as its insert system.

Available options:

• Standard chipboard inserts for 9mm/50-round boxes

• Corrugated dividers for heavy-load cartridges

• Custom-cut paperboard inserts for unique sizing

• Foam dividers for premium or specialty ammo lines

• Custom cavity inserts for collectible or commemorative ammunition

Your client also requested two versions of inserts—the standard Hola insert and a fully custom-drawn insert—both of which can be quoted in matching quantities.

How to Order Custom Cardboard Ammo Boxes Wholesale (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Choose Your Box Type

Options include:

• 50-round standard boxes

• 20-round rifle boxes

• Multi-caliber packaging

• Custom shapes for limited edition releases

Step 2 — Select Material

• 18pt, 20pt, 22pt SBS cardstock

• Natural kraft

• Corrugated cardboard for shippers

Each material offers trade-offs in durability, print quality, and ideal use case.

Step 3 — Upload or Request Artwork

You may upload:

• AI, PDF, or layered PSD files

• A rough sketch (Hola Custom Boxes offers free adjustments if needed)

A digital proof is provided before production begins.

Step 4 — Add Finishes and Upgrades

Common upgrades include:

• Bronze and red metallic foiling

• Spot UV gloss

• Matte or soft-touch lamination

• Large panel illustrations

• Textured patterns

These upgrades increase retail shelf impact and overall perceived quality.

Step 5 — Production & Delivery

Standard turnaround:
8–12 business days from artwork approval.

Shipping:
Free U.S. shipping with no die or plate charges.

Minimum order quantity:
100 boxes, ideal for pilot runs, new product lines, or testing designs.

Wholesale order page:
https://holacustomboxes.com/product/cardboard-ammo-box-manufacturer

FAQs (Buyer Questions)

1. Are cardboard ammo boxes strong enough for heavy calibers?

Yes. High-density SBS cardstock is engineered to withstand normal handling pressure. For extra-heavy rounds, corrugated inserts can reinforce durability.

2. Can these boxes include compliance labels and ballistic information?

Absolutely. All required warnings, caliber markings, and handling instructions can be printed directly on the carton.

3. Do you offer custom inserts?

Yes — both standard and custom-drawn inserts are available for 20 and 50-round packaging.

4. What printing methods are available?

Offset printing, digital printing, full CMYK, Pantone matching, spot UV, and foil stamping.