Intended to extend the line of Vault protective cases, the V250 Ammo Case can protect a significant amount of ammunition for long-term storage, or to transport it to the range. It’s proprietary blend of material leads the ammo case to be up to 40% lighter than traditional ammo cans while retaining all the expected strength. The Air series of cases continues to provide Pelican’s leading level of protection at an affordable price to the consumer.
Like other Pelican Vault cases, the V250 is made from super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer with influence in design from Pelican’s Protector series to deliver a lightweight, watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that offers a significant amount of protection. The polymer has an operational temperature range between -60° F and 160° F.
Exterior
With an overall exterior dimension of 16.27” (L) x 11.93” (H) x 7.90” (W), the V250’s exterior is comprised of Pelican’s Super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer for a lightweight shell that maintains maximum strength and impact resistance.
The V250 includes a newly redesigned Press and Pull™ latch made from an ABS polymer that secures the lid to the bottom. In addition, there is a single heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handle on the lid to aid in picking up the case.
Several security features built into the V250 are its two stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its single automatic purge valve (hidden under the latch) made with hi-flow Gore-Tex with a 3 micron, hydrophobic non-woven material.
Interior
With an interior space of 12.70” (L) x 10” (H) x 6.30” (W), the 1615 has an overall internal storage capacity of 0.46 ft³ that makes it ideal for storing ammunition, equipment, electronics, or any other type of sensitive gear.
Available only in Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At $57.95 the V250 is intended to bring together Pelican’s new line of lightweight polymer technology, with the traditional concepts of ammo storage. Obviously its internal storage space makes it ideal for storing other items as well, but predominantly the V250 can store in excess of 1,500 rounds of boxed .223 ammunition, which is significantly more than the traditional milsurp 50 cal. ammo cans ($15-$25 depending on condition). Other market comparisons that share similar design and materials would be the 908 Waterproof Ammo Case ($54.95) by Nanuk. Or more inexpensive variants with less features for storage are Plano’s 1712 Ammo Box ($19,99), or the 50 cal. Ammo Can ($9.99) from MTM. If one is looking for the product with longer storage capability, waterproofing, and crush resistance then for its cost the V250 offers an appropriate (or average) cost given its unique materials, size, and design.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, there was little notable aspects to the V250 beyond the appropriate number of features that aided in carrying the V250 when full. The Carrying handle provided a secure grip, and its more rounded design was far more comfortable in the hand as opposed to the more common flat milsurp ammo can handle. The overall bulk of the case however, did make it a little awkward due predominantly to the V250s width in relation to the proximity to the body when carried. The inward-facing edge of the ammo case would often bump into the leg while walking, unless held outward slightly. Pelican could alleviate this in future designs of the V250 by making altering the dimensions slightly to make it more accommodating while being transported.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Much like other Vault or Pelican products, the V250 maintained the manufacturer’s legacy of durability despite a number of attempts to compromise its housing. The Ammo Case was thrown into the back of a truck (with other gear) and rattled around (on/off road), as well as given its own submersion test. In water the V250 remained amazingly buoyant, even necessitating a 35lb dumbbell on top to be fully immersed and still after an hour the contents remained dry. Throughout it all the housing was never compromised, and the seal/pressurization valve maintained positive function to prevent moisture or dust penetration. The shock and impact resistance held up excellent (with only surface marring noted), with nary any effect to the ammunition contained inside. This excellent level of durability put the V250 well above some of the cheaper variants of ammo cans that would otherwise have been compromised under the stress. Research showed there are a number of videos online of users attempting to compromise the V250 via freezing, but the case rebuffed those efforts per its sub-zero operational temperature range.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the V250 worked appropriately (or per average) much like other ammo cans in that it offered a secure storage space for ammunition or other items. Unlike milsurp cans however, the V250 lid could not be removed but rather opened fully to allow immediate access to the contents. For some, the ability to remove the lid is often the preferred method when in use—so users should be aware of this preferential difference. The press-and-pull latch did yield a secure hold, and maintained lock despite tests to the can’s durability. The carrying handle was also collapsible which would facilitate in the stacking of multiple Ammo Cases. By using 20-round boxes of .223 ammunition, and applying a grid measurement, the V250 should be able to hold approximately 1,500 rounds with still some room left over. This storage capacity would vary with either loose ammunition, or different caliber types.
- Weight – Good (4/5): At 5.23 pounds (empty), the V250 Ammo Case offered a significant level of durability due to its lightweight HPX²™ Polymer, something that helped to keep its overall mass low, while still offering significant storage capacity and strength. In comparison, more traditional milsurp 50cal ammo cans weighs 5.30 pounds (empty) each and holds approx. 1,200 rounds of .223, while the Nanuk 908 Ammo Case is 3.6 pounds (empty) and holds approx. 600 rounds of .223. Yet clearly both did not have the storage capacity of the V250. Even the Plano 1712 Ammo Case weighs 3 pounds (empty) but only had a max capacity of approximately 1,000 rounds. Thus, for its light weight and storage capacity, the V250 Ammo Can retained a good level of weight while empty, but still able to store more ammo than other market competitors.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/ammo-case/vault/v250
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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