custom shell boxes for the 8 gauge

[Milton C Starr]

Heres a little project I have been thinking about , I have been kicking around the idea about getting some custom boxes to put my 8 gauge loads in . Took some rough measurements on what the dimensions would be for a 25rd box . I think what I came up with is 4.875x3.25x4.875 . I having playing around with different design ideas so far this is what I came up with .

Still got a bit of playing around with it and some other ideas .

[Milton C Starr]

Heres some other ideas I am working on, I think im leaning towards the white background on the red box .

[Milton C Starr]

Different variation .

[David Holes]

I always thought it would be neat to have a 2 piece box for 8 and 10 ga

[Milton C Starr]

I always thought it would be neat to have a 2 piece box for 8 and 10 ga

You mean like the old styles ones where the shells are vertical like this ?
Thats was originally my idea but as a 15rd box, because a 25rd 8 gauge box will be huge.

[David Holes]

Yes that would be neat

[Milton C Starr]

Yes that would be neat

Someone can make those it is basically just a miniature shoebox. I have seen also some people making reproduction vintage shotshell boxes.

With the boxes im looking at I can get 100 made for around $250 .

[CraigThompson]

I have an abundance of the white 10 gauge 3 1/2" boxes and I use them for the 8 gauge . They hold 21 or 22 forget which . Well I use boxes when I feel like boxing them up . In most situations I have plastic tub type things in the back of my truck filled with a specific load for this gauge or that gauge .

[Milton C Starr]

I have an abundance of the white 10 gauge 3 1/2" boxes and I use them for the 8 gauge . They hold 21 or 22 forget which . Well I use boxes when I feel like boxing them up . In most situations I have plastic tub type things in the back of my truck filled with a specific load for this gauge or that gauge .

Yeah its mostly just a aesthetics thing wanting to have some ammo boxes with 8 GA printed on them .

[Milton C Starr]

Ive been thinking of using the 8 gauge as a dedicated predator shotgun . I think it will pattern the larger shot sizes a bit better than the smaller bores .
So I whipped this up .

[Dave Noreen]

Back in the day, Remington Arms - Union Metallic Cartridge Co. used dividers like a case of wine in their two-piece 8-gauge boxes.

96254

[Milton C Starr]

Back in the day, Remington Arms - Union Metallic Cartridge Co. used dividers like a case of wine in their two-piece 8-gauge boxes.

96254

I remember seeing this style before at a auction .
Would you know when they dropped the No. headstamps and went to putting gauge instead ?

Here are some reproduction boxes I have seen .

[charlie cleveland]

I like your idea on making 8 ga shell boxes....the turkey on the front is looking good.... charlie

[Milton C Starr]

I like your idea on making 8 ga shell boxes....the turkey on the front is looking good.... charlie

I may order about 10-15 boxes next week to see how I like them , Ive spent hours making minor adjustments here and there . I know I could just toss the shells in any container but having some purpose made boxes for them looks a bit more neat I think .

[Milton C Starr]

I like your idea on making 8 ga shell boxes....the turkey on the front is looking good.... charlie

Heres what I ended up with .

[John Dallas]

This could turn into a Destry-like exercise

[Milton C Starr]

This could turn into a Destry-like exercise

I have bought ammo before from small boutique outfits and usually they dont put much effort into the packaging . So I figured I could come up with something better . I tried to find some good quality pictures of some Winchester 8 gauge boxes but came up with nothing . Which isnt a problem I can solve that pretty easily .

[Bill Murphy]

Milton, if you shorten the ears on the cat, it would look more like a stray house cat and your market would expand quite a bit.

[Milton C Starr]

Milton, if you shorten the ears on the cat, it would look more like a stray house cat and your market would expand quite a bit.

Haha sounds like something my older brother would say .
I'm taking inspiration from vintage English and American shotshell boxes I've looked at . The English ones appear more like a business card almost where as the American ones are more stylized .


These are just for my personal use . I got some more changes to make when I get home . The 3d modeling doesn't work on phones .

[Milton C Starr]

Alright I think this is what I settled on for my turkey loads .

[Craig Larter]

Milton what software are u using to do the design?

[Milton C Starr]

Milton what software are u using to do the design?

https://app.buyboxes.com/BBAppV3/dashboard/project/Gift

Put in the measurements you want and then create a blank project and it will 3d model a box based on your measurements . you can important your own logos and designs as well . For the pictures I added to the boxes like the turkey, I used a app that removes backgrounds from pictures then another app to upscale it .

The price scales based on how many order, I just plan on ordering 15 first and see how I like them and if I want to make further changes . Im kind of torn because I like the minimalist approach I see on English shotshell boxes but I also appreciate the art and style on the American ones . So I guess im trying to blend those two things together .

[Stan Hoover]

If someone were to put some 8 Gauge boxes together, I would definitely have interest.

I think 2 piece boxes are cool, but I would be interested in any.

Stan Hoover

[Milton C Starr]

If someone were to put some 8 Gauge boxes together, I would definitely have interest.

I think 2 piece boxes are cool, but I would be interested in any.

Stan Hoover

Im trying to decide on the top if I like it with the 2 smaller turkeys or a cleaner look .

[Milton C Starr]

If someone were to put some 8 Gauge boxes together, I would definitely have interest.

I think 2 piece boxes are cool, but I would be interested in any.

Stan Hoover

I seen someone who makes those style boxes but they wouldnt do custom odd sizes . The length and Width I come up with for 25 8 gauge shells is 4 7/8s x 4 7/8s which works out perfectly since this app rounds off by 1/8" increments .

Im sure If I kept search I could find someone who makes them .

[Stan Hoover]

I seen someone who makes those style boxes but they wouldnt do custom odd sizes . The length and Width I come up with for 25 8 gauge shells is 4 7/8s x 4 7/8s which works out perfectly since this app rounds off by 1/8" increments .

Im sure If I kept search I could find someone who makes them .

Milton,

would some boxes with turkey and some with geese be an idea?

I don't know if both on the same box would be appropriate?

Stan Hoover

[Milton C Starr]

Milton,

would some boxes with turkey and some with geese be an idea?

I don't know if both on the same box would be appropriate?

Stan Hoover

I did have a idea of doing a box with geese on it perhaps marked bismuth .
The thing I find interesting about turkey loads is what we called turkey loads today would have been great goose shells 100+ years ago,heavy payloads larger shot sizes etc . If the 1918 migratory bird laws and the leadshot ban didnt happen I think a box with geese and turkey on it would probably have been common .

I have been trying to find a decent picture of a goose to use .

[charlie cleveland]

those boxes look great to me put me down for about 5 boxes if you get them made.....charlie

[Milton C Starr]

Milton,

would some boxes with turkey and some with geese be an idea?

I don't know if both on the same box would be appropriate?

Stan Hoover

Heres my first try at a goose box .

[Milton C Starr]

those boxes look great to me put me down for about 5 boxes if you get them made.....charlie

For sure Charlie, I figure they will make some interesting conversation pieces as well . As well it will let me stack my 8 gauge rounds neatly and with a bit of style .

[Stan Hoover]

That's nice,
May I go out on a limb and ask if it could be more like a picture with background (lake etc)?

I'm ignorant, I have no idea how you're program works:corn:

[Milton C Starr]

That's nice,
May I go out on a limb and ask if it could be more like a picture with background (lake etc)?

I'm ignorant, I have no idea how you're program works:corn:

If I can figure out a way for it not to remove those details . Now I could add the picture without the background remover and see what it looks like .

[Milton C Starr]

That's nice,
May I go out on a limb and ask if it could be more like a picture with background (lake etc)?

I'm ignorant, I have no idea how you're program works:corn:

Something like this ?

[Stan Hoover]

That is very nice, I like it very much.

[Milton C Starr]

That is very nice, I like it very much.

I think this might be my favorite yet, the boxes arent expensive depending on how many are ordered the more bought at a time the lower it is per box .
I could see why these smaller ammo companies dont use more stylized boxes it would add a few dollars more per box . Although if a company was selling 25rd boxes of 8 gauge ammo it would probably cost around $75 per box so another $2-$3 wouldnt really matter in my opinion .

[charlie cleveland]

nice geese box I think this is the best box yet...charlie

[Milton C Starr]

nice geese box I think this is the best box yet...charlie

Thanks Charlie Ive been tinkering with it for hours haha .
I plan on ordering some Thursday, out of curiosity im tinkering with the RST 10 gauge boxes a little bit as well . Im constantly making micro adjustments here and there .

Heres the RST 10 ga box I was playing with .

[David Noble]

I would be in for ten of the 8ga boxes if you decide to work up a group buy. I like the geese and lake theme very much but would still be happy with a different design if need be.
I'm not too sure about you using the RST logo on the 10ga boxes though, they might not like that.
Thanks, and keep us posted on this!

[Milton C Starr]

I would be in for ten of the 8ga boxes if you decide to work up a group buy. I like the geese and lake theme very much but would still be happy with a different design if need be.
I'm not too sure about you using the RST logo on the 10ga boxes though, they might not like that.
Thanks, and keep us posted on this!

I wasnt planning on doing anything with the RST boxes I was just wondering how they might look with a bit more art on them .

I may order 20-25 boxes of the 8 gauge , it says it would be $194 for 25 boxes or $7.74 per box. It would be cheaper to order 100 boxes then it would be $2.99 per box . But I figure order around 20 or so at first and see how they look in person and if they need more changes etc .

I got the goose box done so now im working on a turkey one .

[Milton C Starr]

So far got this much done on the turkey one .

I cleaned up some of the lines on the goose box and think its good to go for now .

[Stan Hoover]

Oh my,
I think you have hit a home run on those pictures!
Stan Hoover

[David Noble]

The Turkey box looks great too. I'm in for one of each at the $7.50 price if that helps you get the samples. I bet there are enough people on the forum to justify the larger order for the $2.50 a box price. If it gets down to that price I'll likely take twenty total.
Thanks! David

[Milton C Starr]

The Turkey box looks great too. I'm in for one of each at the $7.50 price if that helps you get the samples. I bet there are enough people on the forum to justify the larger order for the $2.50 a box price. If it gets down to that price I'll likely take twenty total.
Thanks! David

I plan on putting in the order tomorrow for the goose box . I will keep working on the turkey box and maybe order those next week . Their website says the box will look better in person since the picture online is just a 3d model so fingers crossed on that .

[Stan Hoover]

I plan on putting in the order tomorrow for the goose box . I will keep working on the turkey box and maybe order those next week . Their website says the box will look better in person since the picture online is just a 3d model so fingers crossed on that .

Let me know how many you need to make the order, I would probably take 10 of each

[Milton C Starr]

Let me know how many you need to make the order, I would probably take 10 of each

Will do, I think they should be pretty easy to ship as well since they come flat . Shouldn't take up that much space I would think to ship . No idea what the turn around time is but I will probably find out tomorrow .

I'm going to keep tweeking the turkey box as I'm not 100% sure about the black background .

[Milton C Starr]

Let me know how many you need to make the order, I would probably take 10 of each

Heres some design ideas im tossing around with the turkey loads .

[CraigThompson]

If you do the 100 amount I’d most likely be up for ten of the turkey one and ten of the goose one . Maybe even ten with deer or bear on them for my buckshot , slug and punkin ball loads .

[CraigThompson]

So far got this much done on the turkey one .

I cleaned up some of the lines on the goose box and think its good to go for now .

These two work for me ! Might I see guest leaving shot size and charge as empty boxes so a person could write in what they loaded .

[Milton C Starr]

These two work for me ! Might I see guest leaving shot size and charge as empty boxes so a person could write in what they loaded .

I was debating this myself I could just leave it as black spots/squares and you could either write it there yourself or write it on a small stamp and them place it there .

[CraigThompson]

Grizzly bear is okay but how about something like this .

[Milton C Starr]

Grizzly bear is okay but how about something like this .

Like this ?

[Milton C Starr]

Grizzly bear is okay but how about something like this .

I think I like this one a bit better .
version 1 and version 2

[CraigThompson]

Yes all three work for me !

[edgarspencer]

I'd like a few, and my only 8ga. cannon is, well, a cannon.
I load my 3 1/4" blanks with 350grs. FFg.

[Milton C Starr]

I should get a final quote this afternoon .
Can't wait to see how they turn out in person .

[CraigThompson]

I'd like a few, and my only 8ga. cannon is, well, a cannon.
I load my 3 1/4" blanks with 350grs. FFg.

Are you coming to PA next week and if so are you bringing your cannon :whistle: We could try a couple of my punkin ball loads in it :cool:

[Milton C Starr]

I got the goose boxes ordered turn around time is 12 business days+ shipping .

[David Noble]

Milton, have you discussed with the box company the thickness of the cardboard? Twenty five 1 3/4 ounce loads will weigh 4 pounds or more. It will need to be thicker than an average 12ga box, IMHO

[CraigThompson]

I got the goose boxes ordered turn around time is 12 business days+ shipping .

That was a 25 box or 100 box order ?

[Milton C Starr]

That was a 25 box or 100 box order ?

25 box order, the shipping was more than I was expecting it was about $40 for ground . I just planned to keep 4 boxes that will hold 100 rounds for me .

[Milton C Starr]

Milton, have you discussed with the box company the thickness of the cardboard? Twenty five 1 3/4 ounce loads will weigh 4 pounds or more. It will need to be thicker than an average 12ga box, IMHO

Its much thicker than the paper used for regular boxes, I will know for sure though when I get them .

This is how thick it is in the 3d software

[CraigThompson]

25 box order, the shipping was more than I was expecting it was about $40 for ground . I just planned to keep 4 boxes that will hold 100 rounds for me .


Understood but I'm more intrested in the $7.50 a box on a 25 order versus $2.50 on a 100 box order .

[Milton C Starr]

Understood but I'm more intrested in the $7.50 a box on a 25 order versus $2.50 on a 100 box order .

From my understanding the increased price for smaller orders is for the cost of setting up the cutting die. I plan to do the deer boxes next week, I may do some Parker reproduction boxes in the future but it would be a more costly endeavor than these.

[CraigThompson]

From my understanding the increased price for smaller orders is for the cost of setting up the cutting die. I plan to do the deer boxes next week, I may do some Parker reproduction boxes in the future but it would be a more costly endeavor than these.

I realize that , but like several others stated I was intrested in ten at the $2.50 each price not at $7.50 each .

[David Noble]

$40 for shipping those twenty five boxes is very steep! I believe it should be at most half that amount. I would suggest you call them and request it be shipped a cheaper way. I understand that small orders are more expensive for the product cost, but the shipping should be at normal rates. What's going to happen when you order a hundred or more boxes. Is the shipping going to be $160!!? If it were me I'd cancel that order if they won't work with you on the shipping.

[Milton C Starr]

$40 for shipping those twenty five boxes is very steep! I believe it should be at most half that amount. I would suggest you call them and request it be shipped a cheaper way. I understand that small orders are more expensive for the product cost, but the shipping should be at normal rates. What's going to happen when you order a hundred or more boxes. Is the shipping going to be $160!!? If it were me I'd cancel that order if they won't work with you on the shipping.

I'm wondering perhaps if they are already assembled in which case 25 8 gauge boxes will be a large package to ship . I'll find out Tuesday about it.

[Milton C Starr]

I realize that , but like several others stated I was intrested in ten at the $2.50 each price not at $7.50 each .

I will find out more information next week on it. Once you place a order it doesnt automatically go into production. Their people review it then send a final design approval request . Actually Im wondering if they will change the pricing as most of the stuff they produce doesnt appear to have this much artwork on the boxes . So everything is up in the air until I hear back from them.

[David Noble]

Milton, I believe they are planning to mail the boxes in a flat configuration. It would make little sense to ship them assembled. You are doing a good job, it just takes a bit of work and time to get all the particulars worked out with the manufacturer. Thanks for your effort!

[Milton C Starr]

Milton, I believe they are planning to mail the boxes in a flat configuration. It would make little sense to ship them assembled. You are doing a good job, it just takes a bit of work and time to get all the particulars worked out with the manufacturer. Thanks for your effort!

Thats what I was thinking as well . Also the $40 shipping is the cheapest option they offer. Hopefully tomorrow they will send me confirmation on the design and start printing them.

My main reason for the project is the 8 gauge is a passion of mine and I dont think anyone has made any shotshell boxes for them in probably 80yrs at least in the US anyhow.

I looked into getting a small batch of paper hulls made up but the cost was astronomical so thats not happening anytime soon.

[CraigThompson]

I don’t get your cost efficiency ? A 100 at $2.50 each is $250 . Where as 25 at $7.50 each is $187.50 . According to you shipping is $40 or more . Quite frankly as I’ve stated atleast two times already I am not willing to pay $75.00 plus shipping for 10 cardboard boxes . Heck for 75 more boxes it’s only $62.50 more then you’re gonna pay for 25 . I understand setup cost etc but that’s a prime reason to order in larger quantities . I think you need to rethink this whole thing as I’m not willing to fork over $75 for ten boxes plus whatever it costs to get them to you then on to me . That’ll end up being most likely $100 for ten boxes sorry but I’m out of that’s the case .

[Milton C Starr]

I don’t get your cost efficiency ? A 100 at $2.50 each is $250 . Where as 25 at $7.50 each is $187.50 . According to you shipping is $40 or more . Quite frankly as I’ve stated atleast two times already I am not willing to pay $75.00 plus shipping for 10 cardboard boxes . Heck for 75 more boxes it’s only $62.50 more then you’re gonna pay for 25 . I understand setup cost etc but that’s a prime reason to order in larger quantities . I think you need to rethink this whole thing as I’m not willing to fork over $75 for ten boxes plus whatever it costs to get them to you then on to me . That’ll end up being most likely $100 for ten boxes sorry but I’m out of that’s the case .

Well I planned to order the larger lot next as I just want to get a small batch first and see how well they turn out . According to their website the real thing should look more detailed than the 3d model so I will see. Just didnt want to order 100 at first and when I receive them have some sort of flaw . I just received the final art work proof. The shipping came out to $35 in stead of $40 so thats a bit better . I wish there was a way I could download the designs and send the files out to whoever wants them .

[Milton C Starr]

So these intial samples came in today, I am surprised the measurements I came with were spot on for 25 8 ga shells . The boxes are made from some pretty sturdy material .I dont think they are actually that much bigger than say a box of 10 ga 3.5" shells at least they dont feel like it now I got them in front of me .

The measurements for the inside I used were 4.875"x3.25"x4.875".

[Dean Romig]

That’s a very nice looking box!!





.

[Stan Hoover]

Very Nice Boxes there Milton,
I guess beggars can't be choosers, but do you plan to put Starr Cartridge Company on all of them I suppose?
Thanks,
Stan Hoover

[Milton C Starr]

Very Nice Boxes there Milton,
I guess beggars can't be choosers, but do you plan to put Starr Cartridge Company on all of them I suppose?
Thanks,
Stan Hoover

Thats just a place holder for now the 3d modeling software is pretty easy to use if anyones wants to give it a shot you can put in the measurements I used for the boxes .

[Milton C Starr]

That’s a very nice looking box!!





.

They did a pretty good job the box looks just like it did in the 3d model. They actually got them finished faster than their estimated time frame .

[charlie cleveland]

great looking noxes they will look good in any bodys shelfves...now how much to get me some of those boxes....charlie

[Milton C Starr]

Very Nice Boxes there Milton,
I guess beggars can't be choosers, but do you plan to put Starr Cartridge Company on all of them I suppose?
Thanks,
Stan Hoover

Something more like this ?

[Stan Hoover]

That’s great Milton,

I think that would be excellent,

if you would like to put your name on and makes it less costly for them to be the same, I will still buy some:)

Stan Hoover

[Milton C Starr]

That’s great Milton,

I think that would be excellent,

if you would like to put your name on and makes it less costly for them to be the same, I will still buy some:)

Stan Hoover

Heres a 10rd box I have been working on the art is a painting of the Chesapeake bay. I just came up with a brand name as I see the logo as part of the decoration itself but it could be anything really. I like how sturdy these boxes are and the tab closes them securely feels like you could knock one off a table and it wouldn't accidently open.

[Milton C Starr]

This would be a 100 round case, I am now thinking at some point getting a wood crate made for them like I have seen with vintage shotshells before.

[Stan Hoover]

Nice stuff there Milton,

I like your taste, just let me know when I can purchase some.

[edgarspencer]

I think they look terrific, but it just occurred to me that of all your designs, you landed on the one that is not legally hunted with an 8ga.

[Milton C Starr]

Nice stuff there Milton,

I like your taste, just let me know when I can purchase some.

I need to do a group order to bring the cost per box down. The shipping is the same if I buy 20 boxes or 100 boxes .

[Milton C Starr]

I think they look terrific, but it just occurred to me that of all your designs, you landed on the one that is not legally hunted with an 8ga.

Haha I was aware of that when designing them. The working idea I started with was a what if concept if 8 ga were legal. Technically speaking you could hunt waterfowl here with a 8 gauge as long as it is one of the 125 waterfowl species not protected by the migratory bird act . I know thats a extreme hypothetical as well most of the birds on that list would be expensive to stock on a hunting preserve or your own property.