The Ultimate Guide to 20-Gauge Shotshell Organization: MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Tray

For every serious shotgun enthusiast, hunter, or competitive shooter, the challenge of efficiently storing and transporting ammunition is a constant consideration. Loose shotshells can lead to disorganization, damage, and precious time wasted on the range or in the field. Enter the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray, a purpose-built solution designed to bring order and protection to your 20-gauge ammunition. This isn't just a simple container; it's a strategic component for optimizing your shooting experience, whether you're preparing for a hunting trip, heading to the skeet range, or meticulously organizing your reloading bench.

Why Organized Ammunition Matters for Every Shooter

Imagine arriving at the shooting range, only to fumble through a messy bag of loose shells, trying to find the right gauge or load. Or perhaps you're in the duck blind, and a crucial moment is lost because your shells are mixed up or exposed to the elements. These scenarios highlight the critical importance of proper ammunition organization. An effective storage system ensures:

• Quick Access: Find the right ammunition instantly when it matters most.
• Ammunition Protection: Safeguard shells from dirt, moisture, and impact damage that can affect performance.
• Safety: Prevent accidental discharge by keeping ammunition properly separated and contained.
• Efficiency: Streamline your reloading process, range sessions, and field activities.
• Inventory Management: Easily keep track of your ammunition stock, preventing shortages or overstocking.

The MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray addresses these needs directly, offering a robust and reliable way to manage your 20-gauge shotshells with unparalleled ease.

Understanding the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray

The MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 is a specialized ammunition tray engineered specifically for 20-gauge shotgun shells. Crafted from durable polypropylene, this black tray is designed to hold up to 50 rounds, providing a compact yet capacious storage solution. MTM Case-Gard is a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the shooting accessories market, and this shotshell tray is a testament to their expertise. It's not just a box; it's a meticulously designed tool to enhance your shooting pursuits.

Key Design Features and Benefits Explained

Let's dive deeper into what makes the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 an essential piece of gear for 20-gauge shotgun owners.

1. Optimal 20-Gauge Specificity

One of the standout features of the ST-20-40 is its precise fit for 20-gauge shotshells. Unlike generic trays that might accommodate multiple gauges imperfectly, this tray's compartments are molded to securely cradle 20-gauge shells, preventing them from rattling around or getting damaged. This tailored fit ensures:

• Maximum Protection: Each shell is held snugly, reducing the risk of dings, dents, or crimp damage.
• Reduced Noise: No more annoying rattling during transport, maintaining stealth in the field.
• Efficient Handling: Shells stand upright, making them easy to pick up and load, especially beneficial in competitive shooting scenarios or during rapid reloading.

This specialized design is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your ammunition, which can directly impact its performance and your accuracy.

2. Robust Polypropylene Construction

The choice of polypropylene as the primary material is a deliberate decision by MTM Case-Gard, driven by its exceptional properties that are ideal for ammunition storage:

• Durability: Polypropylene is highly resistant to impact, cracking, and crushing, even in demanding environments. This means your tray can withstand drops, bumps, and the rigors of outdoor use without compromising your ammunition.
• Chemical Resistance: It's impervious to most solvents, oils, and other chemicals commonly found in shooting environments, ensuring the tray's longevity and preventing any adverse reactions with your ammunition.
• Moisture Resistance: Polypropylene is non-hydroscopic, meaning it won't absorb water. This is vital for protecting your shotshells from moisture, which can degrade powder, primers, and wads, leading to misfires or poor performance. While not fully waterproof on its own, it provides a significant barrier against dampness.
• Lightweight: Despite its strength, polypropylene is remarkably light, adding minimal weight to your gear load. This is a significant advantage when you're carrying multiple trays or packing for a long hunt.
• Temperature Stability: It performs well across a wide range of temperatures, from freezing conditions to hot climates, without becoming brittle or deforming.

This material choice ensures that the ST-20-40 tray is not just a temporary container but a long-lasting asset for your shooting gear.

3. 50-Round Capacity for Practical Use

With a capacity for 50 shotshells, the ST-20-40 offers a practical balance between portability and volume. This specific count is often convenient for various shooting activities:

• Range Sessions: Many skeet or trap ranges are set up for rounds of 25 shots, making a 50-round tray ideal for two full rounds of shooting.
• Hunting Trips: It provides enough ammunition for a successful outing without being overly bulky.
• Reloading Batches: For reloaders, 50-round batches are a common and manageable quantity, making the tray perfect for organizing newly loaded shells.
• Bulk Storage: Multiple trays can be stacked efficiently for larger quantities of ammunition storage.

The black color of the tray is practical, resisting visible scuffs and dirt, and offers a discreet aesthetic that blends well with most shooting gear.

4. Stackable Design for Efficient Storage

One of the less obvious but incredibly valuable features of MTM Case-Gard trays is their stackable design. The ST-20-40 trays are designed to interlock securely when stacked, providing:

• Space Saving: Maximize storage in your gun safe, reloading bench, or gear locker.
• Stability: Stacked trays remain stable during transport, preventing them from toppling over and spilling contents.
• Organization: Grouping trays by load type or gauge becomes effortless, creating a highly organized ammunition inventory.

This feature is particularly beneficial for shooters who maintain a significant stock of ammunition or who need to transport multiple types of shells.

Who Benefits Most from the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray?

This versatile tray serves a wide array of individuals involved in shooting sports and outdoor activities.

• The Avid Hunter: Whether you're chasing pheasants, ducks, or deer, organized ammunition is crucial. The ST-20-40 keeps your 20-gauge shells protected from mud, rain, and debris in the field, ensuring reliable performance when that trophy moment arrives. It's perfect for quickly grabbing the right load for specific game.
• Competitive Clay Shooters (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays): Speed and consistency are paramount. The tray's design allows for quick and easy access to shells, minimizing fumbling and allowing you to focus on your swing. It helps maintain a smooth rhythm during a round.
• Reloading Enthusiasts: For those who meticulously craft their own shotshells, proper storage is vital. The ST-20-40 is excellent for organizing components before loading, holding freshly loaded rounds, or separating different loads for testing. It helps maintain quality control and prevents mixing up sensitive batches.
• Casual Range Shooters: Even if you only visit the range occasionally, having your ammunition neatly organized in a durable tray enhances your experience by making setup and cleanup much smoother.
• Firearms Instructors and Range Officers: Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment is key. These trays facilitate easy inventory management and safe handling of ammunition for training purposes.
• Anyone Concerned with Ammunition Longevity: Protecting your investment in ammunition from environmental degradation is a smart choice. The polypropylene construction offers a strong line of defense against elements that can shorten the lifespan of your shells.

Common Questions About Shotshell Organization and the MTM ST-20-40

Many shooters have similar questions when considering how to best manage their ammunition. Let's address some of the most frequent inquiries.

How do I keep my shotshells organized effectively?

Effective shotshell organization starts with purpose-built containers. Using products like the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray is a primary step. Beyond just trays, consider:

• Categorization: Group shells by gauge, shot size, load type (e.g., target vs. hunting), and manufacturer.
• Labeling: Clearly label your trays or storage containers. For reloaders, include load data, date, and performance notes.
• Dedicated Storage Area: Designate a specific, cool, dry, and secure location for all your ammunition.
• Inventory Tracking: Maintain a simple log or spreadsheet of your ammunition stock to avoid over-purchasing or running out.

The MTM ST-20-40 directly supports categorization and labeling, making it an excellent foundation for any serious organizational system.

What's the best way to store 20-gauge ammunition for long-term preservation?

For long-term storage, the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 provides an excellent first layer of protection. To maximize preservation:

• Environmental Control: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Basements can be problematic due to humidity unless a dehumidifier is used.
• Moisture Barriers: While polypropylene offers resistance, consider storing trays within sealed military-style ammo cans (like those available at DEGuns) that have rubber gaskets for an airtight, waterproof seal. Adding desiccant packets can further combat humidity.
• Avoid Contaminants: Keep ammunition away from chemicals, oils, and strong fumes that could degrade components.
• Keep it Elevated: Store off the floor to prevent exposure to potential spills or ground moisture.

The MTM tray ensures each shell is cradled individually, preventing damage from contact with other shells or the container walls during extended storage.

Is polypropylene a good material for ammunition storage containers?

Absolutely. Polypropylene (PP) is widely regarded as one of the best plastics for ammunition storage due to its unique properties:

• High Impact Strength: It can absorb significant impact without cracking or shattering, crucial for protecting delicate primers and crimps.
• Chemical Inertness: It doesn't react with the components of ammunition, ensuring no degradation over time.
• Excellent Moisture Barrier: While not fully waterproof on its own, its resistance to water absorption is superior to many other plastics, helping to prevent corrosion or powder degradation caused by humidity.
• Durability and Longevity: PP is resistant to fatigue and wear, meaning trays like the ST-20-40 can be used repeatedly for many years without losing their structural integrity.
• Recyclability: It's also an environmentally friendly choice as polypropylene is recyclable.

These characteristics make polypropylene trays like the MTM ST-20-40 a superior choice compared to cardboard boxes or less durable plastics.

Can these MTM shotshell trays be stacked securely?

Yes, the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Trays are specifically designed with a secure stacking feature. The bottom of one tray perfectly nests into the top of another, creating a stable column of organized ammunition. This interlocking design prevents them from sliding or toppling over, whether they are in your gun safe, on a shelf, or during transport in a vehicle. This stackability is a significant advantage for anyone with a substantial ammunition inventory or limited storage space.

Are these trays reusable, and how do I clean them?

Yes, these polypropylene trays are designed for indefinite reusability. Their robust construction allows them to withstand repeated use, whether for transporting loaded shells to the range or organizing empty hulls for reloading. Cleaning is straightforward:

• Basic Cleaning: For dust or light dirt, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
• Deeper Cleaning: For more stubborn grime or residue, a mild soap and water solution works well. A soft brush can help with hard-to-reach areas.
• Drying: Ensure they are completely dry before storing ammunition to prevent moisture issues. Air drying is usually sufficient.

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials, as these could potentially damage the plastic over time.

Beyond the Tray: Maximizing Your Ammunition Management with DEGuns

While the MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray is a foundational piece of equipment for 20-gauge ammunition management, optimizing your entire system involves considering where you acquire your gear. For a comprehensive selection of MTM Case-Gard products, including the ST-20-40, and a wide array of other shooting accessories and ammunition, DEGuns.com is a trusted source. They offer a vast inventory of shooting sports essentials, ensuring you can find everything you need to support your passion.

The MTM Case-Gard brand itself is a hallmark of American manufacturing quality. For over 50 years, MTM has been producing innovative, durable products for shooters, hunters, and reloaders. Their commitment to designing practical solutions that withstand the rigors of real-world use is evident in every product they make, including the ST-20-40 tray. When you choose MTM, you're investing in a product built on decades of expertise and a reputation for reliability.

Conclusion: Invest in Organized Efficiency

In the world of shooting sports, precision, safety, and efficiency are paramount. The MTM Case-Gard ST-20-40 Shotshell Tray directly contributes to all three. By providing a secure, organized, and protected home for your 20-gauge ammunition, it eliminates common frustrations and allows you to focus on what truly matters: improving your skills, enjoying your hunt, or excelling in competition.

Whether you are a seasoned hunter preparing for the next season, a dedicated competitive shooter striving for better scores, or a meticulous reloader ensuring every round is perfect, the value of having your ammunition neatly stored and readily accessible cannot be overstated. This black 50-round polypropylene tray is more than just a container; it's an indispensable tool that simplifies your shooting life and safeguards your investment in ammunition. Make the smart choice for your 20-gauge shotshells and experience the difference that superior organization can make.

Technical Specifications and Product Details

Feature	Detail
Product Name	MTM Case-Gard Shotshell Tray
Model Number	ST-20-40
UPC	026057204000
Gauge Compatibility	20 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Capacity	50 Rounds
Material	High-Impact Polypropylene
Color	Black
Design	Stackable for Efficient Storage
Primary Use	Ammunition Storage, Organization, Transport
Durability	Resistant to Impact, Moisture, Chemicals
Availability	Exclusively at DEGuns