Handloads to South Africa?

As my hunt approaches I am concerned that I do this right. I would like to hunt with my own 30-06 handloads and was wondering if there exsists any special requirements for bringing them into the RSA? Right now I have no boxes for them and was wondering if plastic would suffice? What say you? Thanks...

No problem, just have to be in a container. I use the plastic MTN ones.

Like he said.
No issues.
As always, make sure the ammo is in a separate lockable container.
Going TO RSA you will have it in your checked baggage.
Depending on which loon you get, upon Departure from RSA they may want to have you send the ammo case separately, as in another checked bag.
Got me, it happened to both of my friends.
Just don't freak out if they want you to do it.

I just bought a Pelican 1200, so I can deal with this eventuality on the next trip.

There are also loons in the USA . Just had a client they refused to take handloads in plastic reload box. They said it should be in original packaging ! It should not be a problem. Depends on who you get at the airport and if they feel it is their day to show authority !

Originally Posted by Safari Afrika

There are also loons in the USA . Just had a client they refused to take handloads in plastic reload box. They said it should be in original packaging ! It should not be a problem. Depends on who you get at the airport and if they feel it is their day to show authority !

We have our share to.

I reloaded ammo for our trip to South Africa 30/06 and 308 had them in original boxes they didn't even pull them out to look at them. I've heard it go both ways, not to take a chance go to a local range and get some boxes that say 30/06 out of the trash most people just throw them away. Bob

No problems with original boxes but regs say plastic cases are fine. They must be secured though si if they rattle in the plastic (MTM) box that may cause problems, a peice of foam rubber placed in the lid to secure the ammo from rattling as well as a wrap of electrical tape (keep the roll in your ammo lockup) certainly satisfies TSA regs and should satisfy the airlines. Key word here is "should".

Personally to play it safe my handloads are in manufacturers boxes, dont worry about the bullet, etc matching what you actually have loaded as long as the cartridge marked is the same as your handloads it will be fine.

Originally Posted by Diamondhitch

No problems with original boxes but regs say plastic cases are fine. They must be secured though si if they rattle in the plastic (MTM) box that may cause problems, a peice of foam rubber placed in the lid to secure the ammo from rattling as well as a wrap of electrical tape (keep the roll in your ammo lockup) certainly satisfies TSA regs and should satisfy the airlines. Key word here is "should".

Personally to play it safe my handloads are in manufacturers boxes, dont worry about the bullet, etc matching what you actually have loaded as long as the cartridge marked is the same as your handloads it will be fine.

The headstamp needs to match your rifle too, right??? I remember reading a thread here on AH, someone said it was a concern with wildcats.

Originally Posted by 35bore

The headstamp needs to match your rifle too, right??? I remember reading a thread here on AH, someone said it was a concern with wildcats.

I took 2 small pelican boxes and used either plastic MTM boxes for the .375 H&H. On my 30.06 Ackley Improved I bought some of the cardboard boxes from Midway and filled out load labels. My wife and I each carried a Pelican Box loaded. No issues either direction.

Originally Posted by 35bore

The headstamp needs to match your rifle too, right??? I remember reading a thread here on AH, someone said it was a concern with wildcats.

I have no experience with this but SAP (if they even check the ammo) are looking for the stamp on the bullet to match the stamp on the gun. I have not had them check my ammo yet but wouldnt chance it. The more stamps/lables that say the same thing = less chance of hassles IMO.

Originally Posted by Diamondhitch

I have no experience with this but SAP (if they even check the ammo) are looking for the stamp on the bullet to match the stamp on the gun. I have not had them check my ammo yet but wouldnt chance it. The more stamps/lables that say the same thing = less chance of hassles IMO.

I could have swore that (in a different post) by (more experienced than I) were saying that if you take a 30-06rifle your ammo had to be 30-06, if you were taking a 338wm your ammo had to be 338wm, etc,etc... If I am mistaken, then I am sorry for even bringing it up, but, I know i have read something along these lines more than once.

Originally Posted by 35bore

I could have swore that (in a different post) by (more experienced than I) were saying that if you take a 30-06rifle your ammo had to be 30-06, if you were taking a 338wm your ammo had to be 338wm, etc,etc... If I am mistaken, then I am sorry for even bringing it up, but, I know i have read something along these lines more than once.

I have heard the same. That is what I was meaning in my post. I have not had them check my ammo yet but I wouldnt want to chance it.

Originally Posted by 35bore

The headstamp needs to match your rifle too, right??? I remember reading a thread here on AH, someone said it was a concern with wildcats.

in some african countries the customs will count the rounds of ammunition you are bringing in, as they charge import duty per round, and also to verify that you arent bringing in more than you have on your visitors permit. i have seen them check that the headstamp matched the calibre on the carton as well on the odd occasion . so you have the potential for problems with a wildcat that uses a modified case as you might have the case with headstamp for example from a 40/800 , but you have a wildcat based on that case that on your visitors license says its a 45/800. most times they wont check, but when one decides to be clever then you will have problems!

In RSA, SAP never looked at my ammo.

However, just to be on the safe side, ammo headstamp should match your rifle.

I would never travel without the bullets matching the gun you are carrying, you are just asking for trouble.