A Hypothetical

[tarbe]

Tried to find the answer on here and via web searches, but failed.

Let's say I am going to RSA next year, taking one rifle in 300 H&H. I am carrying below the limit on ammo, secured in a separate (TSA) locked box in my checked baggage (not in the rifle vault).

I want to bring some component bullets with me to load some ammo while in-country. These will of course be of the same caliber as the rifle I am checking... .308 diameter.

Is it legal for me to bring these component bullets, if they are packed in my checked baggage?

Thanks!


Tim

 

[BRICKBURN]

You guys always come up with some twisted question that just gets me going and I have to find the answer.

Now, the law is one thing, the twits interpreting it and understanding it is another. My biggest concern would be someone thinking bullets and cases are ammunition. Many seeing bullets and cartridges as interchangeable terms.

Have fun.

RSA Statutes
Firearms Control Act, 2000
Conditions applicable to a temporary authorisation to possess a firearm
24. (3) The holder of the temporary authorisation may not possess more than 200 cartridges per calibre of firearm stipulated in the temporary authorisation unless, for the purpose of sports-shooting, the Registrar has on good cause shown, specified a larger quantity in the temporary authorisation.

Firearms Control Act, 2000
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS (ss 1-2)
1 Definitions
'ammunition' means a primer or complete cartridge;

Firearms Control Act, 2000
CHAPTER 10
CONTROL OF AMMUNITION AND FIREARM PARTS (ss 90-94)
90 Prohibition of possession of ammunition
No person may possess any ammunition unless he or she-
(a) holds a licence in respect of a firearm capable of discharging that ammunition;
(b) holds a permit to possess ammunition;
(c) holds a dealer's licence, manufacturer's licence, gunsmith's licence, import, export or in-transit permit or transporter's permit issued in terms of this Act; or
(d) is otherwise authorised to do so.


GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20 APRIL 2012
SCHEDULE OF SOUTH AFRICAN CONTROLLED ITEMS
Subject to the provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, a person in private possession of ammunition components that are free of explosive content does not require a possession permit in cases where the person can show that such possession is not related to trading in arms and ammunition and arises from incidental acquisition of components for private use, (such as cartridge cases for
reloading), keeping souvenirs or processing scrap metal.

 

[Frederik]

A primed case is considered ammunition, bullet heads and separate cases are not but that doesn't mean that whoever can be checking inspecting your luggage knows these laws. That is if they do inspect and check your checked luggage.

 

[Patrick R]

...but that doesn't mean that whoever can be checking inspecting your luggage knows these laws. That is if they do inspect and check your checked luggage.

That's true...

 

[tarbe]

Excellent info - thanks Wayne!

I shall find and print out these relevant items and have them on my person. They clearly tell ME that component bullets are exempt.

Tim

 

[Velo Dog]

A primed case is considered ammunition, bullet heads and separate cases are not but that doesn't mean that whoever can be checking inspecting your luggage knows these laws. That is if they do inspect and check your checked luggage.

I am +1 with Frederik on this.
Nonetheless, on my last two safaris I brought extra projectiles as per reloading, factory sealed in their cartons, as gifts .. once in the same caliber as my rifle in transit and once not in the same caliber as my rifle.
(Due to their laws, I would never try this with live ammunition head stamped in any caliber except the one my rifle is marked for).
So far, I have not even been questioned about the extra projectiles.
However, I repeat that I am totally in agreement with Frederik on this subject.
So be advised that it probably will work out just fine because it is perfectly legal but, there are no guarantees.