Carrying ammo to Africa

[Ark hunter]

Hi, just joined the forum and we are planning our first trip to South Africa next year. From what I’m reading from this Forum and the TSA website is I can carry ammo in the same case as my rifle as long as it’s in the cardboard boxes, is this correct? Or do I need a separate locking ammo box?

 

[Rare Breed]

Separate locking ammo box. Use TSA locks on ammo box non TSA locks on your rifle case. Make sure you have a non TSA lock to fit every hole on your rifle case. Also make sure all your brass line up with your rifle…example a 275 Rigby is the same as a 7x57. Do not take a 275 Rigby with headstamped 7x57 brass. You can put your locked ammo case inside your checked baggage flying from US to Africa but flying from SA anywhere you gave to check ammo locked box separate

 

[Ark hunter]

Thanks, I bought a pelican case the other day for ammo, glad I got it now.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Pelican 1200 is usually the ideal size case for packing ammo. I have both a 1200 and 1300 and they work for all my requirements. You can also go to Harbor Junk (Freight) and get a similar and cheaper version. The weight of the case, plus ammo, plus locks can't exceed a certain weight (11 lbs IIRC).

 

[PARA45]

Your ammo doesn't have to be in something that heavy or sturdy. I've used simple Plano ammo boxes that will accept a lock. Something like this.

 

[JimP]

Pelican 1200 is usually the ideal size case for packing ammo. I have both a 1200 and 1300 and they work for all my requirements. You can also go to Harbor Junk (Freight) and get a similar and cheaper version. The weight of the case, plus ammo, plus locks can't exceed a certain weight (11 lbs IIRC).

View attachment 516776





View attachment 516777

The case isn't included in the weight only the ammo

 

[ARHinAK]

Me and my hunting partner traveled to and from South Africa with our ammo, 3 different calibers in factory boxes inside our lockable pelican double rife cases in May/June of 2022. Without so much as a question or sideways look. I think that’s how you’re supposed to do it.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Keep in mind the size of the ammo box and how much room it takes up in your checked bag. The Pelican 1200 seems to be the most used one for South Africa. One caveat, check with your airline. Some include the box in the 5 kilo weight, some just count the ammo. If you get to the airport and your airline counts the total weight of the ammo and container and you are over, you've just given them some free ammo.

 

[PARA45]

If you fly within South Africa, Joburg to the Eastern Cape for example, the ammo has to be in a separate lockable container.

 

[Mekaniks]

Welcome

 

[BeeMaa]

The case isn't included in the weight only the ammo

You are right...until you are not. And then your ammo stays home. It wouldn't be the first time a person in a position of authority didn't know the rules.

Better to be safe and keep the weight of the ammo and case under 5 Kg (11 lbs). It's pretty easy to keep a Pelican 1200 with 40 rounds of 375H&H under the limit.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

The case isn't included in the weight only the ammo

Until it is. Airlines are consistently inconsistent on this issue.

 

[JimP]

Me and my hunting partner traveled to and from South Africa with our ammo, 3 different calibers in factory boxes inside our lockable pelican double rife cases in May/June of 2022. Without so much as a question or sideways look. I think that’s how you’re supposed to do it.

Did you just travel to Johannesburg and have your PH pick you up there?

If you are flying elsewhere in South Africa the ammo needs to be in a separate checked container which there is no charge for.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Me and my hunting partner traveled to and from South Africa with our ammo, 3 different calibers in factory boxes inside our lockable pelican double rife cases in May/June of 2022. Without so much as a question or sideways look. I think that’s how you’re supposed to do it.

Some airlines allow ammo carried inside the rifle case. However, most require it to be separate. Usually you carry your ammo in a Pelican inside your checked bag. Once in Africa, they routinely separate the ammo by itself, hence the need for a durable container like a Pelican. The airline won't count the ammo as a separate bag and will not charge a fee.

 

[Scott CWO]

Me and my hunting partner traveled to and from South Africa with our ammo, 3 different calibers in factory boxes inside our lockable pelican double rife cases in May/June of 2022. Without so much as a question or sideways look. I think that’s how you’re supposed to do it.

You were lucky. This practice is only allowed in the USA. For international travel, ammo should not be in rifle case.

 

[Hogpatrol]

If you're borderline on weight, using paperboard factory boxes instead of aftermarket plastic units will help.

 

[Just Gina]

I have used both ammo cases shown in the pics here on this thread with no issue traveling to SA, Zim, and Tanzania.

to AH by the way!

 

[Doug3006]

Some airlines and governments require ammo to be in a separate locked case. Others don’t. However, I’ve never heard of an airline or government that forbid doing so. So the easiest way to go is to go the separate locked case route.

 

[gillettehunter]

TSA rules allow the ammo to be inside the same case as the rifle. Unless I'm very mistaken Delta and United do NOT allow that. If you want to get on the plane you have to follow their rules. The ammo is required to be in it's own lockable case. I usually stow my ammo in it's own lockable case inside of my regular checked bag. If I'm taking another flight from Joberg they will usually require the ammo box to be taken out and go as a separate piece of luggage.
Bruce

 

[ARHinAK]

Did you just travel to Johannesburg and have your PH pick you up there?

If you are flying elsewhere in South Africa the ammo needs to be in a separate checked container which there is no charge for.

Yes, that’s exactly what we did. Flew into Johannesburg, picked up by PH and returned.