South African Airlines stated that ammunition reloads are NOT allowed on SAA flights

Mine are reloads in factory boxes. Might be a question if someone checks headstamps.
 
It actually has always been there policy just not always enforced or enquired about . Stay away from ammo boxes . Put them in factory boxes and it should not be an issue ....
 
It all sounds like BS and many well meaning people who think they know something.
Keeping original cartridge boxes for this purpose may well save the hassle.
Trust me I feel for you but put your cartridges original paper boxes instead of MTM. Then put these in a lockable Plano orPelican case or whatever it takes.
Just save the hassle. I’m 6 months from my first African hunt. I’m hiring a rifle. It’s still all foreign to me.
 
How would the genius at check in identify factory from reloads? While one should not mislead airline staff blah blah, getting into a debate with a bureaucrat is to be avoided (what's the saying about wrestling with pigs in mud..)

What's the technical definition of a reload versus factory? Especially if the 'reload' was with virgin brass...is it then even a REload?

Provided the headstamp reflects the correct caliber, no one on the RSA end is going to have a clue (or a care) how your ammo was created.
 
I've always avoided Western Australia like the plague when it comes to firearms.

I would wager that this counter-jockey is confused from back in the time when airline regulations used to state "Ammunition must be in manufacturers packaging". Nowadays it has been changed to add "or equivalent". The Qantas DG approval letter even has a picture of a case-guard box. Regardless, mine "is always factory". They don't need to know it's a small, one-man factory in my gun room ;)

All the best.
 
It sure does look like Australia is proving to be a special case for additional stupidity at the airport regarding firearms.

Good luck.
 
Since I only use new factory brass. Then new bullets/powder/primers. That would make my ammo factory new ammo :)
 
I buy blank boxes from midway and print labels for them. ‘Pine Ridge Ammunition Company’. It’s a small custom factory in my basement.
 
When I went last year from Canada. Air Canada never asked me. But when I landed in Johan I had to collect my gear. Then recheck everything to fly to east London. The clerk had asked me the same question. I immediately said factory because looking at this girl I know she doesn't have a damn clue what factory or reload even means. So there is only reason for why she's asking. And that's cause they don't want to allow reloads. So I just said factory. I shine my brass up real nice so you could never tell.
 
I believe that factory only requires one tip whereas reloads has a two tip minimum.
 
I always use new brass on my hunt loads and have been using factory ammo boxes to put them in. Never been asked if factory or handload. The things these pencil dicks come up with, sheesh!:eek::eek::rolleyes::D:D
 
This probably will not do you much good given the window of time you're working with but it's a relatively easy fix. Get a few factory boxes and put your loads in them. Been there done that. I was cautioned about getting grief from the SAPS office many years ago. Ever since then I always take mine in factory boxes as a precaution. Sorry for your troubles.

BD
Just put it in factory boxes. That's what I do every time.
 
Mine are actually new manufacture using new brass, powder, primers and bullets and assembled in my own private factory, commonly known as my reloading room. If I have factory boxes I use them. Usually it's plastic boxes with a label of contents. No problems---yet.
 
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I've always been made to feel like a criminal by airport staff and customs in Australia. We once got into a big disagreement because my brother took over 50 rounds to nz and brought back 41. Trying to explain that losing brass is normal was a real struggle ended up needing their supervisor to get through it.

I hope this worked out for you mate
Wait, Australia expects you to take your brass with you? Holy shit.

I never bring back ammunition from overseas. It is an extra headache on the way in. I shoot it all in country and toss the brass in a recycling bin.
 
Just confirmed with Mr X. Regarding SAA. Locked case containing no loose ammo. FYI we only. Have not noted any to the contrary on this site regarding ...Only factory in original box except in the Australia incident.. anyone else have any exceptions?
 
Take an empty factory box. Scan the label. Print in color. Attach to whatever box you have. Voila, factory ammo!
 
I’d check with the airline
Besides cleaned brass reloads - how would they know anyway
 

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