Ammo case

[Rare Breed]

Have folks had any issues with ammo inside the locked case being stored in the generic brown plastic MTM ammo wallets, those like hip pocket holders that will hold usually like 8-12 rounds? I prefer to put ammo into a factory cardboard case, but for things like a 505 Gibbs? Didn't know if generic plastic inner case causes additional scrutiny.

In 8 Trips I have never taken the cardboard boxes. I use the inside white plastic not the one piece black so I can get all my ammo inside the box and never a single problem. Especially in Zim, they want to count the ammo anyway via the headstamp which is why I have found they could care less of the box.

 

[375er]

Here is mine made by Plano that weighs less than a third of a pelican

I'm impressed that held up against the airline baggage handlers!

 

[375Fox]

Here is mine made by Plano that weighs less than a third of a pelican

It’s light but I think it’s a matter of time until it breaks. You run the risk of not arriving with ammo. I’ve had the hinges and latches knocked off gun cases before. If it has to fly separately it will always be crush proof. I like taking 60-80 rounds but no one should realistically need more than 30 on any hunt. My SKB case is considerably lighter than pelican as well. You can look up weight and internal dimensions before buying.

 

[BeeMaa]

Have folks had any issues with ammo inside the locked case being stored in the generic brown plastic MTM ammo wallets, those like hip pocket holders that will hold usually like 8-12 rounds? I prefer to put ammo into a factory cardboard case, but for things like a 505 Gibbs? Didn't know if generic plastic inner case causes additional scrutiny.

I use the MTM cases, but not the ones that fit on a belt. Just the regular 20 cartridge ones. Then I put a little foam in the top to keep the shells from rattling around.

Bungee around the MTM and use the thin foam on the bottom of the case.

Stack the MTM's on top.

Add random pieces of foam to the top and you are done.

52 cartridges and still have more than a kilo to spare.

 

[Rare Breed]

I'm impressed that held up against the airline baggage handlers!

It is very hard plastic…no problems

 

[375Fox]

It is very hard plastic…no problems

If you want to do a test throw it 15 feet in the driveway to simulate a baggage handler that doesn’t care or falling off conveyor from plane. I’m very certain that case will crack. It also only has one hinge. I just can’t see reason to take that risk on a hunt.

 

[BeeMaa]

It is very hard plastic…no problems

I'd seriously be looking at a Pelican 1300 case for your needs. Only weighs 1.5 kilo and that includes foam! How much 470NE and 257RIGBY you packing?

 

[375Fox]

I'd seriously be looking at a Pelican 1300 case for your needs. Only weighs 1.5 kilo and that includes foam! How much 470NE and 257RIGBY you packing?

When you start taking two rifles and large cartridges it does get difficult. Cartridges greater than 375 are heavy. Even 375 H&H boxes weigh 2 lbs each. I know pelican 1300 is a great case, but I think it’s larger than necessary. I bought my case based on dimensions of 4 boxes of 375 H&H/300 win. I took 40 rounds 375 and 25 rounds 450 Rigby on recent hunt to comfortably stay under 11 lbs. I typically only go 10.5 lbs to account for any difference in scales.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I think it states “in the original packaging” I always keep empty boxes just for this reason if traveling with reloads.

Most airlines policies read more along the following: "in its original manufacturer's box or a specifically designed fiber, wood, or metal box." Allowing non-crushable designed containers if not in the cardboard mfg box. There is usually a very important "OR" in the restriction so things like Rare Breed has pictured above would work. I just didn't know if folks had encountered any problems using them, specifically in Zimbabwe.

I fly with ammo often within the US because it is so darn hard to find things I am looking for here in Alaska. So i have things shipped to a buddy if visiting sometime soon or my brother in Denver and fly back with it. Have used plastic ammo boxes often, especially with old stock ammo where the cardboard is not all that protective.

Coolest thing, Alaska Air allows passengers to fly with up to 50lbs of ammo per person...not per adult. So my kiddo has carried some allotment of ammo in her checked back a time or two as well.

 

[BeeMaa]

Coolest thing, Alaska Air allows passengers to fly with up to 50lbs of ammo per person...not per adult. So my kiddo has carried some allotment of ammo in her checked back a time or two as well.

That’s awesome.

 

[JimP]

I think it states “in the original packaging” I always keep empty boxes just for this reason if traveling with reloads.

Without searching it out and reading it again the requirement is factory boxes or those that will keep the ammo secure.

I haven't had a factory or cardboard ammo box in over 30 years, just plastic slip boxes and have never had a problem.

 

[375Fox]

@Maskell Shotgun academy one piece of advice that isn’t mentioned here is pay the rifle fee for both legs when you leave Johannesburg and save the receipt. I’m assuming you are flying airlink? Paying for both legs in Johannesburg saves time but also frustration when they can’t accept a credit card in Harare for return flight.

 

[JimP]

Here's the TSA ammo requirement

• Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.

 

[Rare Breed]

When you start taking two rifles and large cartridges it does get difficult. Cartridges greater than 375 are heavy. Even 375 H&H boxes weigh 2 lbs each. I know pelican 1300 is a great case, but I think it’s larger than necessary. I bought my case based on dimensions of 4 boxes of 375 H&H/300 win. I took 40 rounds 375 and 25 rounds 450 Rigby on recent hunt to comfortably stay under 11 lbs. I typically only go 10.5 lbs to account for any difference in scales.

Pretty much the same only I take a combination of between 60-80 depending on target animals which determines how many 450 versus 275 I take. I would greatly appreciate the brand name and type you use instead of pelican @375 fox. I too am under the 11 pound weight so if I can still take my desired number of rounds and have a sturdier case makes sense to me I just know I can’t with the pelican

 

[375Fox]

Pretty much the same only I take a combination of between 60-80 depending on target animals which determines how many 450 versus 275 I take. I would greatly appreciate the brand name and type you use instead of pelican @375 fox. I too am under the 11 pound weight so if I can still take my desired number of rounds and have a sturdier case makes sense to me I just know I can’t with the pelican

I use an SKB pistol case. I can’t recall exactly which model I have but I’d measure the boxes of ammo you’d be interested in bringing and compare that to the internal dimensions under specs. It also lists the weight of each box. There are other good cases, but I’ve been happy with this.

Pistol | SKB Cases

SKB Cases is a manufacturer dedicated to travel, storage, and shipping protection needs for music, pro audio, sporting goods and industrial applications including government and military contract fulfillment.

www.skbcases.com

I’m not home to verify, but I believe this is the case I have.

iSeries 1208-3 Case

SKB iSeries Injection Molded Mil-Standard Waterproof Cases are molded of ultra high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin, featuring a gasket-sealed, water and dust tight, submersible design (MIL-STD 810H) that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Standard features include a molded-in...

www.skbcases.com

 

[Philip Glass]

do you leave the ammo there when your returning home or do you bring it with you?

For me it depends on the ammo. Easy to get factory I'm likely leaving, whereas custom loaded for my double is going home with me.
The trip home is easier if you leave it!

 

[Philip Glass]

Here is mine made by Plano that weighs less than a third of a pelican

Don't do it! Rare breed I've taught you better!
This is the nightmare scenario in the making where loose ammo spills into the belly of the plane and flying with guns and ammo are permanently banned for all! No Plano None of the time! Never.