Ammo container for inside checked bag or standalone

[Sourdough]

Next week I fly to Joberg, spend the night and then on to Harare. I'm taking my W.J. Jeffery .475 No. 2 Jeffery double and my Holland & Holland 375 H&H. So I needed a light weight ammo crate so I could carry solids and softs for both.

I decided on a MTM ACR4-18 Ammo Crate Utility Box that I bought at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/MTM-ACR4-18-Ammo-Crate-Utility/dp/B01CNP4HMG?ref_=ast_sto_dp

I weighed the "crate" on a postal scale. 1lbs 15.7ozs.

Then I picked up a bunch of different sized PolyFoam from Hobby Lobby for cushioning the ammo, and cut to fit with a retractable razor knife. A 1" thick piece for the bottom and a 1" thick piece for the top, and a 3" thick piece to surround the ammo boxes.

Two boxes, 20 rounds each, of 475 No. 2 Jeffery (one solids and one softs). And two boxes, 20 rounds each, of 375 H&H (one solids and one softs). Then I weighed everything. Over 12 pounds. Crap. The weight comes primarily from the 475 No. 2 Jeffery ammo. These boys are big. Here is a comparison with a 500NE (which is on the right).

Since the 375 H&H is primarily a back up gun, and ammo will be easy to find in country if needed, I decided to combine 10 rounds of solids and 10 rounds of softs into a single box and leave the other 20 rounds behind. I cut a piece of foam the size of the left behind ammo box.

Weighed it all again. 10lbs 6.6oz.

Now to get a couple of lightweight locks. Might go over 11lbs with those, but I've never had ammo weighed before and if it happens I figure I can talk my way around the locks.

Of course the Ammo Crate sticker came off and I'll replace it with a bunch of unicorns and rainbows or something.

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

I'm sure you know to lock it with a lock only you have the key too. 11 LBS is the maximum allowance for ammo I believe so looks like you are good to go. Should be .375HH ammo in Zimbabwe if you need it.
Have a fantastic safari!

 

[Fryeguy]

I would also leave the lock off u til they weight it then slap it on there!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Should be good to go.
Enjoy your hunt.

 

[Sourdough]

Thanks!

 

[Sika98k]

In theory if you read most airlines terms and conditions of carriage they state “5kgs of ammunition packed in a suitable container. I’ve given up trying to argue that point of ammunition plus container. Put the locks on after it had been weighed if you are up to the limit.

 

[randallhebert]

When you set it on the scale, be sure to have the toe of your shoe under the scale so you can make it weigh what you want it to weigh

 

[Major Bonkers]

Get in touch with Mr. Conrad at Safari & Outdoor in Johannesburg and arrange with him what you want. He will put it aside for you. Your import permit will allow you to buy ammunition.

South Africa suffers from ammunition shortages - two years ago it was impossible to buy .470NE. Don't expect just to be able to buy ammunition off the shelf.

The .475 Jeffery or No. 2 is an enormous bullet (over 4.3"). JA Hunter used a rifle in this calibre.

 

[Sika98k]

Get in touch with Mr. Conrad at Safari & Outdoor in Johannesburg and arrange with him what you want. He will put it aside for you. Your import permit will allow you to buy ammunition.

Great idea ! Cuts down on the hassle. Stops border agents, customs etc crawling over your kit with a fine toothcomb and contributes to the local economy.

 

[AimSmall]

I've never had anyone weigh my ammo, that I know of anyway! However, I would keep the total below 11lbs just to be sure.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Duct tape the lock(s) to the side of the crate. If flopping around, it might get caught on something and ripped off.

 

[Sourdough]

Duct tape the lock(s) to the side of the crate. If flopping around, it might get caught on something and ripped off.

Yep got to do that for sure. They can even break latches inside a checked bag, talented in destruction they sure are.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Yep got to do that for sure. They can even break latches inside a checked bag, talented in destruction they sure are.

Oh, and don't use red duct tape. There's a certain security gal at Joberg airport who has a fetish for the stuff. She swiped my roll from carryon right in front of me. Then even got the okay from her supervisor when I briefly objected. It went into the drawer next to her purse/lunch. Go with the butt ugly gray stuff. If she likes that then she is hopelessly kinky.

 

[JimP]

For traveling I just use the cheap Harbor Freight tape that is next to worthless unless you use multiple layers of it.