Lightweight Ammo Case For Flying

[rafter3]

I am going to Africa and trying to find the lightest weight lockable case for ammo, since I am limited to 11 pounds all in and using my Pelican case I usually do I am limiting my number of rounds. I am taking 500 NE for 4 Cape Buffalo and 375 for hippo and wife's buffalo. Right now I can fit 20 soft 500 and 10 solid 500, and 15 soft 375 and 5 solids. I might not need as much 500 but don't want to need and not have!

 

[JimP]

The weight is the ammo only, not the case.

I use a small MTM case, I've seen others use a 30 caliber ammo box from Harbor Freight

 

[Ed Lally]

Read carefully the regulations. They specify 5 kg of ammunition. Not 5 kg including the case. I have travelled to Africa 8 times on a variety of airlines and connecting flights and always carry a copy of a spread sheet listing the cartridge name, number being imported, weight of each cartridge, total weight per type of cartridge and total weight of all cartridges = 5KG or less. Plus I print out the airline’s conditions if travel from their website just in case I run up against an ignorant airline employee. That happened once and they quickly backed down. Never any outlet issue. 5 kg of AMMUNITION.

 

[Hunter4752001]

Check the rules for the airlines you're flying on. Some state 5kg of ammunition, some stipulate 5kg gross (including packaging).

ps. I've never had my ammo weighed, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.

 

[TOBY458]

The only airline I’ve ever had to weigh my ammo is Qatar. They included the weight of the case in the total weight. Mine was just under 11lbs, so I had no need to argue with them.

 

[Monski]

Read carefully the regulations. They specify 5 kg of ammunition. Not 5 kg including the case. I have travelled to Africa 8 times on a variety of airlines and connecting flights and always carry a copy of a spread sheet listing the cartridge name, number being imported, weight of each cartridge, total weight per type of cartridge and total weight of all cartridges = 5KG or less. Plus I print out the airline’s conditions if travel from their website just in case I run up against an ignorant airline employee. That happened once and they quickly backed down. Never any outlet issue. 5 kg of AMMUNITION.

This is correct and how it's supposed to be but lately people have written how airline people are weighing while it in the case and claiming people are over the 5kgs. The printout of regs should help if this happens. It hasn't to me...yet. Other guys wrote that they don't say anything but just pull all the ammo boxes out to put on the scale.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

The only airline I’ve ever had to weigh my ammo is Qatar. They included the weight of the case in the total weight. Mine was just under 11lbs, so I had no need to argue with them.

Same here. Only Qatar has ever weighed mine. Out of Houston one trip with case it was over so the lady asked me to open and just weigh the boxes of ammo. It was under then and she was ok with it.
Delta has asked but never weighed it

 

[Hunter4752001]

The IATA guidlines may say one thing, but each airline sets their own policy. From the Qantas website:

Also note that for most of your journey the ammo box can be inside your checked luggage. If you have an internal flight in South Africa, the ammo box flys as a separate piece of luggage and needs to be more substantial.

 

[wildwilderness]

Not sure on the lightest setup but using aluminum locks does save a bit of weight

A case with integral locks would problem be lightest

That’s all nice but I’m more interested where you are going to shoot 5 buffalo!

 

[shootist~]

What country? It should be strong enough to go as a seperate piece of luggage if transferring to a regional airline from S.A.

 

[Scott CWO]

I am going to Africa and trying to find the lightest weight lockable case for ammo, since I am limited to 11 pounds all in and using my Pelican case I usually do I am limiting my number of rounds. I am taking 500 NE for 4 Cape Buffalo and 375 for hippo and wife's buffalo. Right now I can fit 20 soft 500 and 10 solid 500, and 15 soft 375 and 5 solids. I might not need as much 500 but don't want to need and not have!

I use the Pelican 1300 with two small TSA padlocks. It weighs about 3 pounds. I usually take 40 rounds of 375 H&H and 20 rounds of 458 Lott. I don’t think you need solids for the 500 since my PHs have told me not to bother with solids for a Lott.

1300 Protector Case | Pelican

Shop 1300 Protector Case Available with foam, no foam. Built to protect, these hard cases with waterproof, crushproof protection. Interior: 9.2&quot x 7&quot x 6.2&quot.

www.pelican.com

 

[Major Bonkers]

The German firm Einhell make a polycarbonate power tool case which is both strong and light. Its model designation is: E-Box S35 Storage Case
It has a hole under the handle (which is too small and needs to be drilled to make bigger) for a padlock. NB a combination padlock is easier to use than a keyed padlock when travelling.
It is not available on Amazon US, but is on eBay.

 

[Major Bonkers]

The other trick is to buy locally: Safari and Outdoor in Johannesburg (ask for Conrad) or Arms for Africa in Polokwane. Your import papers (that you get given by the Customs when you collect your rifles) allow you to purchase ammunition for the calibres that you are importing.

However: you do need to arrange this in advance as the shops will or might themselves need to get stock in. Rather exasperatingly, there are often shortages of cartridges in particular calibres.