Packing ammunition in a separate bag

[Mtgoat]

I have seen various mentions on this site about packing ammunition separate from guns (for air travel). In the US, TSA does not require this. Below is what the TSA states:
"Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition."

"Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above."

Canada does require ammo to be in a case separate from the firearms.
"The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container. Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a resealable plastic container."

Is the separate bag for ammo a requirement in some/all of sub-Sahran countries?

 

[Cliffy]

Yes, it must be packed with your other checked bag and not in your rifle case. All countries have their own rules but they all go along with the International and ICAO treaties for the transfer and shipping of small arms in their own way. A locked case for the ammo is now being required more and more. It was not so even 10 years ago. I went over a couple of times years ago with just the cardboard boxes of ammo loose among my clothes. You are correct that the TSA allows ammo in your gun case but southern Africa does not.

 

[Mtgoat]

Cliffy,
Thanks. I knew that I could count on getting a good answer here.

The experience, knowledge and helpfulness of folks (like you) on this site is tremendous.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Here's a scenario for you.

Jump on Air Canada, (just because you have to, not because you want to).
Throw your ammo in its original boxes into your checked baggage and you are fine.

Arrive in South Africa via SAA and everything is still fine. (The rules for your luggage start with your original carrier, from my understanding)

Now you go to leave RSA and they want your ammo in its own little box, separate from your checked baggage and your firearm.
Now what?


Example:
First trip, the buddies put their ammo in little tin boxes, which are fine if they are inside your checked bags. Outside the checked bags, not so much.

Think little tin can bouncing down the conveyor belt and being bashed around all on its own arriving on the baggage carousel. It was an amazing sight. Just about beaten to pieces and about to come open.
This was safer??

Now, I just have a lockable case that fits all the ammo I will ever need.
It goes on the checked bag on the way there. On the way back, out on the belt on its own, they can throw it around all they like and no damage to the ammunition or the plane that I am riding in.

Pelican 1200 = 1210 grams
60 - 180 grain .300WM Rounds
80 - 130 Grain .270 Rounds
(Yeah, I know. Lots of Ammo.
I went for 7 weeks, give me a break)

Ammunition Weight: 4.02KG
Total Weight: 5.23 KG

Even had a note put on my airline file that I would be carrying that much ammo and it made the weight (Under 5KG)
Argued about interpretation, until I won.


Not the country, the carrier.

AIR CANADA:
Ammunition:

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container.

Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.
Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a resealable plastic container. To avoid shock movement, the properly packaged ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.


SAA POLICY
Domestic (within and from the Republic of South Africa)
Departure (Inclusive of International departures)
Firearms may NOT be packed inside checked luggage and must therefore be packed in an appropriate lockable firearm
container or case, separate from checked luggage.
Ammunition must be separated from weapons and although permissible to be packed within checked baggage under aviation
regulation, SHOULD be packed as a separate piece of checked baggage in a secure lockable container or ammunition case.
No ammunition may be packed loosely in checked baggage, or within the same case as firearms.
We strongly recommend that ammunition be packed in lockable cases which can be handed

 

[Mtgoat]

Pelican 1200 = 1210 grams
60 - 180 grain .300WM Rounds
80 - 130 Grain .270 Rounds
(Yeah, I know. Lots of Ammo.
I went for 7 weeks, give me a break)

[/I]

Oh, I'm glad you explained that. I was afraid it was because you missed a lot. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

I'm not so good on metric. Why did you have to argue with Air Canada about the ammo?

 

[spike.t]

max weight of ammo is 5kg and with most airlines that want it carried in a locked box they use the total weight of ammo and box combined to get their total, so you might have slightly under 5kg of ammo but if your container takes it over 5kg you can have problems.

 

[gi jane]

As for my experience, I packed the ammo in a lockable (pad lock) heavy-duty plastic case and put it with my checked luggage. Defo separate from the rifles. In addition, I had the bolt taken out and laid it separate next to my rifle in the stainless case. Wrapped it in bubble plastic. Defo keep the ammo in a carrying case that can be secured. Take with you at least two back-up locks on your carry-on luggage as a precaution in case customs or baggage handlers mess with your original padlocks. Count all of your rounds and make sure they match the cal. of the rifle and are listed on the paperwork I've never had one problem in the four times I've been to Zim with my rifles by taking these small extra steps. When it came time to clear them in JoBerg and Zim I made sure to have an extra couple of $10 bills on my person regardless. It's a small price to pay and not worth any argument. Just my personal experience carrying my own rifles and ammo. I never waited to be bribed, I just handed over a 5 or 10 depending on the level of contact at the very beginning with a hefty "thank you so much" and a smile. Never ever had any type of issue. Maximum tip was for all involved was 50 US from start to finish. Well-worth it if you ask me.
As far as weight of ammo I didn't pay attention to that too much, I carried a base amount of 25 rounds per weapon. Never seemed to be a problem for me, I never got held-up with any of my rifles/ammo when I arrived in RSA/Zim. I guess it depends on how many animals are on the list and how much extra ammo one needs for sighting-in etc... Hope this gives a bit more info..

 

[Spooksar]

I pack my ammo in a locked pelican case. Weight of case is not included in ammo weight , no matter what Air Canada ticket person says. I then pack it in my checked luggage. I do it both coming and going so far no issue

 

[spike.t]

as jane says take your bolt out, this is a good precaution in case your guncase gets accidentally jumped on or driven over by a fork lift...as the weight on the bolt will push it and the action down while the stock doesnt move as much, and can break the stock across the grip. its rare but i know it has happened in the past. hopefully they are more careful these days, and gun cases are better/stronger designed...........

 

[gi jane]

Makes for a happier TSA/security agent as well. They appreciate the extra precaution.

Also I just want to emphasize, bring extra locks with you!! Trust me on that!! In the carry-on so they can be easily accessed.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Oh, I'm glad you explained that. I was afraid it was because you missed a lot. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
I'm not so good on metric. Why did you have to argue with Air Canada about the ammo?

max weight of ammo is 5kg and with most airlines that want it carried in a locked box they use the total weight of ammo and box combined to get their total, so you might have slightly under 5kg of ammo but if your container takes it over 5kg you can have problems.

What Spike said.


Fundamentally, the people who wrote the document did not take the time to pay attention in English class.
Poor grammar leads to an interpretation issue.

5KG of Ammunition is just that. 5KG of ammunition. Not the container.
The intention is about controlling the amount of hazardous goods.


The other solution is; don't shoot big calibers and improve your marksmanship so you only need to take one cartridge per species hunted.

 

[Diamondhitch]

Makes for a happier TSA/security agent as well. They appreciate the extra precaution.

Also I just want to emphasize, bring extra locks with you!! Trust me on that!! In the carry-on so they can be easily accessed.

I always put extra locks in with the guns and ammp with a note stating "if locks are cut please replace with provided locks". Havent needed them yet but I don't want to be searching for locks in some airport somewhere with a flight to catch.

 

[gi jane]

I always put extra locks in with the guns and ammp with a note stating "if locks are cut please replace with provided locks". Havent needed them yet but I don't want to be searching for locks in some airport somewhere with a flight to catch.

Yep!! I'm telling ya!

 

[Mtgoat]

Makes for a happier TSA/security agent as well. They appreciate the extra precaution.

Also I just want to emphasize, bring extra locks with you!! Trust me on that!! In the carry-on so they can be easily accessed.

Thanks. That's good tip. I had never thought of that one.

 

[Heym 88]

Thats why I love this site. Am planning my first Safari and all this info is needed.

 

[spike.t]

jeez i am glad when i first went we just packed our stuff and took as much ammo as we wanted, nobody worried about whether you had 5kg....think the most was over ....one time for friends and me. could hardly lift my suitecase onto the weigh machine, but that was before they had gentle little souls working the baggage told the girl at check in i was taking a kitchen sink to a mate and she laughed....:biggrin2: