Will this locking ammo box be acceptable to the authorities ?

[Ontario Hunter]

TSA will xray the box and know instantly there's ammo inside. No big mystery. That's all they need to know. Who cares how it's locked? Or if it's locked. When traveling domestic in US, ammo only has to be locked per airline ... maybe. Not a TSA regulation.

The latch on that box looks way too flimsy. Don't want cartridges migrating outside during transit. For that reason alone it might get rejected. I don't trust the latches on either my Pelican gun case or cheapo ammo box. So I wrap duct tape over them during transit. Dangling padlocks also get taped to the cases. Don't use colored duct tape. There's a gal security agent at Tambo who's got a fetish for the stuff. She'll steal the roll from carryon right in front of you.

 

[Scott CWO]

No, you don't have to use TSA locks on anything.

No but it is recommended by many of us to use them on ammo boxes. I used to use two regular padlocks my ammo case until my ammo and I almost missed a flight because TSA wanted to look inside my ammo case that was inside my suitcase. They paged me and I had to go open the case for them. They recommended that I use TSA locks on ammo cases and suitcases going forward and use regular padlocks only on my gun case. The gun case is different because it can only be opened in your presence and is handled with different procedures.

 

[ftrovato]

$7.50 at Midway.com and can hold several boxes of ammo without taking up much space.

Then if they force you to check separately on return flight you can. They are allowed to do that.

Last you must use a TSA lock on ammo.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

$7.50 at Midway.com and can hold several boxes of ammo without taking up much space.

Then if they force you to check separately on return flight you can. They are allowed to do that.

Last you must use a TSA lock on ammo.


View attachment 694992

I bought a similar one at Harbor Freight for five bucks. It made it to Africa and back four times just fine.

 

[Hogpatrol]

No but it is recommended by many of us to use them on ammo boxes. I used to use two regular padlocks my ammo case until my ammo and I almost missed a flight because TSA wanted to look inside my ammo case that was inside my suitcase. They paged me and I had to go open the case for them. They recommended that I use TSA locks on ammo cases and suitcases going forward and use regular padlocks only on my gun case. The gun case is different because it can only be opened in your presence and is handled with different procedures.

Scott, good to save inconvenience. I just leave my locks unlocked. Last time through Newark, when I got to Joburg, the locks were locked and there was an inspection card inside the box. On the TSA locks, I had a combo type I set the numbers and then couldn't get it open. Staying with standard locks. Next time I fly, I'm going to get one of the guys to open it.

 

[JimP]

It is hard to tell if the OP is serious or not, it also appears that he is going forward with his "utility" box for his ammo.

I also doubt it is because of the price point of any of the boxes that any of us have suggested. When you book a hunt in Africa the cost of a ammo box is very little in the whole scheme of things. It also sounds like he wants the bare minimum for space constraints at the cost of sturdiness. I would also wager that he is just flying into Joberg and being picked up there with no internal flights. If this is the case his "improvised" box may work just fine.

 

[Scott CWO]

Scott, good to save inconvenience. I just leave my locks unlocked. Last time through Newark, when I got to Joburg, the locks were locked and there was an inspection card inside the box. On the TSA locks, I had a combo type I set the numbers and then couldn't get it open. Staying with standard locks. Next time I fly, I'm going to get one of the guys to open it.

Isn’t the ammo case supposed to be locked??

 

[JimP]

Scott, good to save inconvenience. I just leave my locks unlocked. Last time through Newark, when I got to Joburg, the locks were locked and there was an inspection card inside the box. On the TSA locks, I had a combo type I set the numbers and then couldn't get it open. Staying with standard locks. Next time I fly, I'm going to get one of the guys to open it.

I watched a video on opening the new combo locks where each number needs to be dialed in to make a 3 or 4 digit number. I can now open those locks almost as fast as someone who has the correct combo.

 

[M70375!]

I'm not sure on this but don't you have to use TSA locks on your ammo box?

no

 

[M70375!]

Isn’t the ammo case supposed to be locked??

yes

 

[M70375!]

If you just need a small case I have one I would lend you for your hunt. as your solution is a very good case of farmer engineering (I can see my dad doing that same kinda operation) However all it takes is one TSA or one African policeman to take a WTF is this and you will now have a easily preventable problem on your hands.

Thanks for your kind offer. I will use the pistol case that I used last year, I was just trying to save space and yes I am a retired farmer.

 

[M70375!]

100% correct. Philip knows what’s up and I encourage you to follow his advice.

You are right, my international travel is quite limited compared to most of you guys, good thing I posted this first to get feedback.

 

[M70375!]

You've obviously not been on many different flight itineraries. When arriving in JNB and connecting you will be asked in most cases to remove your ammo and check it as a separate bag. This is why a Pelican case is a good choice.

You are right, my international travel is quite limited, thanks for the feedback.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

No but it is recommended by many of us to use them on ammo boxes. I used to use two regular padlocks my ammo case until my ammo and I almost missed a flight because TSA wanted to look inside my ammo case that was inside my suitcase. They paged me and I had to go open the case for them. They recommended that I use TSA locks on ammo cases and suitcases going forward and use regular padlocks only on my gun case. The gun case is different because it can only be opened in your presence and is handled with different procedures.

not true, this past April, on the way home in Alt TSA some how got into my rifle case and I had 2 HD padlocks on it. found a TSA card inside telling me they had checked it. Both locks were locked when I got home and I do not know how they opened them!

 

[M70375!]

Remember you are at the mercy of the same people who require 4 locks on a case if it has 4 holes. So much stupid crap from airline staff to risk it. A small camera case or even an ammo box is $10 or less. Use one. Enjoy your trip with one less hassle. Just because they didn't make you check it separate last time doesn't mean they won't the next one.

good point. thanks.

 

[M70375!]

The authorities may ok it but airlines and TSA could be another story. There are instances reported on various hunting and this forum of ammo being left at the departure airport because of issues with boxes. You could take it but plan B will be buying expensive ammo in Joberg that may not be accurate in your rifle.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Scott CWO]

not true, this past April, on the way home in Alt TSA some how got into my rifle case and I had 2 HD padlocks on it. found a TSA card inside telling me they had checked it. Both locks were locked when I got home and I do not know how they opened them!

Was it the TSA card they put inside on your way over?

 

[JimP]

Most padlocks can be opened is a very short time by someone who has taken the time to learn how to do it.

But I would wonder why they didn't page you at the airport to come open your case if indeed they opened it to do a inspection.

 

[cajunchefray]

If you just need a small case I have one I would lend you for your hunt. as your solution is a very good case of farmer engineering (I can see my dad doing that same kinda operation) However all it takes is one TSA or one African policeman to take a WTF is this and you will now have a easily preventable problem on your hands.

“ I can see my dad doing that same kinda operation “, made me really smile @AZDAVE . Thanks for that insight and again thinking about my Dad.

Farmer engineering is not to be underestimated, but I wouldn’t try it once traveling with ammunition in a foreign country.

 

[Surgeon1]

I've had 2 episodes of security in countries questioning the uses of MTM plastic ammo boxes inside my Pelican 1200, They stated that they weren't the original factory boxes when I explained they were "custom loads especially for Africa" they let it slide but were not happy! (in Windhoek the Ph stepped in and all was well, Harare they gave me the once over even looked at my serial numbers and my gun paperwork twice)
Now I make very professional looking custom labels with my name, address, passport number and load data on them. The label says "Western Ammunition Specialists" then "Custom Loaded" for ....my info
and stick them on MTM type boxes
Is it over kill, YES but I've not had an issue since and even had positive comments in Addis Abba on Uganda