I have a bunch of reloaded ammo. I’m taking the africa. Does it need to be in factory boxes?

duckfish

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Wanting to find out if all Ammo needs to be in factory boxes going to africa I have it in plastic boxes with labels on it from the reloader
 
All my research seemed to indicate the brass being stamped to match the caliber was the only issue. Nothing about factory boxes as a requirement.
 
I keep mine in MTM boxes that are then inside a small pelican case which I then lock using two combo-locks. I've never had any issue in any of the countries I've been in. In fact, I literally just locked up my ammo box and stuffed it in my checked bag....headed to Africa in the morning with my 500 Nitro and 338 Norma.
 
ammo box needs to go into your checked bag but according to TSA it needs to have TSA locks and make sure you have a couple spares just in case some "knuckle head TSA agent" cuts them off. make sure your case with locks does not weigh more than 11 pounds total
 
ammo box needs to go into your checked bag but according to TSA it needs to have TSA locks and make sure you have a couple spares just in case some "knuckle head TSA agent" cuts them off. make sure your case with locks does not weigh more than 11 pounds total
^^^^^ This ^^^^^

I believe the 11 pounds is a FAA requirement, and some countries also have their own requirements on how much ammo you can bring into their country, and some countries charge a fee for each cartridge.

On my first hunt in Mozambique I brought three 20 round boxes of ammo for my rifle. Then when I got there I could only bring 40 rounds into their country. That turned into an additional 30 minute plus delay at customs, then an additional almost 1 hour delay to get my ammo back when I returned home.

Talk to your Outfitter before you go, and I highly recommend using a firearms "meet and greet" service for your arrival in Africa.
 
If you far flying on airlink to another country or elsewhere in South Africa, Airlink requires no more than 11 lb and they will weigh it as towards checking the head stamp on your ammunition. I don't know of another any other countries that do it but I know it is not done in South Africa that I have seen yet
 
In two trips I have never had the head stamp checked, all was good but it wasn't even looked at.

On 14+ flights it was only weighed once.

I just use plastic MTM 20 round boxes inside a MTM box that will hold more. I use foam to hold the boxes to keep them from bouncing around. I also put TSA locks onto the ammo box.
 
I've only been once. They had zero concern with the headstamp. The only thing they did do was weigh my ammo on my flight out of RSA. Never opened the box, nothing.

Really, I would only be concerned that the headstamp is correct for the box if it's in, if it's in a factory box. Brand doesn't matter. If it's 300WM in a box labeled 300WM, you should be good to go.
 
6 trips - no head stamp check. Check with TSA and Airline Carrier on their specific requirements total count/volume versus weight.

**Some Airlines have forms that need to be filled out in advance for rifles and ammo and are separate from other permits. Check with your the Airline....

I pack two different calibers for the 2 rifles I take and 40 Rounds each most of the time.

Pack them in this type of ammo box and then into a small pelican case.

I use 2 TSA locks. Purchased on Amazon

Amm.jpg

IMG_2870.jpeg

IMG_2869.jpeg
 
I have never had them check the head stamp, but that is one of things I wouldn't gamble on. I have seen agents in Africa take 5 minutes to count 50 round of ammo that was in a plastic case that was 5 rows of 10.....

You never know when you catch the wrong on the wrong day, I try to make sure I make life as easy I as can for them and me.
 
Different airlines may have different requirements. Check with the airlines you are flying with!
Last year @Just a dude in BC and I flew with Westjet and Delta. The return flight included an unscheduled flight with Air France.
From Westjet’s website:
  • Packaged in the manufacturer's original container or an equivalent sturdy, durable container that provides sufficient cartridge separation
‘Manufacturer’s original container’ is pretty straight forward. An equivalent that ‘provides sufficient cartridge separation’ could be open to interpretation. It boils down to risk. I suggest it is low risk to use aftermarket containers, but if you do decide on plastic aftermarket cases make sure the rds don’t rattle around. It’s never a problem until some crusader decides to make it one.
 
Wanting to find out if all Ammo needs to be in factory boxes going to africa I have it in plastic boxes with labels on it from the reloader
RSA, you're good. 5 kilos / 11 lbs. is an IATA agreed upon weight limit for ammo. Only airlines that weighed my ammo were Air France and Emirates. I use an el cheapo TSA combo lock on my checked bag. Pelican ammo box uses el cheapo walmart keyed mini-locks that I leave open when in the checked bag. Two trips ago, Dulles opened my checked bag and an inspection slip was in the ammo box. The locks were closed. Headstamps are to match your paperwork.
 

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