I have been told that to avoid hassle, its a "good idea" to use a metal case of some sort these days for your ammo when flying abroad.

My first thought was a metal cashbox but because of the shape and size, you need quite a bulky/heavy one to hold about 60 rounds of ammo..

So does anybody have a source of more suitable metal boxes?

I will either be packing the ammo in one 50 round RCBS pastic box ( 5.75"L x 4"H x 3.25"W) or three of those cheap 20 round MTM boxes which are 6.25"L x 3.5"H x 1.5" W

Regards,

Pete

Pete

I`d check with the airline you`re flying with
Seem to remember somewhere that some companies only accept factory ammo in original packaging so those plastic mtm boxes are out

Thanks

Tim

Pete,,

I agree with Tim 100%, I'd check with the airline prior to even booking, specially with some of the unpleasant surprises I've encountered. Years ago at check-in with a domestic US airline I was informed they wouldn't even check-in and transport firearms or ammunition, period. Try cancelling a ticket, purchase another to the same destination with a different airline, check-in with firearms, go through security and board; all within 2 hours. Trust me it's a challenge, you work up a sweat; but can be done!

Tim's also right on target with Delta Airlines current ammunition packing requirements. They require ammunition to be in it's original unopened packaging. The reasoning behind a sealed paper/cardboard package versus an MTM box in locked luggage simply escapes me.....sorry, just color me.....

I consider a locked metal cash box in your locked luggage a viable alternative if you want additional hassle and personal attention from ground staff & authorities at check-in. It's your call. Personally, I'd just put an MTM box in the luggage and get on with having a good hunt/shoot wherever you are going.

While I'm not an absolute authority; my current understanding of international ammunition requirements for airline travel is:

1. Requires declaration at check-in that you have restricted items in your baggage,
2. The airline company's policy,
3. Their weight restrictions,
4. A hard sided, lockable container,
5. Not in the same container as a firearm.

While I'm sure we'll hear countless stories and claims of inconsistancies, I currently fly with ammunition in MTM boxes as stated above and avoid Delta Airlines when possible. I receive the entire gamut of reactions from stress-free security clearance, check-in and arrival to National Command Authority response with SWAT Teams, Inland Revenue, Customs and aggravation from ground staff of the concerned airline.....

I was refused security clearance recently with a 1-piece gun cleaning rod that I didn't want bent in checked baggage, while the passenger directly ahead of me cleared security and boarded the same aircraft as me with several fishing rods in a case?

I digress, use the MTM box.....



Cheers,

Gerry

From Bilbao London , BA only accept wooden boxes , they put my three boxes of 7x57 ammo in a heavy cardboard box seal it and it was OK .

Daniel

Pete,
Italians rules are that they must be transported in an omologated box, approved for the airline transport. Inside that approved box you can use any kind of package yuo want. Approve Ammo box can be either metallic or not.

Last time I travelled with ammo I just used those MTM 20 round boxes inside my ex-army holdall. I put a floppy disck sticker on the side which I had printed up with the name of the own cartridge company, such as

Pete E Cartridge Company
20 Rounds 30 06

Job done.

Gents,

The "factory packaging" issue did cross my mind as well although what ever I pack them in will be "factory packaging" as they will be homeloads!

I think the scary thing about all this is the number of different variations on what is deemed suitable or unsuitable by the check in staff on any given day...BA for instance advice you to pack your ammo in a seperate hardsided case, but a phone call last year confirmed that equally they would accept it in the rifle case too if needs be! To me that makes the most sense especially if you could remove the bolt and carry that as hand luggage, but I very much doubt that any airline allows that this day and age...

Regards,

Pete

Pete

Just what part of the world is your rifle taking you to ?

Tim

Go to the African Big Game Hunting forum, do a search there for flying with ammo. Lot of good info there.

Hog Killer

Pete.

Ultimate metal ammo case can be obtained direct from the Alitalia desk at Heathrow. Last trip to Italy I was informed I needed such a thing to fly..but could buy one from them rather than miss the flight.

Doom and gloom at being fixed up like a kipper - but got over to the desk, only to be provided with a really excellent lockable case - c/w separate brass padlock - for only £14 !!!

Have often used mtm 50 round with 'Manufacturer's label' on lid.....wrapped in clingfilm to discourage investigation and comply with some airlines 'cellaphane wrapped' restriction. It can use a foam liner in the lid to stop any rattle I've found.

Never had a problem - other than with check in staff not knowing their procedure and holding things up rather than making an error in paperwork. Think the ideal is always to get a printout of airline policy to show at the desk.

Keep well.

Rgds Ian

quote:

Originally posted by 322TPE:
Just what part of the world is your rifle taking you to ?

Tim,

Firstly welcome to the forums..

I am off to the Northern Province for a few days on plains game at the end of May..I have hunted in RSA before, but this will be my first time taking my own rifle and I confess the whole process makes me more than a little nervous!

Regards,

Pete

Hog Killer,

I have been looking at the various threads over there, and there is some very useful info in them.

We in the UK have always been wrapped up in red tape with regards firearms but it must be a real culture shock for you Americans to travel internationally with firearms since 9/11...

Regards,

Pete

IanF,

If you have a digital camera, I would not mind seeing a picture of that along with the internal dimensions...

Regards,

Pete

IanF,

Like Pete, I'd love to take a gander at your nifty ammo box from Alitalia too!

If the 14 quid bargain is as good as you say, please continue traveling with ammo and collect one for me as well!




Gerry

Folks.

Follow the links below and hopefully it will give you a reasonable idea of what Im talking about.Also makes a great pistol case.

Internal dimensions are 300x220x75mm. Weight: 1kg. Aluminium plate construction with single lockable hasp, double rivetted hinges and rivetted bound corners.

http://www.hpphoto.com/sessions/691101267576/52658257lg.jpg

http://www.hpphoto.com/sessions/691101267576/52658268lg.jpg

Now this is NOT the size of an MTM 50 round box - It is however of a size that can be put through as checked baggage/containing your bolt and binoculars - and not vanish down the cracks in the conveyer belts.

Alitalia state they required the ammunition to be packed and checked seperately. Having said that, every airline and checkin counter I have encountered have had a different take on things!

Rgds Ian

IanF,

Well Done!

Cheers,

Gerry

Hmm - a day later and you have to be a member to view these - will try and get onto photobucket and post the photos to the thread. Sorry!

Ian

As it it looks unlikely I would find a locking box just the size I wanted, I got a 10" Helix Premium cashbox for £16 from a local stationary place.

Its big enough to hold 4 mtm J20 20 round plastic cartridge boxes...mine are the "long rifle" ones but I think the magnum version would fit as well..

Don't get the slightly cheaper "Value" box from Helix as when you close the lid after removing the plastic coin tray, there is a gap between the top and the bottom.

The Helix Premium box has a different lid fitting and closes fine with out the coin tray...

Regards,

Pete

Hopefully this will do the trick.





rgds Ian

Looks like a great case for 14 quid!!!