Flying with reloaded ammo

[RobG]

I'd like to bring a bunch of brass to my in-laws, reload it, and bring it back. However, they think the airlines (United) is going to confiscate it. United's rules state
No more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container. Ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal containers. The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement.

A box of 20 loaded shells weighs 1.25 pounds so I read that as simply being able to throw 8-9 boxes of empty brass (reloaded ammo on the way back) into the checked luggage and probably declaring it at check-in. The boxes would be the ones the ammo came in new. Any reason to believe that won't work?

 

[jryoung]

That should work fine I find that standard ammo boxes work best as they don't take any explanation as to what they are. hot said it is doubtful that they would weigh the mo unless you are bringing something like 50 pounds.

 

[Corax]

I don't think you need to declare it (check the rules) but be prepared to have them weigh the ammo.

 

[Washington Hunter]

Maybe you would be better off to ship the loaded ammo by UPS, to yourself? That way you wouldn't have any last minute problems as you're trying to get on the plane.

 

[dustinf]

I've experienced severely different levels of scrutiny while flying with firearms and ammunition. Any where from complete indifference, to threats of not allowing my gun case on the plane(even though I used the very same case/lock combination on the very same airline without question 2 times before). I honestly believe, the only variable is the airline employee working the counter.

I'd make sure you follow your airline's guidelines, and use factory ammunition boxes in your luggage. If your not sure, call the airline and ask specific questions for clarification.

 

[Bob Vetter]

Maybe you would be better off to ship the loaded ammo by UPS, to yourself? That way you wouldn't have any last minute problems as you're trying to get on the plane.

This is exactly what we started doing years ago with our gear. We shipped to a friends house or where ever we were staying. It works and its cheap compared to flying it with you. There's also no limit or lost bags or B.S. generally associated with flying these days.

Great suggestion

 

[schmalts]

Get a bunch of factory boxes or be prepared to lose it. I have had it happen, and it doesn't matter what the laws are as much as what the guy giving you a hard time thinks at that moment.
Go to a local range and dig in the garbage cans, I get all my boxes there. After a few flights I have to replace them from getting beat up so spares ae good.

 

[stillkickin]

Get a bunch of factory boxes or be prepared to lose it. I have had it happen, and it doesn't matter what the laws are as much as what the guy giving you a hard time thinks at that moment.
Go to a local range and dig in the garbage cans, I get all my boxes there. After a few flights I have to replace them from getting beat up so spares ae good.

Ditto that, I have had the same thing happen and then the next trip I could have boarded with them packed in platic bags and it would have been OK.

 

[stillkickin]

Ditto that, I have had the same thing happen and then the next trip I could have boarded with them packed in platic bags and it would have been OK.

Sorry, meant plastic.............

 

[Don K]

Go to a local range and dig in the garbage cans,.

Never thought of that simple idea

 

[MKotur325]

Two other things to think about... After reloading, Clean up really well!! Wash your hands VERY thuroughtly Get everything off. and I recommend wearing rubber gloves when reloading.

When you arrive at the airport TSA will use swabs to check your bags for traces of "explosives" Smokeless powder will set these off, as will the lead compound from primers. If there are even the faintest trace amounts on the bag, you may have an unpleasant conversation; or worse. I've heard that trace residues from smokeless powders can last on the skin for 2-3 days.

Secondly, Get on the airline's website and/or TSA's website and print off the regulations for flying with ammunition. These could be very handy in a pinch. Front desk people don't always know what is going on...

Just a couple thoughts...

 

[jryoung]

If there are even the faintest trace amounts on the bag, you may have an unpleasant conversation; or worse.

As long as the lube is warmed above room temp I hear it isn't that bad.

 

[MKotur325]

As long as the lube is warmed above room temp I hear it isn't that bad.

I hear its not that bad if they have small hands...

 

[Jwill]

Phil Robertson called, says you guys should knock it off.

 

[RobG]

Two other things to think about... After reloading, Clean up really well!! Wash your hands VERY thuroughtly Get everything off. and I recommend wearing rubber gloves when reloading.

I hadn't thought about the powder residue, but not sure that is the type they sniff for. I'll wear rubber gloves just in case. Then I will give the gloves to the TSA agent to use on me.

The empties arrived ok, but maybe I'll mail them back after they are reloaded.

 

[RobG]

This is exactly what we started doing years ago with our gear. We shipped to a friends house or where ever we were staying. It works and its cheap compared to flying it with you. There's also no limit or lost bags or B.S. generally associated with flying these days.

Great suggestion

The UPS site says they can't ship ammo. How did you ship it?

 

[noharleyyet]

I hadn't thought about the powder residue, but not sure that is the type they sniff for. I'll wear rubber gloves just in case. Then I will give the gloves to the TSA agent to use on me.

The empties arrived ok, but maybe I'll mail them back after they are reloaded.

Forget the CSI thwarting, the NSA has already sent a transcription of this thread to the TSA.

..get the ribbed rubber gloves Rob.....prefrieght the pump enlarger.

 

[stillkickin]

The UPS site says they can't ship ammo. How did you ship it?

US Postal Service will take it properly labeled.

 

[RobG]

US Postal Service will take it properly labeled.

The website says no: https://www.usps.com/send/can-you-mail-it.htm?showtab=2

Guess I'll put it in the luggage.

 

[tahoe2]

Shipping Ammo

So how do internet stores ship it? You know; like Midway, Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc...