Any issues with taking bullets (not loaded ammo) to the PH in Africa? I would have them in factory boxes in a separate checked bag from the rifles of course. They would be in the bag along with my locked hard case of ammo. Not all of the bullets will match up with my rifles so is this a potential problem?
Great question. I brought 1700 large bore bullets to Africa a couple years ago. It was completely legal, but it a was a sh&tshow at the airport In Chicago.
To conserve space, I vacuum sealed all the bullets so they took up minimal space. I then stacked them so each of my checked bags literally weighed 70lbs. (I was in biz class so that was the limit) My son was with me as well, so we muled them by using three bags just for the bullets.
So here’s how things went south. The TSA wanted to cut them open, breaking the seals. I explained that they are clear vacuum seal bags and if they cut the seals, he’ll next argue they can’t fly because they are loose. He swore up and down I can’t bring more than 11lbs of ammo. I politely informed him that it isn’t ammo, its ballast weight for fishing. There is no gun powder, brass cartridge, nor primer. This went on for 2.5 hours.
In the end, after his managers managers manager came back on duty somewhere else in the country, they relented and allowed them on. I knew this was going to be a battle so I arrived at the airport 5 hours early ready for a battle of wits.
Those bullets went to a licensed handloader so they could be used to outfit anti-poaching crews that had rifles, but no ammunition. In the end, it was worth the hassle for me because the cause was just and many people donated those bullets to ensure armed patrols could protect the resources.
I’ve also brought dies, shell holders, and unprimed brass over there, immediately turning them over to a licensed hand loader. (Yes, you need a license in some areas of Africa)
I also had an airport insider that had access through customs to join me, hand me papers, get me fast tracked through health screening, and who knew all the customs/immigration/gun inspectors at the airport. The PH arranged that at his expense to make sure I didn’t get hassled on that very heavy, large baggage trip into the country. (During covid when they could get nothing to survive down there)
In short, don’t do it if you’re not ready to compete in mental gymnastics with TSA. Don’t risk your trip for 50 projectiles, either bring over piles or don’t do it, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze otherwise.
Another very important thing, NEVER call a bullet a bullet in Africa. The general public of Africa use the term Bullet when they mean Ammunition. The African term is “TIPS”. Always call them “tips” or “heads” when speaking with any inspector or law enforcement in Africa to avoid a big problem for yourself.
Also, proving an unthreaded 404 Jeffery barrel could not somehow be eventually fitted onto an AR platform rifle would be a hassle that I'm sure some overly zealous Canadian inspector could easily turn into an impossibility.
