Wanted Federal 375 H&H Ammo Boxes

[Labman]

I've been to Africa 14 times. South Africa, Zim, Namibia and Botswana. I never had my ammo checked in SA but was checked in other countries to make sure it matched the rifles. My ammo was packaged in plastic boxes and never had a problem with the packaging.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Brad, I think you have your answer. 4 trips to SA and mine has only been checked here in the USA by TSA.
Best of luck!

 

[Labman]

Whatever type of ammo box you decide to use make sure you put a couple rubber bands around each box to make sure they don't open in transit. Loose rounds flopping around in your luggage will cause you problems.

 

[Hunter4752001]

On my trip the ammo was stored in MTM plastic box. No problems. However its another reason to engage a rifle permit type service with a 'meet & greet'. Avoid having an official hassle you in an attempt to secure a bribe.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have only made two trips to RSA. In 2018 and 2019. Both times Houston to Atlanta then Johannesburg. On both trips my checked bag was opened and searched going over. TSA left notes in each bag and in ammo box ( yes it was locked and they opened it to). On 2019 return bags were opened and checked somewhere after check in in Johannesburg. Ammo opened also and notes left in bags. I never found anything missing but they sure were in a mess, no where near like I had them packed. Ammo was packed in a Pelican case ammo was in a mix of Factory boxes and MTM cases. I had an envelope in the bag with copies of passport 4457, flight itinerary, and SAPs paperwork it had been opened also.

 

[375Fox]

I have only made two trips to RSA. In 2018 and 2019. Both times Houston to Atlanta then Johannesburg. On both trips my checked bag was opened and searched going over. TSA left notes in each bag and in ammo box ( yes it was locked and they opened it to). On 2019 return bags were opened and checked somewhere after check in in Johannesburg. Ammo opened also and notes left in bags. I never found anything missing but they sure were in a mess, no where near like I had them packed. Ammo was packed in a Pelican case ammo was in a mix of Factory boxes and MTM cases.

When you checked in at Houston did you tell person at airline desk there was ammunition in bag? When I check in at Pittsburgh I tell them I have ammo in bag and they always have me take both my bag and gun to TSA and they check it in front of me. They also put a tag on my bag to designate firearms (even though it’s just ammo). I’ve never had a problem.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

When you checked in at Houston did you tell person at airline desk there was ammunition in bag? When I check in at Pittsburgh I tell them I have ammo in bag and they always have me take both my bag and gun to TSA and they check it in front of me. They also put a tag on my bag to designate firearms (even though it’s just ammo). I’ve never had a problem.

Yes. At each check in I have told them the bag contains ammo. That it is a locked case. They have never asked to see it. Just tag the bag and put it on conveyor.

 

[Brad Matteo]

I don't know about SA but in Tanzania they opened my ammo boxes, counted the rounds and checked the headstamp, mine were in factory boxes and my son-in-law had his in aftermarket plastic boxes, they didn't seem to mind the plastic boxes. To be safe you could print up some sort of stick on label and seal them up. I know some of the ammo companies use aftermarket boxes and make their own labels.

I will check and see if I have 3, do you need the trays too or just the outer box? If you could come up with the guts the flat boxes would be easier to ship.

At this point I'll pay the shipping plus if you can come up with the 3 boxs and trays.

 

[rookhawk]

Once in Zim I had an imbecile at Harare customs open every factory sealed box and count all the ammo and inspect the headstamps trying to find cause to say there was a mismatch with the rifle permits.

It was a combination of utter stupidity on his part and his desire to find a technicality that would likely result in a citation or a bribe. Never had such issues in 4 other trips to Zim (Bulawayo and Vic Falls customs were fine)

What you must do is get properly sized reloading ammo boxes for the ammunition you are bringing over. Make sure the headstamps reflect the caliber of the rifle. Seal the boxes with tape and ideally label them giving a commercial-proper appearance. Lock them in an organized manner in your pelican ammo case that flys separate from other guns and luggage.

They will give you no issues in that arrangement whatsoever.

 

[BobT]

At this point I'll pay the shipping plus if you can come up with the 3 boxs and trays.

Let me see what I can come up with.

 

[Brad Matteo]

Let me see what I can come up with.

Thank you

 

[deewayne2003]

PM Headed your way Brad.....

 

[BobT]

I have 3 boxes also just need to find a box to ship them in! PM your address if you still need them.

 

[One Day...]

Was told my ammo must be in factory boxs to travel from the US to SA.

This is not correct, Brad.

TSA regulations: "Small arms ammunitions must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition" (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/ammunition)

Maximum weight with airlines: 11 lbs. or 5 kg, generally interpreted as including the weight of the box and the TSA locks.

Maximum number of rounds importable to RSA: 200 rounds per caliber listed on your SAPS 520 Form.

For all South Africa domestic flights: the box must be able to be checked separately.

Head stamps: must match the caliber(s) listed on your SAPS 520 Form.

Best option (in my opinion): Pelican 1150 with factory ammo plastic dividers (Weatherby in this case). Max capacity 150 rounds (3 x50 if you take 3 different calibers). Depending on caliber and bullet weight you will reach 11 lbs. before you reach 150 rounds.

Tag: attach a double sided laminated address tag. On one side your home address, on the other the address of your outfitter in Africa.

PS: I used the MTM Survivor box in the past, but it proved not sturdy enough to resist damage as a check-in box on domestic RSA flights...

 

[One Day...]

For our next trip I'll be using plastic MTM boxes locked in a Pelican case.

I know that I used to recommend the MTM Survivor box, but I do not anymore, BeeMaa.

On my last trip one of its latch was sheared off when checked as a stand-lone on a domestic flight in South Africa.

I have moved to the Pelican 1150 that I had initially avoided because it is heavier. It still fits well within a bigger Pelican suitcase for the international flights, and it will likely survive any domestic African flight...

Observe the left side latch of the MTM Survivor box sheared off during a RSA domestic flight when ammo needs to be checked as a stand-alone...

 

[Firebird]

Deewayne2003-you are a good man! Thanks for helping a brother on his journey with clear piece of mind-

 

[sestoppelman]

I know that I used to recommend the MTM Survivor box, but I do not anymore, BeeMaa.

On my last trip one of its latch was sheared off when checked as a stand-lone on a domestic flight in South Africa.

I have moved to the Pelican 1150 that I had initially avoided because it is heavier. It still fits well within a bigger Pelican suitcase for the international flights, and it will likely survive any domestic African flight...

View attachment 369019
Observe the left side latch of the MTM Survivor box sheared off during a RSA domestic flight when ammo needs to be checked as a stand-alone...

I bought one of these as well, but didn't use it, too flimsy. I spent a little more money for a much better box. As to ammo boxes? Doesn't matter as long as headstamps match paperwork. I have had my ammo looked at closely at OR Tambo at least once, very closely. I asked what the big deal was and they just shrugged and handed it back.

 

[TEAM BERETTA]

Boxes made by Alpine Cases in Johannesburg,
South Africa.

 

[BeeMaa]

I know that I used to recommend the MTM Survivor box, but I do not anymore, BeeMaa.

On my last trip one of its latch was sheared off when checked as a stand-lone on a domestic flight in South Africa.

I have moved to the Pelican 1150 that I had initially avoided because it is heavier. It still fits well within a bigger Pelican suitcase for the international flights, and it will likely survive any domestic African flight...

View attachment 369019
Observe the left side latch of the MTM Survivor box sheared off during a RSA domestic flight when ammo needs to be checked as a stand-alone...

We are going to use a Pelican 1200 with the MTM 20-round slip top boxes inside.
I have several of them and labeled for what ammo they hold.

 

[MMAL]

I agree with everyone that stated it does not have to be in a factory box.

A couple of other suggestions. In three trips going through or to South Africa, from the USA to sa the ammo has always been in my main bag in a separate lockable case. Coming out of South Africa is when sa makes you check it separately. My suggestion is bring more than what you need and leave the leftovers in sa. Then you might avoid a bag fee for the ammo box and do not have the hassle.

I have also started using my pistol case with the foam removed from inside. Again because I know it will never travel outside my main bag. My sig pistol case is really light which matters when carrying heavy magnum cases. Going to Namibia on Sunday and I am at 10.7 pounds with light case 50 rounds of 500/416 Ne and 40 rounds of 6.5 creedmoor.