Flying with ammo clarification (like Wolf/Bear)

[SilverK20A3]

Hey all. Did a search but couldn't find the specific answer.

About to take a Southwest flight soon, possibly with declared guns and ammo declared. As per their policy:

"The ammunition may be placed in the same container as the firearm and must be securely packed in cardboard (fiber), wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition."

Can someone tell me where Russian ammo like Wolf and Bear fall into the packaging requirements? The issue is pretty clearcut if I'm taking something already packaged with a plastic holder like 9mm. But the Russian stuff comes in a thin paper box with the rounds wrapped in paper inside.

[IA300]

I haven't flown with ammo packaged like you are talking about, I have only taken winchester, federal or remington when I have traveled. Those are the type of packaging that is acceptable as far as I know. I may be corrected, but I have never had a problem with those ammo boxes. Maybe you should swing by a local range and see if you can pick up some empty boxes and repack your ammo in those?

[stix213]

I haven't done it, but I'd repackage it. As IA300 said, should be easy to find some discarded boxes.

[BKinzey]

...other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition."....

I.E., the factory box it came in. You are using the factory box.

I have purchased ammo that was loose in an ammo can and I could see them giving you gruff about that but you should be GTG if you are using the factory 20/50 round box.

[BKinzey]

If you are worried at all put the factory boxes in a cardboard box, fill any gap with packing material. Like your socks.

[jeg0777]

Get one of these. It is what I keep my ammo in if it doesn't come in a normal box.

[jeg0777]

Also, the last time I flew Southwest I told them I had ammo but no firearm and was told they don't care if it is just ammo. The counter clerk told me they only require firearms to be declared. Still it doesn't hurt to say something just to be safe.

[Ritchie8719]

Op is right, those Roosky boxes don't hold up. They might look good in the beginning but a little gentle handling by the baggage people can change that. It might or might not matter after the fact. Putting them in another box doesn't satisfy the law if that box isn't "designed to".

I have used masking tape to keep those boxes closed, and am not sure if that would pass either, since if you close them up like that THEN would be the time they really want to inspect them.

[BKinzey]

... Putting them in another box doesn't satisfy the law if that box isn't "designed to"....

If the ammo is in factory boxes then it is already in boxes designed to hold ammo. If you are worried the factory boxes won't hold up for the trip then put the factory boxes inside another corrugated box. Like one made for shipping USPS, Fed-Ex or UPS. If you don't want to tape the box closed, then use a box with 4 flaps and fold one over the other.

[beanz2]

I've flown many times on Southwest with Russian ammo in their original boxes within a Pelican or a Hardigg case. I've had Golden Tiger, Golden Bear, Klimosk white box, Arsenal, and Herter Brass case and Yugo M67 in 15 rd boxes. What 5.45x39 milsurp I flew with I repackaged in 7.62x39 boxes as the paper packages they come in are a bit flimsy. All survived the trip unscathed and no one questioned the packaging. Of course they were packed very snug in the rifle case that they don't slide around.

The only issue I had was with unsecured snap caps that TSA had to make sure they were not actual ammo. When I packed those in older ammo cartons, nobody minded. Do not let any ammo lay right beneath the rifle such that a guy looking at the X Rays thinks the rifle is loaded.

[Ritchie8719]

If the ammo is in factory boxes then it is already in boxes designed to hold ammo. If you are worried the factory boxes won't hold up for the trip then put the factory boxes inside another corrugated box. Like one made for shipping USPS, Fed-Ex or UPS. If you don't want to tape the box closed, then use a box with 4 flaps and fold one over the other.

We both read the rule and I noticed that the other corrugated box has to be "designed to". I think it is a fine idea but it isn't what the rule says. How the person wearing the uniform that day interprets it is important.

[Teeko]

I never fly with my precious firearms or ammo, just another chance for them to confiscate what's rightfully yours.

[edgerly779]

You can also put them in mags and put duct or masking tape over top of mags.

[BKinzey]

Is the factory box designed to carry small amounts of ammo?

Notice it says "carry", not ship. The factory box is designed to carry small amounts of ammo. It fulfills the requirement. If you place those factory boxes in another box the secondary box does not have to be "specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition". That requirement was already fulfilled by the factory ammo packaging.

Furthermore, corrugated boxes which pass the shipping requirements of USPS, Fed-Ex, or UPS, will pass the requirement of a box for the airlines.

What I've suggested will pass the airline requirement, twice.