Shipping or Flying With Powder & Primers?

[Ben Carufel]

Hi all,

In December, my grandfather gave me his whole reloading setup while I was visiting him in Alaska. I packed it all in a large box and checked it on the airplane when I came back down.

Because I was unsure of the legality, I did not bring any powder or primers. He figured he could give those to a buddy of his up there.

Well, he's now decided he would rather give them to me and called to ask if I want him to ship all of his powder (probably 10-15lbs) and primers down here to San Diego. I'd love to get the free stuff, of course, and my uncle who also lives in Anchorage worked for FedEx Corporate for years so the shipping charges will be surprisingly low...but is it even legal?

A few searches didn't turn up anything conclusive, just a few threads from 5+ years ago discussing this stuff.

Is it possible for him to ship me his primers and powder via FedEx?

Alternatively, my uncle is coming down to California in a few weeks and could pack them securely and check them as baggage on the plane, but is that even legal?

Any links to resources where I can find out answers to the above questions would be awesome if you have them...

Thanks!

[jumbopanda]

You can NOT ship any powder or primers unless you are certified by UPS or FedEx. The hazmat fees are not too expensive, but not just anyone is allowed to ship hazmat. I suppose if your uncle worked for FedEx there is a chance he's certified, but if he's not, he cannot send the components to you.

[Sky_DiveR]

I definitely would NOT bring them on a plane. I'm sure the dogs would pick up the scent right away. Then they would blow it up for you (not to mention free room and board for whoever checked it in).

I'm surprised they didn't pick up on the equipment ya checked in. Perhaps they aren't as efficient as I think they are. Airport theater?

[Ben Carufel]

I definitely would NOT bring them on a plane. I'm sure the dogs would pick up the scent right away. Then they would blow it up for you (not to mention free room and board for whoever checked it in).

I'm surprised they didn't pick up on the equipment ya checked in. Perhaps they aren't as efficient as I think they are. Airport theater?

The equipment I checked in was just standard reloading stuff. It did get searched -- there was a friendly note from TSA in the box when it made it to San Diego -- but they didn't seem to be unhappy about what any of it was.

I was just reading Alaska Airlines guidelines this morning and it looks like up to 50lbs. of loaded ammunition in other-than paper boxes (and not loose) can be checked on most flights...but that does not appear to include gunpowder and/or packaged primers.

[Ben Carufel]

You can NOT ship any powder or primers unless you are certified by UPS or FedEx. The hazmat fees are not too expensive, but not just anyone is allowed to ship hazmat. I suppose if your uncle worked for FedEx there is a chance he's certified, but if he's not, he cannot send the components to you.

Got it. Thanks. He's definitely not certified himself as he was on the corporate side, but he might know someone or some people who are. I'll ask around.