Bulk .22 LR in Checked Baggage

[Rio Laxas]

I've traveled with firearms and ammunition in checked baggage a lot (5-6 times a year), but never with bulk packs of .22 LR. Has anyone had any experience with checking .22 LR packaged in manufacturers boxes where the rounds are loose and not individually separated? If so, were there any problems with TSA?

It does not appear to be against the rules on the TSA website, but it seems I've often seen it noted that the packaging needs to separate the rounds individually.

 

[Plinkin' Logs]

Traveled with a 50rd box of Armscor .22 that have no dividers. Didn't have any issues

 

[goon]

Never had a problem with TSA on any checked ammo. If worried, reinforce the box with tape. As long as TSA dudes are sure it's securely packaged, you should be fine.

 

[SwaneeSR]

Make sure to follow both the TSA rules and check the airline carrier rules.

 

[Plinkin' Logs]

^
This, they do vary sometimes a little on the specifics from agency to agency

 

[caribou]

On Alaska Airlines, I belive th elimit is 50lbs ammo in boxes and then a single box for check in luggage ammo carry....were a very gun friendly state with a very gun friendly airlines

 

[Rio Laxas]

Alaska Airlines' generous allowance for checked ammunition has been very helpful to me. I just wish there was some way to transport powder and primers in checked baggage also.

(For those unaware, it is difficult and largely impractical to get ammunition, powder, and primers shipped up here unless ordering in very large quantities, so we are mostly stuck with what is available in stores....and we are pretty far down the supply chain, so when there is run on stuff, we are among the last to get it back in stock.)

 

[Drail]

Go with the air carrier's rules. They own, operate and insure the aircraft, not the TSA. Most airlines have a limit of 11 lbs. on ammo, but it can vary from one carrier to the next. Check with your airline for how much and how it must be packaged. Print out the rules on their website and carry them with you because half of the people at the airport don't actually know the rules. I don't think they're going to like loose rounds. Ask them. I know I would not allow loose rimfire rounds in my aircraft.

 

[GooseGestapo]

EVERY time I've traveled and had ammo in my checked baggage, to include a box of .458" bullets that I had packaged and labeled, have been opened for inspection by TSA and all the ammo and bullets dumped back into my luggage; no attempt to repack. The SPG lube on the bullets ruined several of my cloths, btw...
In the case of the bullets, they cut the box open with box cutter, and didn't even try to repackage. I filed a claim for the damage, never even got a reply back.

 

[goon]

TSA has always been fine with me. Alaska Airlines is also 11 pounds of ammo except on flights to Nome and Kotzebue, which are 50 pounds. I think.

But they've never checked my bags or weighed the actual ammo.

Most airlines just require ammo in original containers or something that approximates them.

 

[Speedo66]

I've flown shot shells, which in their original boxes are loose, to HI several times with no ill effects. Ammo does not appear to have been tampered with.

 

[Rio Laxas]

Go with the air carrier's rules. They own, operate and insure the aircraft, not the TSA.

While I don't disagree with what you are saying, my experience has been that no airline I have flown on with firearms (Alaska, Northwest, Delta, Southwest, United, Frontier) has ever questioned me about the amount of ammunition accompany my firearm(s). Granted, I generally try to stick the airline's rules, but I don't actually weigh the stuff before I go.

TSA has always inspected it in some manner, but never questioned the amount either. I've always tried to be very particular about making sure ammunition is in manufacturers boxes or magazines with some sort of covering over the top. Sometimes this is a magazine carrier. Other times, it is cardboard and duct tape.

Alaska Airlines is also 11 pounds of ammo except on flights to Nome and Kotzebue, which are 50 pounds. I think.

Their policy reads:

On Alaska Airlines flights 001-999 and flights 2000-2999, up to 50 lbs.(domestic) and 11 lbs. (international - where permitted) may be checked.

Early yesterday, I was on flight 136 from Anchorage to Seattle and then flight 674 to Denver. So I could have taken 50 lbs with me then. I have taken 50 lbs of ammunition in manufacturers boxes packed into an ammo can and then into a cardboard box to Alaska from the Lower 48 on many occasions. I just haven't ever tried to to take bulk pack .22 LR

I think its ok, but it gave me a bit of pause due to the fact that the rounds are loose in the box.

 

[RustyShackelford]

TSA, restrictions ...

The last I check, 11/2013 or so, I recall TSA, www.TSA.gov saying you can fly with a limit of 11lbs of ammunition in your checked bags. See the airline or FAA/TSA sites for changes or new policy.
To print out the regulations to have on you isn't a bad idea either.

I don't travel by air very often. I buy pistol ammunition when I get to the final destination then use it there or give it friends.