So, how do I go about this???

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Powderman

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What a nightmare!

Recently, I attempted to ship some ammunition back to a powder manufacturer to attempt troubleshooting of a pressure problem.

I attempted to ship the ammunition via UPS. I was told that I had to be on some list of authorized shippers, and otherwise could NOT ship ammunition.

I then tried FedEx. I was informed there that I had to go through a class, and receive a Federal level certification before I shipped ammunition.

So, what are my options here? I was thinking about heading back to Camp Perry for the Nationals; but the drive from Washington State is getting really tiring (over 2400 miles), and I'd like to ship the ammunition back and fly back with my competition guns. Any information or help would be VERY much appreciated!
 
What did the powder manufacturer have to say? I'm assuming that you've contacted them to let them know what you want to do, and that they know you're shipping back loaded ammo to them for testing. I'd trust what they have to say regarding shipping over the advice you'll find here. (not that our advice wouldn't be helpful - just that going to the "horse's mouth" as it were, is best for things like this)

Which, incidentally, I can't believe they agreed to. Unless the ammo was loaded by them, what do you expect them to tell you? Why not just send back the unused powder that you're having problems with? Seems like they'd be spending an awful lot of time trying to diagnose what the problem with the rounds was (and what's causing it) if thy've got more variables to deal with than just their powder.
 
49 CFR 172 Table 101 classifies Cartridges, Small Arms as ORM-D, packaged in accordance with 49 CFR 173.63(b)(2).

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...v8&view=text&node=49:2.1.1.3.7.2.25.1&idno=49

I can't get the above link to come up here in Iraq, I did once, I think table 101 is in there, near the bottom. Look for Cartridges, Small Arms.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...8&view=text&node=49:2.1.1.3.8.3.25.14&idno=49

§ 173.63 Packaging exceptions.
(b) Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices. (1) Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices (which are used to project fastening devices) which have been classed as a Division 1.4S explosive may be reclassed, offered for transportation, and transported as ORM–D material when packaged in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section. For transportation by aircraft, the package must also comply with the applicable requirements of §173.27 of this subchapter. Such transportation is excepted from the requirements of subparts E (Labeling) and F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter. Cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices that may be shipped as ORM–D material are limited to:

(i) Ammunition for rifle, pistol or shotgun;

(ii) Ammunition with inert projectiles or blank ammunition;

(iii) Ammunition having no tear gas, incendiary, or detonating explosive projectiles;

(iv) Ammunition not exceeding 12.7 mm (50 caliber or 0.5 inch) for rifle or pistol, cartridges or 8 gauge for shotshells; and

(v) Cartridges, power devices which are used to project fastening devices.

(2) Packaging for cartridges, small arms, and cartridges power devices as ORM-D material must be as follows:

(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, or in partitions which fit snugly in the outside packaging, or in metal clips;

(ii) Primers must be protected from accidental initiation;

(iii) Inside boxes, partitions or metal clips must be packed in securely-closed strong outside packagings;

(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 kg (66 pounds) per package; and

(v) Cartridges, power devices which are used to project fastening devices and 22 caliber rim-fire cartridges may be packaged loose in strong outside packagings.
 
Is there some way to figure out the problem without shipping?

It's not worth going to jail over.

Or, perhaps try another powder/primer/bullet combination for your gun.

If shipping ammunition and/or powder is highly restricted (which I'm sure it would be), then it's not worth the hassle, IMHO.:banghead:
 
I think you are just out of luck if FEDEX or UPS won't take it. Have you tried DHL?

I wonder how one is supposed to return mail-order ammo that there is something wrong with?
 
Here's a bit more of a detailed explanation.

I loaded some .308 rounds with a load that was well within specifications, and was within the load limits from the powder manufacturer's online load data. I have done this literally hundreds of times with both pistol and rifle cartridges.

Imagine my surprise with these rounds started showing signs of excessive pressure--very hard to extract and blown primers. One round actually vented so much gas onto the bolt face that it collapsed the ejector spring.

After contacting the powder company, they asked if I could send them some of my loaded ammunition--I took a box of 20 rounds, and attempted to do so.

I'm not naming the powder manufacturer; I believe that I should have reduced the load further and worked up from there--I did load ten more rounds with the same powder and a lighter load. These rounds worked well.
 
I did!

They instructed me to box it up, put the ORM-D designation on the box, along with "Cartridges for Small Arms" and ship it UPS or FedEx. It didn't work.
 
The only other thing I could suggest would be:

DHL

or call UPS or FEDEX higher offices and explain to them the situation. Do not say anything about the rounds being reloads, just explain the powder company has requested that you send samples of small arms cartridges to them. See what the corporate office has to say.
 
Did you actually go to a UPS depot or one of those "mailbox stores". I've been OK in the past returning some ammo to Natcez but I was turned down initially at the retail store.
 
I tried to send some small arms ammo through a UPS storefront operation. They gave me some preprinted ORM-D stickers and referred me to the local UPS hub. When I went there, the clerk looked at the label, confirmed it was small arms ammo, and shipped it without any problem or special charges.
 
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