What is DOT Ammo Packaging?

[Gearhead Jim]

The DOTn requirements for ammunition packaging are listed as follows:

(2) Packaging for Cartridges, small arms and eligible Cartridge, power devices as limited quantity or 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;...

But yet, we can buy Winchester bulk ammo in almost any Walmart with 100 rds of 9mm dumped in a thin cardboard box, and some of the on-line ammo companies are selling 1,200 rds of Federal 5.56 ammo that's been simply dumped into a stiffer cardboard box. Nice hard sharp bullets to theoretically bump a primer. How do they do that, legally?

I'm asking because the fire code in my area has no restrictions on storing loaded ammunition (component primers and powder have some restrictions) in the house if it's in DOTn packaging, but no mention of what's allowed in non-DOTn packaging. I like to dump my reloads in a GI ammo can until I take them to the range, but that may not be legit.

Can anyone explain the issue?
I know the fire marshall isn't going to come with a search warrant for my house, but if the house burns down for some other reason, I don't want the insurance company claiming it's my fault for non-legal ammo storage.

EDIT:
The "n" in "DOTn" stands for National, to differentiate from state DOT organizations.

 

[Rule3]

In simple terms

Primers by themselves are explosive and can chain or daisy chain fire, One they are loaded in a brass case they are much safer from accidental ignition.

People tumble loaded ammo to shine it up right?

The theory that Federal Primers are more sensitive is why they are in bigger boxes with more room between each one.

DOT is in charge of the safety of shipping items. So they have regulations for all kinds of products.

It's the Government.

 

[higgite]

...
I'm asking because the fire code in my area has no restrictions on storing loaded ammunition (component primers and powder have some restrictions) in the house if it's in DOTn packaging, but no mention of what's allowed in non-DOTn packaging....

Can anyone explain the issue?
...

I'm sure if you give them a call, whoever enforces the fire code in your area and/or your insurance company could advise you much better than we can about what they consider to be acceptable.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

I wish I shared your optimism about their knowledge, but after learning all I can right here; then I will contact them.

 

[hdwhit]

Gearhead Jim wrote:

...we can buy Winchester bulk ammo in almost any Walmart with 100 rds of 9mm dumped in a thin cardboard box, and some of the on-line ammo companies are selling 1,200 rds of Federal 5.56 ammo that's been simply dumped into a stiffer cardboard box. ... How do they do that, legally?

Look at the applicable part of the DOT specification you quote:

(2) Packaging for Cartridges, ... must be as follows:
(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, ...
(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 kg (66 pounds) per package;...

According to what you have quoted, so long as you have less than 66 pounds of ammunition in "boxes", you meet the DOT specification. In the case of 100 rounds of 9mm in a cardboard box or 525 rounds of .22 Long Rifle in a cardboard box, that would meet the portion of the DOT specification you quoted.

That said, I believe there are other parts of the DOT specification applicable to all hazardous material, not just ammunition, that would also be applicable and which were not included in the quote. Try searching for Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 173 (which used to be the regulations governing transportation of hazardous material). I don't have time right now to go dig them up. You would need to locate them and read them all in conjunction to fully understand what the requirements are.

Bottom line is that I think you will be okay storing ammunition in the manufacturer's original packaging so long as you keep the amount below 66 pounds in any one location.

Also note that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes standards on the storage or smokeless powder and ammunition that may also be helpful.

 

[Handloader109]

DOT is in charge of shipping regulations. Not storage. Store however you think is proper. I store primers in their original Packaging, and then those in a metal ammo box. My powder is again in original containers and then I have a mdf cabinet that the containers are stored in. Had the mdf, and from experience, it burns poorly. Should help if there was a fire. Ammo is a few feet away in oem boxes and other containers. Mainly in the open. If my house catches fire, it'll burn down. I'm too far away and it is volunteer fd. They'll just drown the embers

 

[hdwhit]

Handloader109 wrote:

DOT is in charge of shipping regulations. Not storage.

Please note that Gearhead Jim's OP says:

I'm asking because the fire code in my area has no restrictions on storing loaded ammunition (component primers and powder have some restrictions) in the house if it's in DOTn packaging,

[Emphasis added]

We all understand DOT's role, but since Jim says the fire code in his locality defines acceptable storage in terms of what is acceptable for transport under DOT regulations, consideration of DOT regulations is in this case both necessary and appropriate.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

hdwhit-

Gearhead Jim wrote:


Quote:
...we can buy Winchester bulk ammo in almost any Walmart with 100 rds of 9mm dumped in a thin cardboard box, and some of the on-line ammo companies are selling 1,200 rds of Federal 5.56 ammo that's been simply dumped into a stiffer cardboard box. ... How do they do that, legally?

Look at the applicable part of the DOT specification you quote:


Quote:
(2) Packaging for Cartridges, ... must be as follows:
(i) Ammunition must be packed in inside boxes, ...
(iv) Maximum gross weight is limited to 30 kg (66 pounds) per package;...

According to what you have quoted, so long as you have less than 66 pounds of ammunition in "boxes", you meet the DOT specification. In the case of 100 rounds of 9mm in a cardboard box or 525 rounds of .22 Long Rifle in a cardboard box, that would meet the portion of the DOT specification you quoted.

That said, I believe there are other parts of the DOT specification applicable to all hazardous material, not just ammunition, that would also be applicable and which were not included in the quote. Try searching for Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 173 (which used to be the regulations governing transportation of hazardous material). I don't have time right now to go dig them up. You would need to locate them and read them all in conjunction to fully understand what the requirements are.

Bottom line is that I think you will be okay storing ammunition in the manufacturer's original packaging so long as you keep the amount below 66 pounds in any one location.

Also note that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes standards on the storage or smokeless powder and ammunition that may also be helpful.

I'm looking for how to store my own reloads, so I have to choose the packaging that meets DOTn. My local fire code doesn't mention NFPA so it doesn't apply to me.

In your quote of the DOTn regs, you omitted
(i) "packed in INSIDE boxes...
(ii) "primers must be protected from accidental initiation."
etc.

 

[au_prospector]

I am wondering if you are over thinking this?

Honestly, insurance companies will look for reasons to deny your claim. Fire, water, whatever. You wont be able to waive a piece of paper saying your primers and powder and loaded rounds were properly stored in cardboard boxes to convince them they need to pay up. Carefully read your entire homeowners policy and decide for yourself if you be covered. Likely there is plenty of wiggle room for the insurance company in your contract.

Think about it, in the event rounds start cooking off, primers and canisters of powder light up, firefighters will back off and only try to keep a fully engulfed home from spreading to other properties. This is all written up in the fire report including all the evidence of how much hazmat you have stored minus the paper boxes which are now ash. Im not trying to be harsh here, just saying what do you think will happen in the event of a major fire?

If you are that concerned about it you can equip your storage room with a home fire suppressant system like this.
http://www.ceasefire.com/fire-suppression/home-fire-suppression-systems/
or this
http://www.wsfp.com/residential.php
TYCO has a line as well.

Or keep your reloading equip and supplies and ammo in an outbuilding away from the main structure.

Added benefit is possibly a reduction in homeowners insurance.
You should decide if the costs are worth the peace of mind and move on with life.

 

[TBJK]

I don't know that I would worry that much about it. Chances are that you have propane tanks in your garage right? Other items such as spray paint cans & what not. I do know that I have set 10 primers off while priming some loads, it really wasn't all that loud as I would have expected. Didn't wake my kids up & my wife thought I threw a book on the ground. As AU said. Read through your policy just to see if there are exceptions.

 

[hdwhit]

Gearhead Jim wrote:

In your quote of the DOTn regs, you omitted
(i) "packed in INSIDE boxes...
(ii) "primers must be protected from accidental initiation."
etc.

The omission was intentional as the packaging of primers is not related to the packaging of loaded ammunition. The regulations do not, as you seem to read them, require that the packaging protect the tip of a bullet from one round touching the base of another round.

As I said, search for Title 46 CFR part 173 and read it.

 

[tcoz]

I know this doesn't answer your question but it's interesting nonetheless and somewhat in line with this thread. You may have seen it since it was posted by forum member Load Master in another thread.

https://youtu.be/3SlOXowwC4c

 

[Gearhead Jim]

"The omission was intentional as the packaging of primers is not related to the packaging of loaded ammunition. The regulations do not, as you seem to read them, require that the packaging protect the tip of a bullet from one round touching the base of another round.

As I said, search for Title 46 CFR part 173 and read it."

The parts I quoted are listed for ammunition packaging, not for individual components like primers or powder.

When I Google Title 46 CFR part 173, it produces a bunch of stuff about ships. Is there another way to find what you are recommending?

 

[Gearhead Jim]

au prospector-
To me, determining if I'm in compliance with the local fire code does not indicate over thinking. But I do agree that this issue is not likely to be a problem.

TBJK-
We have a couple of propane tanks for our grill, but I always keep them and the grill outside. Propane and gasoline scare me a lot more than ammo/primers/powder.

tcoz-
Thanks, I just happened to see that video last week, very interesting and calming. I wish they would have done some tests with primers in their original boxes and powder in 4 lb jugs.

All-
I just looked through our homeowners policy, it covers everything except perils excluded. Those exclusions do not mention ammunition or components, nor do they mention anything about violating the fire or building codes. I would prefer not to learn how that plays out in a real claim...

 

[Rule3]

For storing your own reloads perhaps do what the Military does and simply store them in metal ammo cans. Seems to work for them and I can not think of any storage method better.

I know some States the Fire Marshal limits the amount of smokless powder to 5 lbs or some ridiculous number.