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US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
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Whether you occasionally or regularly transport ammunition aboard a passenger aircraft, you should know how to pack ammunition safely and securely. Properly packaged, small arms ammunition for personal use can be safely transported aboard commercial aircraft in checked baggage only. Additional rules from the airline, Transportation Security Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives may apply so check with each of these sources before you leave for your trip.
What kinds of ammunition can I legally carry?
  • Small arms ammunition including ammunition not exceeding 50 caliber or ½ inch for a rifle or pistol and 8 gauge shotgun shells. Ammunition must be securely packaged, not loose.
What is properly packaged small arms ammunition?
  • Ammunition must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packages specifically designed to carry ammunition. Original retail packages are fine if the ammunition is held in place and completely covered.
Can I pack my ammunition in a clip or a speed loader?
  • No. You may not use magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine with a metal, plastic or cardboard sleeve)
How much ammunition can I carry?
  • The US DOT regulations limit the amount to a quantity consistent with "personal use." In practical terms, the limit is 11 lbs (5 kg) per passenger in checked baggage only, for most commercial air carriers. If in doubt, check with your air carrier.
Can I carry home-made ammunition?
  • You may NOT carry black powder, percussion caps, or home-made ammunition
Can I bring a loaded firearm in checked baggage?
  • NO firearms, loaded or unloaded, are allowed on your person or in carry-on baggage. In addition, NO loaded firearms are permitted in checked baggage!
What else do I need to know?
  • Airlines may have additional rules or restrictions on carrying ammunition. Always check with your airline arriving at the airport.
Where can I go for additional information?
The Transportation Security Administration has a document called the TSA Public Education Fact Sheet, Transporting Firearms and Ammunition Aboard Commercial Air Carriers that outlines the rules for securely transporting firearms and ammunition
Other information from TSA on transporting firearms and ammunition can be found from TSA http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives is a valuable source of additional information on firearms safety www.atf.gov/firearms












 
     
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