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Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel

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Traveling with ammunition can feel like navigating through a maze of rules and regulations. To legally and safely transport your ammo, a locking ammo box for airline travel may be an option.

If ammo is not packed according to TSA guidelines, airport security can confiscate it. In some cases, they may even consider improper packing of ammo a violation of the law.

I am very familiar with TSA guidelines, and the rules for transporting ammo and guns are very explicit. So, let’s take an in-depth look at the regulations everyone will need to follow when flying with ammunition. After we understand the rules, let’s find a locking ammo box for airline travel that will meet those rules and your needs.

What Are The Rules?

Before we look at the boxes, it will help to know a bit about the regulations. For starters, the administration of TSA states that firearms and ammunition must be in your checked luggage. They are not permitted as a carry on. However, you can pack the ammunition with your gun as long as it is in a TSA approved ammo container such as the original box, a wooden box, a plastic box, or a metal one. The firearm must be empty of all bullets at all times. TSA does not require a locking ammo box for airline travel. However, when flying, it is more secure to have a box that will lock.

Quick Overview Of Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel

1

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OVERALL BEST EDITOR’S CHOICE

Seahorse 56 100 Round Ammo Storage Box

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2

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BEST FOR RIFLE AMMO

Evergreen 112-Round Rifle Ammo

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3

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BEST FOR HANDGUN AMMO

Evergreen 100-Round Ammo Case (9mm ammo box)

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4

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BEST FOR LARGE CAPACITY

Kinghardcase 350 Round Bullet Locking Storage Case

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5

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BEST FOR VERSATILE

Sheffield 12628 Ammo Storage Box

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In-Depth Look At Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel

Without further delay, here is the review for the best locking ammo boxes for airline travel.


Best Editors Choice

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Seahorse 56 100 Round Ammo Storage Box

Seahorse proudly manufactures a secure locking ammo box for airline travel. The IP67 waterproof case is manufactured in Southern California, right here in the United States. This case features a specialized foam insert designed to safely hold up to 100 rounds of ammunition during air travel. The contents are secure with a twist-locking latch.

Dimensions: Internal: 8.4in x 4.4in x 2.3in inches External: 9.5in x 5.8in x 2.8in

Pros

Small, easy to pack

Built-in twist locking system

Waterproof to 1 meter for 30 min

Self-adjusting foam to fit ammo

Cons

Glossy paint finish scratches easily

ConBetter fit for rifle ammo vs handgun ammo

Best For Rifel Ammo

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Evergreen 112-Round Rifle Ammo Locking Storage Case

The Evergreen 112 ammunition case is for rifle ammo, and it is a locking ammo box for airline travel with holes to place a padlock. It also has an automatic equalization system, a pressure release valve, and a secure twist lock with a key. It has a lifetime guarantee.
Dimensions – Internal: 10.6 inches x 6.1 inches 4.0 inches External11.9 inches x 8.6 inches x 4.8 inches and weighs 2.45 lbs

Pros

Crushproof, impact-resistant, and waterproof

Larger compact-size, 112 shells

Double locking system

Has foam inserts

Cons

The foam is not super tight

No carrying handle

Best For Handgun Ammo

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Evergreen 100-Round Bullet Locking Storage Case

Evergreen is a secure locking ammo box for airline travel. The super strong, hard plastic will take a beating and come out intact, and it is a durable, crushproof material. With a dual locking system and key, it will protect your ammo. The air pressure release valve depressurizes your ammo at the touch of a finger before placing it in the cargo hold.
Dimensions – Internal: 8.4 inches x 4.4 inches x 2.3 inches – External: 9.5 inches x 5.8 inches x 2.8 inches and weighs 1.31 lbs

Pros

Crushproof, impact-resistant, waterproof

Double lock option

Seven color options

Protective foam

Cons

Not made to hold 22LR ammo

No carrying handle

Best Large Capacity

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Kinghardcase 350 Round Bullet Locking Storage Case

The Kinghardcase has a dual-layer foam to hold up to 350 rounds of ammunition. The upper layer includes practical handles for easy removal. Constructed from high-strength ABS and enhanced EVA materials, it offers waterproof protection up to 1 meter. It is also shockproof and impact-resistant, and its outer shell will help to decrease scratches.

Dimensions: External: 11.5 inch x 9.5 inch x 4.5 inch.

Pros

2-layer foam protection.

Heavy-duty ABS construction

Meets criteria for a locking ammo box for airline travel

Moisture Proof desiccant

Cons

It is only useful for handgun ammo

May hold too much ammo for flight regulations when full


Best Most Versatile

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Sheffield 12628 Ammo Storage Box

Sheffield has a versatile case that is ideal for storing ammunition, hunting and fishing equipment, electronics, and tools. Its compression-fit lid provides waterproof protection, while the innovative base-to-lid interlocking system allows for stackable storage.

Dimensions: External: 11.5 in x 5.06in x 7.25in

Pros

3 locking mechanisms

Compact, stackable design

Tamper-Proof locking system

Convenient Carry Handle

Cons

Not as sturdy as other options

No foam provided

May be larger than needed for some to fly with ammo


What Features To Look For In A Locking Ammo Box For Airline Travel

Since the TSA guidelines are so strict for flying with ammo and guns, there are a few features to look for when searching for your TSA approved ammo boxes.

Durability

First, a locking ammo box for airline travel must be a hard, durable plastic case. Your checked luggage will get thrown around during cargo loading, and you want to protect your bullets. Inner foam packing is a nice addition to keep bullets inorder and separate from each other.

Locks

A locking mechanism is not essential if you are placing the ammo in a locked firearm case, but it provides peace of mind. A lock is part of the TSA guidelines you must follow if you are not storing your casings in a locked gun case. A locking ammo box for airline travel must have a key to fit the lock. TSA guidelines state that only you can have the key in your possession. DO NOT use a TSA approved lock; instead, use a regular padlock. According to guidelines, the lock must not be easy to break or open without a key.

Size

The size of your box depends on the number of bullets and their size. If you plan to take just a few rounds in your locking ammo box for airline travel, you may want to purchase a smaller box that will be easier to pack in checked luggage.

Type Of Ammo

It is equally important to know the type of firearms and ammo you are taking. Do you need a case for rifle casings or handgun bullets? Can you customize the foam to protect each bullet?

DOT Regulations

The Department of Transportation regulations 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8) state:

“Small arms ammunition for personal use carried by a crewmember or passenger in checked baggage only, if securely packed in boxes or other packagings specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ammunition clips and magazines must also be securely boxed.“

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and the DOT (Department Of Transportation) work together to ensure the safety of all passengers. So, what does TSA say about a locking ammo box for airline travel?

TSA Rules And Guidelines

The administration of TSA states that firearms and ammunition must be in your checked-in luggage. They are not permitted as a carry-on. However, you can pack the ammunition with your gun as long as it is in the original box, a wooden box, a plastic box, or a metal one. The firearm must be empty of all ammo at all times. 

To use a firearm magazine as a storage unit, it must completely cover the shell with no open areas. The loaded magazine needs to be in the same box as your unloaded firearm. 

However, some airlines limit the amount of ammo to 11 pounds or 5 Kg, while others say you can take a reasonable amount for personal use only. Also, some airlines say you can pack the bullets in the magazine, yet others prohibit packed magazines. Please check with your airline for individual rules regarding locking ammo boxes for airline travel.

Or you can simplify the whole process by storing your gun in a TSA approved hard-sided case and your ammunition in separate locking ammo box for airline travel. Each case must be hard-sided, locked, and secure. Then, place them both in your checked luggage. 

One more rule: you must declare your firearms and ammo when you check in at the ticket counter. You must have both locked or your ammo in your locked gun case and a key in your possession at all times. 

A TSA-approved ammo box is specifically designed to transport firearms and ammunition safely, in compliance with airport security regulations.

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FAQs Regarding TSA Approved Ammo Boxes

We’ve covered a lot of information, but there are some frequent questions we will cover.

Can you fly with a box of ammo?

Yes, you can take a box of ammo, but it must follow the TSA guidelines. The ammo can be in the original manufacturer’s package inside the case with the unloaded gun. You can also place the ammo in a locked box designed for ammo and store it in checked luggage. Be sure to declare it at the check-in counter, not at the security checkpoint.

Does ammo need to be in a locked box?

Yes and no. You can store it in the original container inside your firearm case or locked in a separate ammunition box.

Do you have to declare ammo on a plane?

When you check in at the ticket counter, you must declare your ammo and firearms. Tell the ticket personnel you have a gun and ammo, let them see it and inspect it, and then you can put it in your checked luggage.

How much ammo can you bring through TSA?

You can take 11 pounds of ammo or 5 kilos per person placed in your checked bags. To fly, it must be in a locking ammo box for airline travel or the original manufacturer box.

Does TSA check gun serial numbers?

The TSA does not routinely check gun serial numbers. Its primary goal is to detect and prevent the smuggling of firearms and other dangerous items on board commercial flights. Therefore, if someone hides a gun or ammo and does not declare it at the check-in counter, the TSA may consider this as smuggling.

Additional Resources

If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA :

Conclusion

You can safely fly with bullets for your firearms if you follow the TSA requirements. However, the two most important takeaways from this post are that you must place it in your checked luggage and declare it at the ticket check-in counter. If the ammo is not locked in the gun case it must be in a locking ammo box for airline travel. As long as you follow TSA regulations, you can safely fly with ammo.

Happy travels, my friends.

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