Primers in checked baggage on Alaska Air?

[sergeima]

Just have a question to anyone with any experience on checking in primers in factory boxes on Alaska Air (or any other air company).

I found on the TSA site (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...d-items.shtm#9) that powder (black or smokeless) is NO-NO as well as percussion caps for the black powder guns. They don't mention primers though in the restrictions list. There is "EXPLOSIVES" section there, and "blasting caps" are mentioned as prohibited item, but my understanding this is hardly primers for ammo.

The same story with Alaska Air site (http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/hel...kedBaggage.asp). It mentions restrictions on Explosives (Fireworks, gunpowder, signal flares, sparklers, or other explosives) in pretty broad terms (other explosives, whatever it is). On the other hand, ammo in not so restricted amounts is permitted in the checked in luggage if packing is safe. Apparently, this is a gray zone.

So, any advice or experience to share?

Obviously, my reason asking this is to explore any reasonably priced options to get some primers from a trip to the Low 48. Perhaps, there is other way to ship it beyond forwarding, please advise on that as well.

Thank you,
SERGEIMA

[brav01]

Primers

Just have a question to anyone with any experience on checking in primers in factory boxes on Alaska Air (or any other air company).

I found on the TSA site (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...d-items.shtm#9) that powder (black or smokeless) is NO-NO as well as percussion caps for the black powder guns. They don't mention primers though in the restrictions list. There is "EXPLOSIVES" section there, and "blasting caps" are mentioned as prohibited item, but my understanding this is hardly primers for ammo.

The same story with Alaska Air site (http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/hel...kedBaggage.asp). It mentions restrictions on Explosives (Fireworks, gunpowder, signal flares, sparklers, or other explosives) in pretty broad terms (other explosives, whatever it is). On the other hand, ammo in not so restricted amounts is permitted in the checked in luggage if packing is safe. Apparently, this is a gray zone.

So, any advice or experience to share?

Obviously, my reason asking this is to explore any reasonably priced options to get some primers from a trip to the Low 48. Perhaps, there is other way to ship it beyond forwarding, please advise on that as well.

Thank you,
SERGEIMA

Primers like powder are considered HAZ-Mat. You can't ship primers or powder by air frieght, truck or barge only. I assume you can't check them either. BUT you can check ammo up to 10-11 pounds in a impact resistant box which has seperate compartments for each round.

For a definative answer call the airline on which you intend to fly and ask someone who knows about checking specific items like guns and ammo.

[ADfields]

Primers are the same hazmat class as percussion caps so I don't think it's gonna work but call just the same.

[marshall]

For a definative answer call the airline on which you intend to fly and ask someone who knows about checking specific items like guns and ammo.

Save your call, Primers are HAZ MAT and a no go on a passenger flight! I'm an airline pilot and HAZ MAT documents pass through my hands on every flight. That's not to say that some stuff slips by the counter girls but declared HAZ MAT items are rejected.

Don't get any bright ideas about undeclared items, the penalties are high and not worth it.

[allen-ak]

Primers are classified 1.4 under IOTA.
No they cannot go in your baggage.

Loaded ammunition is ORM-D and can go in your baggage.

Sticky from the shooting forum:
Flying with your guns and ammo?

These two web sites cover the Government rules.

Airlines also have thier own rules.

Might be good to print all these off and have them with you when your travel.


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1666.shtm

http://safetravel.dot.gov/index_ammunition.html

[allen-ak]

More:

May I carry ammunition components?

• You may carry separate non-hazardous components of ammunition such as empty cartridge cases or inert bullets. You may NOT carry separate hazardous components such as black powder, smokeless powder, percussion caps, primers, wrapped charges used in muzzle-loading applications, or similar items

Rules is rules....but it doesn't make sense to me to be able to take LOADED AMMO in factory containers in your checked baggage, but can not take either primers or smokeless powder separately in factory containers in checked baggage!!!

[allen-ak]

The logic (and science) is that primers inserted in a cartridge are less likely to go off, and if one does, there will not be a mass detonation.

Loaded ammo does not have the tendency to explode, even in a fire.

[sergeima]

Thank you for everyone who responded. Too bad, it is also NO-NO. Will wait for primers in AK.

SERGEIMA

[tananaBrian]

Just 2 weeks ago, I flew Outside for 10 days and considered buying primers if I saw any. The Alaska Airlines representative, when checking in, told me NO PROBLEM bringing primers back in my luggage, that they were the same as finished ammo ...keep them in the original containers and NO NEED to declare them. And no, for the curious, I did not find the primers that I was looking for! Maybe the gal was wrong, or maybe not, but she sure seemed to know all about them. I got the impression that lots of travelers were wondering if they could bring primers home if they found some...

Brian

[marshall]

TananaBrian

What's up with your logo?

http://www.freewebs.com/jeffhead/lib...agdistress.htM

[Daved]

My bright idea was to fly down south with a bunch of empty 30-06 brass and a hand primer. If I found some primers I was going to insert them into the cases then transport them in the appropriate container. I would declare them as loaded ammo. I was hoping to load about 100 or so and that would get me by for this season. As it turns out, I found 300 Large Rifle primers at Mt. View Sports (the last 300) so I will not be executing my plan. And no, I don't want to sell them. Good luck.

[allen-ak]

Primers

Just 2 weeks ago, I flew Outside for 10 days and considered buying primers if I saw any. The Alaska Airlines representative, when checking in, told me NO PROBLEM bringing primers back in my luggage, that they were the same as finished ammo ...keep them in the original containers and NO NEED to declare them.
Brian

If/when TSA finds your primers, they would not allow them on the aircraft.
Probably not worth the risk and the hassle.

see: http://safetravel.dot.gov/index_ammunition.html

May I carry ammunition components?

• You may carry separate non-hazardous components of ammunition such as empty cartridge cases or inert bullets. You may NOT carry separate hazardous components such as black powder, smokeless powder, percussion caps, primers, wrapped charges used in muzzle-loading applications, or similar items

[rdrash]

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

Makes sense to me, maybe he is one of the newly crowned radical extremist's hoarder of ammo, guns and food.

[ADfields]

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

Makes sense to me, maybe he is one of the newly crowned radical extremist's hoarder of ammo, guns and food.

Works for me, he who don't stock up can't find any stock today!