Safe Ammunition Transportation: Essential Guidelines for US Gun Owners

When it comes to transporting ammunition, it’s important to be armed with the knowledge of how to do it in a safe and legal manner. Otherwise, you could end up with damaged munitions or draw the attention of someone whose job requires the use of ammo and is well versed in its laws.

Since ammo transportation laws vary from state to state, it’s best to focus on federal law; as firearms and ammo share a bond akin to pastrami and rye and a TV and remote control, it’s implied the laws apply to situations in which the two are being transported together.

First off, you have to be traveling from a state where ammo/firearm possession is legal and to a state where the same applies. To fall under federal protection, travel through a state should be continuous and not exceed 24 hours.

Secondly, the firearm(s) must be unloaded and stored separately from ammunition and are not readily accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle; the glove box and center console do not meet this criteria. In vehicles without a trunk, the firearm must be stored in a separate locked case.

It’s also important to transport the ammunition safely and in a manner that will preserve its life and effectiveness; of course; purchasing quality ammunition from trusted ammo manufacturers is a further deterrent to deterioration. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight, humidity and heat. As far as a bullet firing (“cooking”) inside a hot car, it would take temperatures of 400 degrees plus for that to occur; even with the windows closed, interior temperatures won’t exceed 160- to 170 degrees. Still, it’s a good idea to keep those windows open in summer so the heat won’t get to the “heat” and draw the attention of yet another “heat.”