The rules are changing everytime i fly. One rule is no blackpowder, see below, but you CAN load blackpowder in shotshells and remove the powder at you destination and use it. THat was last year so maybe not this year. I've had mostly good luck flying in and out of Lexington KY and Mpls MN. Last time I had several discussions, missing a flight, and then at the last minute had the jokers change their minds and condemn the case. SO it is kind of a crapshoot. IT helps if you aren't going in or out of the east coast-that goes without saying. Before 911 I had a .44 mag super redhawk taken out of a case by an agent and he played with it waiving it around. Course that was pre 911 and still had a good heart. HAh.
HEre's the latest from the TSA
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm
The key regulatory requirements to transporting firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage are:
You must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked.
We recommend that you provide the key or combination to the security officer if he or she needs to open the container. You should remain present during screening to take the key back after the container is cleared. If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
You must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging that is specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
You can’t use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
You can’t bring black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
We and other authorities strictly enforce these regulations. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
Airlines may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition that you may have in your checked baggage. Therefore, travelers should also contact the airline regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies.
