Import of ammo

[Puneet]

Hi,
Has anyone brought in ammo from abroad as checked in baggage lately? If so, what was your experience at customs? Trying to decide which one of my two handguns to bring into India on TR: .357 magnum (bulky S&W) versus 40 cal semi-auto (large cap and easier to conceal). However, feel that availability of 40 cal ammo might be a problem locally. Could bring in ammo periodically from abroad (will be making frequent trips to the US) if there are no problems at customs in India.
Any input?

[marksman]

As far as I know, No Alien, including a holder of diplomatic passport is allowed to buy any ammo in the US. I am afraid you may have problem buying ammo as a tourist or a visitor once you renounce your residential status.. How ever you will be allowed to import 50 cartridges only(duty free), if at all you manage to get them somehow. You'd have to deal with their customs as well while getting out of the US. My advise to you would be to take full advantage of the 5kg. ammo rule of the airline that allows it, get it and have them deposited under section 21(1)A with the dealer after paying the duty on the access ammo and withdraw periodically as per your allotted quota from the dealer. I was threateningly discouraged from buying ammo in the US a couple of years ago in spite of all explanations and having a valid license. BTW, either caliber is a good choice. But 40 S&W is more manageable for rapid fire.
All the best!!
Marksman

ps: Please make sure if the section I mentioned still exists in Indian Arms Act as I am pretty outdated in the matter now.

[sa_ali]

You can get more info on this http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?t=2532.

basically you can import round of 50, on ur license, provided the airlines u are flying is allowing you to do that

[TwoRivers]

There is no general federal prohibition on the purchase of ammo by aliens in the US. You don't have to show an ID to buy it. There may be restrictions in some states on the East Coast, and California.

[kanwar76]

I bought shotgun shells in a shooting range in illinois when I was on there on B1. They just wanted to see any ID. I used all shells in the range itself.

-Inder