Ok, stupid question time. I think I read somewhere that there are some African countries that do not allow hunting rifles to be brought in that are chambered in a military cartridge. I'll be doing Africa in 2010 (Plains game only) and have started preparations now (Mainly because I've sold the wife on the whole idea!)

Ummm, which countries might have a ban on military chambered rifles?

I'm on the cusp of buying a new rifle that will be a "back-up" rifle to my .350 RM. I've decided that the answer will be either 308, 30-06, or 7mm mag. Of course, if chambered in military cartridges are an issue, then the 7mm mag becomes the choice. My preference would be a .308...

Honestly, I don't expect to use the rifle much at all in the States. It would be a nice "Loaner" rifle for my Dad, or if a friend needed to borrow a rifle.

So, the question is, which countries would not permit a .308 in because it's a military based round?

(My preferred light rifle would be my 257 Bob. In my safe, the Bob handles anything Deer and under while my 350 would take anything beyond that. For DG, I think I'll find a 416 down the road...)

I heard from a far off source, many years ago, that Zambia prohibited NATO rounds (.223 and .308) but I don't know if this is still true or was ever true (or perhaps it was only for military marked ammo?)

Does anyone know - Peter Bird?

Ther are however many .308's in RSA, ZIM, Namibia etc. In SA its one of the most popular cartridges, in the top five or six in centerfire rifle ammo sales.

Well, this is not what you asked but it might be relevant to you.
Unless youre going to take really long shots in the namib or kalihari, you dont need another rifle. You´re good to go. As for a backup rifle, I have never known anyone who needed one.
The 257 bob could tag along as a dandy springbuck rifle.
If you´re not going to use the 308 in the states.....well, damm , who needs a reason anyway.
There are no countries forbiding the 308 in africa, only fmj in 308 for hunting
boet

There we were, having driven from Pretoria through Beit Bridge toward Harare. I had a mini-harem with me, wife, daughter and two women colleagues and we were headed for Mana Pools. Me to hunt. My wife had bid and one one of the auctions. They would be game viewing.

I had a 30-06 and a 500/450 with me.

Somehow at Beit Bridge the Inspector looked at the rifles, but did not deliver the Firearms Import license and I did not notice. This became clear at the first checkpoint. The very accommodating military radioed in to Hq., and were told to ask whether any of my weapons were military calibers. Any 7.62mm? No, I said, only a .308 and a .500/.450. OK, was the reply, stop at the airport and get your permits at Harare...

Regards,

Zambia..pretty darn sure of it.