Bringing reloading dies on safari...?

02 August 2011, 09:03

Fellow shooters and hunters.

For the last 10 years or so I have read discussions on this board about why such caliber is better than others for a traveling hunter in Africa. For example 416 Rigby vs Remington, 375 H&H vs RUM etc. Some of the reasons why some people think a caliber is best suited in Africa are availability, chamber pressure in hot climates, shootability etc. My question is regarding availability. Lets say you are doing everything right and packed your ammunition in different pieces of luggage prior to leaving, but once you get to your destination the gun made it without the ammo. How many people bring their reloading dies with them? Is it legal? Are reloading presses a common item in Africa. Would it be easier to have ammo delivered or purchased by your safari outfitter prior to your hunt. What are your thought on this matter?

02 August 2011, 09:28

conditionone45

Reloading dies would be easy enough to transport. However, you would run into problems trying to take reloading brass, powder, and primers with you. If you are hunting in a remote area your chances of purchasing these items or finding a reloading press will be slim to none.

If you are using a well established caliber such as a .375 H&H, 404 Jeff, .458 Winchester Magnum, 416 Rigby, 470 Nitro, and so on you "may" be able to arrange with your host to have ammunition on hand. If it turns out that you know what your PH uses or what (if any) loaner rifles are available it will increase your odds of finding ammunition locally. Who is to know if available ammunition will print to your rifle's scope settings.

02 August 2011, 09:44

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by Enigma:
Fellow shooters and hunters.

For the last 10 years or so I have read discussions on this board about why such caliber is better than others for a traveling hunter in Africa. For example 416 Rigby vs Remington, 375 H&H vs RUM etc. Some of the reasons why some people think a caliber is best suited in Africa are availability, chamber pressure in hot climates, shootability etc. My question is regarding availability. Lets say you are doing everything right and packed your ammunition in different pieces of luggage prior to leaving, but once you get to your destination the gun made it without the ammo. How many people bring their reloading dies with them? Is it legal? Are reloading presses a common item in Africa. Would it be easier to have ammo delivered or purchased by your safari outfitter prior to your hunt. What are your thought on this matter?

i can't imagine any reason on God's green earth to take reloading dies on a trip to Africa. might as well take a tuxedo to wear for dinner. the expression-"tits on a boar hog" comes to mind. EVERY camp in Africa has a spare rifle and ammo if push comes to shove. good Lord, are you going to take powder, primers,lubes, and bullets too, assuming the camp has a press- WHICH IT WON'T???

02 August 2011, 09:56

SDhunter

the only word that comes to mind....
is WHY?

02 August 2011, 10:31

JBrown

Those silly Lee hand presses are actuallu pretty slick and they would answer the need for a press.

But the question is WHY would you need to reload in camp.

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

02 August 2011, 10:51

zimFrosty

I cant answer for other countries but you are likely to run into a whole heap of problems if you try and bring reloading equipment into Zimbabwe as you have to have a specific permit to reload here. Furthermore you cannot carry powder and primers on commercial passenger aircraft. I know of at least one hunter who landed himself in very deep water with the authorities over such things. .......

02 August 2011, 12:21

shakari

quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
i can't imagine any reason on God's green earth to take reloading dies on a trip to Africa. might as well take a tuxedo to wear for dinner. the expression-"tits on a boar hog" comes to mind. EVERY camp in Africa has a spare rifle and ammo if push comes to shove. good Lord, are you going to take powder, primers,lubes, and bullets too, assuming the camp has a press- WHICH IT WON'T???

quote:
Originally posted by zimFrosty:
Furthermore you cannot carry powder and primers on commercial passenger aircraft. I know of at least one hunter who landed himself in very deep water with the authorities over such things. .......

Carrying loose smokeless powder & primers or any BP, BP substitutes and/or percussion caps could/would mean the culprit could be prosecuted for something like 15 separate offences....... and if they really wanted to be nasty, they could almost certainly add terrorist offences to that as well.

FWIW, although now retired, I was involved in the safari business one way or another for over 30 years and in all that time, I can't remember a single instance where a hunter hasn't been able to hunt either with his own rifles/ammo or spare camp rifles/ammo.

02 August 2011, 17:45

Saeed

Here is my suggestion if you wish to have trouble free international travel.

Take only the rifles and ammo you have permits for.

Period.

Do NOT take any extra brass, bullets, primers or anything of that sort.

Doing so is very likely to land you in big trouble.

02 August 2011, 23:09

Enigma

Thank you for all the replies folks.

I never said I would bring powder, primers, bullets or brass... I only asked, would it be possible or have any of you brought reloading dies with you to Africa. I am well aware that primers, brass, bullets are a big (no no) on airplanes... No need to get your panties in knot here! I seen some pretty weird questions asked on AR, I did not think mine was this strange. I never been to Africa, only dreaming of going there one day and preparing for it.

Thank you Saeed for your reply, the message was understood.

Maurice

02 August 2011, 23:43

larrys01

quote:
the only word that comes to mind....
is WHY?

A Gift for thr PH.

03 August 2011, 03:28

Jeff Wemmer

Just kidding!

03 August 2011, 06:16

RIP

Just to beat this dead horse:
The act of handloading/reloading is totally illegal in Botswana.
My PH there had to get his ammo for a .475 No. 2 Nitro Express (Jeffery) double rifle, as well as his .375 H&H reloads,
from a buddy in RSA, where the felonious art of reloading may be legally practiced,
like prostitution in Nevada.

03 August 2011, 06:41

Enigma

Thanks RIP for the information. I had no idea some countries in Africa considered reloading illegal. Good to know.

03 August 2011, 07:27

Jorge400

quote:
Originally posted by RIP:
Just to beat this dead horse:
The act of handloading/reloading is totally illegal in Botswana...

If I remember correctly, my PH told me the same thing in Zambia.

04 August 2011, 02:25

BuffNut

My Zambian PH just told me the same thing. And, he says they're limited to purchasing 100 rounds per year per rifle.

Makes you realize how "good" you have it at home, relatively speaking at least.

04 August 2011, 16:03

jwm

My PH in Botswana mentioned this. No reloading, strict limits on ammo purchase quantities (some exemptions for PH's who use guns as tools of their trade), and the worst of all...everyone's darling, the .22 rimfire, is illegal as well.

John

04 August 2011, 16:52

Code4

quote:
Originally posted by Jeff Wemmer:

Just kidding!

Lol

04 August 2011, 17:16

Bob in TX

As stated, not needed, does not make sense. Sometimes we just overthink things.

Another reason is the extra weight. With the stricter baggage allowances over the past few years, every ounce you can save counts.

Good Hunting!