I will be traveling to Africa in six years and will will be doing some hunting while there.

I have a 338 Mag for the plains game.

I hope to have a 416 Rigby in the CZ 550 for buffalo.

My question is this: I know you can only travel with so much ammo, what is the availability of factory ammo in Africa?

I was thinking I could take as much handloaded 416 ammo with me and purchase the much cheaper 338 ammo if it is available.

If you don't go for 6 years, I think you have plenty of time to gather up ammo.

ask again in five years....Africa is a big place and things change.....

....and I'll bet ammo's still cheaper here than in any African country.
Dave

reverenddan,

Seriously, just as vapodog mentions, Africa is a big place. It's a continent with the most countries of any continent. Saying "I'm going to Africa" is the same as saying "I'm going to Asia".



The posters here would need to know which country you're going to in order to help answer your question. But, also like vapodog mentioned, six years out is a long time in Africa. Politics and laws can change in African countries in that amount of time.

-Bob F.

RD,

I can tell you ammo is not cheaper in RSA and sure be more expensive in the other more primitive countries...If you are going with your wife take the max for you and let her take the max for her...That way you will have plenty and if need be any ammo bought can be the same as the reloads....

Mike

For you 338 WM ammo should not be a problem but the 416 might be more scarce and could be ordered before hand from a good gun dealer though.

If you come to South Africa you are allowed 200 rounds of ammo per calibre. How much do you intend to shoot?

Usually 40-60 rounds is more than enough. Enjoy!

As others have already said, 6 years is an eternity in the rapidly evolving rules and laws concerning firearms and ammunition, even in the USA. Just look at CCW accross the country and last week's gun ban in San Francisco. Your first hurdle will be to legally import a firearm. If you are a foreign trophy hunter, rifle import permits are usually arranged by the outfitter and fall under temporary import regulations. Import as a permanent resident is a different kettle of fish (even if you are on diplomatic status). Lastly, if the country where you take up residency allows the possession of components for reloading, and powders are easily available, I would say take up reloading. Usually importing bullets is not that much of a problem. All you need is about 100 cases and then buy powders and primers in-country.

quote:

Originally posted by reverenddan:
I will be traveling to Africa in six years and will will be doing some hunting while there.

I have a 338 Mag for the plains game.

I hope to have a 416 Rigby in the CZ 550 for buffalo.

My question is this: I know you can only travel with so much ammo, what is the availability of factory ammo in Africa?

I was thinking I could take as much handloaded 416 ammo with me and purchase the much cheaper 338 ammo if it is available.

A much better question, and just as difficult to answer, would be, "Will I be able to hunt buffalo and plains game in Africa in six years?"


My answer: Probably. Whether you will be able to afford it is the question.

George

Right on George. Just look at what is going on in South Africa right now with the future of hunting. Maybe none of us will be able to go to Africa in Six Years, who knows?

I see the point being made. And I actually misquoted myself and we will be traveling there in 2010.

We (my wife and I) will be traveling to Africa for adventure and work through our church. My wife will be working at Africa Nazarene University which I believe is in Kenya. I will probably have some building work assignments that will have me traveling around a bit.

I don't think we would go as tourists but I can't say for sure.

200 rounds of ammo sounds per caliber sounds like plenty to me. As far as "how much shooting?" I honestly couldn't say. My life goal is a buffalo. Anything else i.e. plains game is a bonus.

I can't honestly say how long we will stay there. It is always a possibility that we will fall in love with the place and ask for an assignment of several years. In that case we would become residents, no?

While we are there would I have to hire a professional guide to hunt? I have friends on assignment over there that do quite a bit of hunting and could probably take me if legal.

Thanks for the input.

First of all, you currently cannot hunt in Kenya. Secondly, I doubt you would be considered a local resident after working there for a couple of years. And lastly, being a foreigner, must countries will require you to use a PH to hunt big game.

going out on a limb here, but, like in the US (most countries?), "residency" probably isn't going to afford you all the benefits of "citizenship". And, I doubt that any country is going to be anywhere as generous (lax) as the USA.
Dave