Leaving ammo behind

08 May 2007, 20:46

Bill/Oregon

Leaving ammo behind

OK, what's the poop on this? I will be shooting 9.3 X62 handloads out of a CZ 550 in Namibia. My PH also carries a CZ in 9.3X62. IF I bring in 50 cartridges, can't I leave any unfired ammo with the PH? If not, who will know? Is there someone along the line who checks the ammo box and demands to know where any fired cases are? Does someon count this stuff and record it somewhere? I just don't want to lug home the weight.

08 May 2007, 20:56

Stonecreek

If you shoot up all of your cartridges and loose the cases in the grass, there's not much that anyone can do about it. I haven't heard this issue discussed previously, but my assumption is that, as usual, customs officials are much less concerned about what you take out of a country than what you bring into a country.

08 May 2007, 21:11

Saeed

I think you should not have any problems with that.

In Tanzania you have to declare any ammo you are taking back.

If you have none no one asks what had happened to it.

08 May 2007, 21:12

hikerbum

I bourhgt way too much ammo with me, and my PH was more than happy to relieve me of the weight on the return trip.

Its absolutely no problem. It becomes part of the thank you to them for a great time.

08 May 2007, 21:22

Masterifleman

In RSA in 2004, a husband and wife left all of their unfired .308 WIN and 7 X 57 ammo with the PH. When I left for home, I left all of my .45-70 ammo for my PH as he wanted to try and buy a Marlin 1895. There was never any question on the part of the SAPS as to what happened to and where was my unfired ammo.

08 May 2007, 23:07

bisonhunter1

on my 2003 trip i left all my unused ammo wiht the last PH I was with and when clearing customs/firearms at the Africa airports on the way back home simple told any "official" that asked that I had "fired" all my ammo and no further questions were asked about that!

08 May 2007, 23:14

Mikelravy

It always seemed easier to me to just leave it rather than have to be delayed at the airport while somebody counts it or something. I'm sure your ph will be delighted with the gift anyway.

08 May 2007, 23:42

scruffy

One time the Namibian guy was going to count my wife's ammo on the way back home. She had none and told the fellow that perhaps she should practice more.....

09 May 2007, 01:11

dogcat

I have left my ammo each time. No problems.

09 May 2007, 01:22

Bill/Oregon

Thanks gents. Looks like my PH will have some 9.3 250-grain Barnes TSX loads to remember me by.
Best regards to all of you, without whose encouragement I would not be leaving for Windhoek in the morning.
Bill

09 May 2007, 02:19

300magman

No one even asked about it at the airport. I guess they assumed I left it. Which I did.

09 May 2007, 03:28

Kensco

I left two boxes of solids in 375 H&H. The PH seemed appreciative.

09 May 2007, 04:14

Head Trauma

Left behind ammo is greatly appreciated, what they can't use can always be bartered for something else. It creates a lot of good will.I left a boatload of ammo behind in Namibia last year. When I responded to a low-key inquiry about ammo at the airport when I left, the policeman at the airport firearms office just smiled and said I must have done a lot of shooting and let it go at that.

09 May 2007, 04:31

Jorge400

I actually had the police officer in Namibia raise his eyebrows to me when I declared that I was taking back 41 of the 48 rounds I brought into the country. He found it odd that I only shot 7 times.

In hindsight, I should have left behind my remaining 300 WM rounds. It never occurred to me since neither PH in camp shot a 300 WM. I will be sure to do it next month.

09 May 2007, 05:49

Allout

09 May 2007, 06:34

Balla Balla

Deleted in error

09 May 2007, 07:08

Larry Sellers

Just a little twist on the subject if you all don't mind? I am leaving for Namibia on the 18th and will be taking only my 300WSM. However my PH has a 9.3 X 62 I'll use as a backup gun if necessary. My question, can I take both the 300WSM and some 9.3 X 62 ammo even though I won't have MY 9.3 with me??? As far as leaving ammo have had no problems in 4 African countries to date. Thanks for any info on my additional question and concern.

Larry Sellers

09 May 2007, 07:46

vapodog

I left 50 rounds of .375 H&H 260 Nosler particians and several boxes of 12 ga shells....it was easier than taking it home and hasseling with the airlines over the right place for it!

09 May 2007, 08:11

Balla Balla

Basically I have not heard of anyone taking ammo back home, or getting in trouble for leaving any behind.

Just act like Bill Clinton when asked what you did with your ammo, if his story is good enough, then so is yours

Have a good hunt
Cheers, Peter

See an interesting article below
---------------------------

Study Finds That Micro Stamping Needs More Testing

â€œNew technology to link cartridge cases to guns by engraving microscopic codes on the firing pin is feasible, but does not work well for all guns and ammunition tested in a pilot study by researchers from the forensic science program at U.C. Davis. More testing in a wider range of firearms is needed to determine the costs and feasibility of a statewide program of micro stamping, as called for by proposed state legislation [in California]. The technology developed by ID Dynamics of Londonderry, N.H., uses a laser to cut a pattern or code into the head of a firing pin. The method is similar to that used to engrave codes on computer chips. When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin hits the cartridge case or primer and stamps the code onto it. In principle, the spent cartridge can then be matched to a specific gun. [Researchers] fitted engraved firing pins into six Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handguns that were issued to California Highway Patrol cadets for use in weapons training. After firing about 2,500 rounds, the letter/number codes on the face of the firing pins were still legible with some signs of wear. But the bar codes and dot codes around the edge of the pins were badly worn.â€

The full article can be seen at http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=8148 . (Source: U.C. Davis News Service)

09 May 2007, 08:51

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by jdollar:
quote:
Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Just a little twist on the subject if you all don't mind? I am leaving for Namibia on the 18th and will be taking only my 300WSM. However my PH has a 9.3 X 62 I'll use as a backup gun if necessary. My question, can I take both the 300WSM and some 9.3 X 62 ammo even though I won't have MY 9.3 with me??? As far as leaving ammo have had no problems in 4 African countries to date. Thanks for any info on my additional question and concern.

Larry Sellers
most african countries will NOT let you bring in ammo if it does not correspond to the calber of rifle you are importing- also some airlines will not allow you to check in ammo that doesn't correspond to the rifle you are checking in, although the counter personnel usually don't have a clue of the difference

quote:

09 May 2007, 16:08

Safari-Hunt

Just make sure that if you leave ammo behind especially in RSA that it finds a proper home meaning that the person taking it will have the correct license for that certain caliber.

You cannot hold or keep ammo if you do not have a license for it in RSA. Otherwise the ammo is always welcome.

09 May 2007, 21:27

Chris01

When we went to Namibia in 2006 you had to fill out a Namibian firearms form stating the make/model/serial number of the guns you are bringing in and the number of rounds of ammo. You are allowed a max of 60rnds per rifle. The Namibian customs official visually checked the firearms serial number on the form against the gun, but did not check the ammunition. I would expect there would be a problem if you declared ammunition that did not match the caliber gun(s) you had. I would expect there to be a more serious problem if you tried to bring in ammunition without declaring it and were caught.

I brought 120rnds total for the two rifles I had. I gave all the left over ammo to the PH. At departure time when we checked our rifles thru customs the officer looked at the firearms form and asked if we had any of the 120rnds left to declare. I told him no. He could have cared less.

09 May 2007, 23:31

Stonecreek

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Just a little twist on the subject if you all don't mind? I am leaving for Namibia on the 18th and will be taking only my 300WSM. However my PH has a 9.3 X 62 I'll use as a backup gun if necessary. My question, can I take both the 300WSM and some 9.3 X 62 ammo even though I won't have MY 9.3 with me??? As far as leaving ammo have had no problems in 4 African countries to date. Thanks for any info on my additional question and concern.

Larry Sellers

Namibian gun imporation rules (which are relatively simply and liberal compared to many countries) specifically disallow ammunition that is of a caliber different from the firearm(s) you are importing. If you carry ammunition which does not match a gun in your possesion and you are checked, then it is subject to confiscation. So, if you want to leave a supply of ammunition behind for your PH, you'll have to take the actual 9.3x62 rifle with you.

Namibian rules also allow not more than 100 rounds of ammunition PER GUN. However, with large calibers and multiple guns, you may run afoul of the airline limitation of 5 kg (11 pounds) of ammunition PER PASSENGER.

09 May 2007, 23:42

Camarillo Brillp

Just a note for Larry regarding Namibia and the 300WSM. Last year our guns made it with us, but our luggage was delayed a day, including our ammo 300WSM, and 7mm-08. Our PH didn't have any of either so day 1 we used his old CZ in 30-06. We were at least an hour drive from any town, and 3+ hours from a town with a gun/sporting goods shop so buying was not an option.Next year at least one rifle will be a common older caliber, like our 375 H&H just in case.

10 May 2007, 00:10

Bwana1

On my last safari,I was told about somone who deliberately left ammo lying around in town so it would be stolen. He loaded pistol powder in about 5 of the 20 round box of .375. the hope was it would end up being used by a poacher,blowing up the rifle and maybe the poacher also.....

11 May 2007, 10:27

Larry Sellers

Thanks to everyone who responded. I plan on splitting my ammo with my two other hunting companions and likewise for them. Since we will all be arriving on the same flight can sort it out on arrival. Thinking if a bag or two gets sidtracked we should all have SOME ammo?? Noticed that Chris01 said 60 rounds per rifle and Stonecreek said 100 rounds per rifle allowed into Namibia?? Can anyone clear up this 40 round difference with a reference to actual Nambiam policy?? Thanks again for all the help!! Only 8 more days until departure.

Larry Sellers

11 May 2007, 17:44

Cunningham

THIS WAS TAKEN OFF THE NAPHA WEBSITE TODAY.

NAPHA
Namibia Professional Hunting Association
PO Box 11291
Windhoek --- NAMIBIA
Tel : + 264 61 234455

# A maximum of one-hundred (100) rounds of ammunition may be imported per hunting rifle.
Only ammunition for the specific caliber may be imported.

MAYBE THIS WILL CLEAR THIS LAST POST UP.

11 May 2007, 19:03

Larry Sellers

Thanks Bob for sheding this additional light on the subject. Appreciate it.

Larry Sellers

11 May 2007, 19:15

Hammer

Have always left behind ammo to save weight on the return for the trinkets purchased overseas.

The PHs have always seemed happy even if not in their caliber as it makes good trading material.

Also leave behind first aid and other pharmaceuticals. No one has ever complained.

Have left behind a laptop once too.

12 May 2007, 19:05

Bwana91

I don't know about Namibia or other countries; however, I do know that in South Africa your PH does NOT want to get caught with Ammo that is not licensed to him.

It can be charged as a Felony carrying up to 15 years in prison. It can and does happen by the over-zealous black SAPS officers.

Bwana91

12 May 2007, 20:55

Chris01

quote:
Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Thanks to everyone who responded. I plan on splitting my ammo with my two other hunting companions and likewise for them. Since we will all be arriving on the same flight can sort it out on arrival. Thinking if a bag or two gets sidtracked we should all have SOME ammo?? Noticed that Chris01 said 60 rounds per rifle and Stonecreek said 100 rounds per rifle allowed into Namibia?? Can anyone clear up this 40 round difference with a reference to actual Nambiam policy?? Thanks again for all the help!! Only 8 more days until departure.

Larry Sellers

Cunningham is right, it is 100rnds per rifle. Our PH told us it was 60rnds. Since that was more than enough I didnâ€™t question it.

12 May 2007, 21:55

Russ Gould

You guys better hope nobody from the state dept is reading this post...the export of ammo, other than for personal use, requires an export permit. Same for brass, bullets, firearms, major firearms parts. The ONLY exception is empty shotgun shells.

13 May 2007, 18:40

Larry Sellers

Russ, with all due respect. I really doubt the State department would find anything or anybody wrong with the posts on this thread. All are talking about ammo for their "personal use" and not dealing in contraband. It would be a real press for someone to conjure up something different. If what you are saying is true then we should be picking up every piece of fired brass, try to recover each and every bullet and not leave it in another country. I feel leaving unfired cartridges that were imported as "personal use" doesn't break any import/export rules regarding licensing. Maybe some of our Legal Eagle friends here can expound on this a little further?

Larry Sellers

quote:
Originally posted by Russ Gould:
You guys better hope nobody from the state dept is reading this post...the export of ammo, other than for personal use, requires an export permit. Same for brass, bullets, firearms, major firearms parts. The ONLY exception is empty shotgun shells.

13 May 2007, 22:54

shakari

I think Russ could possibly have a point. - In this day and age, you can bet your life that someone somewhere is watching........but at least as important, is the fact that it's also illegal in most African countries for a visiting hunter to leave ammo behind when he leaves....... So the problem isn't just that leaving ammo behind contravenes US law, (if it does?) - but it could well be against the law of whatever country the hunter is visiting...... to say nothing of the fact that it's probably/possibly also illegal for the giftee to accept that ammo.

14 May 2007, 05:55

Balla Balla

Lets get real now.

If the State Deptment wanted to do some good for the country they might consider focusing on the 12 million plus illegals that have infiltrated the country and other Real Crimes taking place than a few hunters taking ammo with them.

No disrespect for the law just lets focus on the real problems and not piss around with small beer issues, it is MUCH MORE important to put the resources into stopping illegals and other potential terrorists coming in than bagging some hunters wanting to leave

Cheers, Peter

14 May 2007, 06:27

<Hunter Formerly Known As Texas Hunter>

I left several boxes of .458 Lott Interbonds. I hope nobody gets trampled.

14 May 2007, 18:38

Dogleg

I left my .375 H&H ammo with a PH last year year. On the way home they counted my .300 win Mag ammo and never asked about the .375 at all.They seemed bored by the whole thing. If asked, I would have told tin can plinking on the last day (Just to see if PHs could shoot you understand)

01 June 2007, 09:35

jdollar

i always leave extra .375 h&h ammo behind- if questioned on the way out about where the 50-60 rounds are that i entered the country with i just tell them i am a shitty shot and used it all up. what can they say?

02 June 2007, 02:30

wexforddps

quote:
Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
OK, what's the poop on this? I will be shooting 9.3 X62 handloads out of a CZ 550 in Namibia. My PH also carries a CZ in 9.3X62. IF I bring in 50 cartridges, can't I leave any unfired ammo with the PH? If not, who will know? Is there someone along the line who checks the ammo box and demands to know where any fired cases are? Does someon count this stuff and record it somewhere? I just don't want to lug home the weight.

02 June 2007, 02:34

wexforddps

I had some problems recently in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania explaining to the official at the airport why I was leaving the Country with less ammo than I arrived. He couldn't understand my explanation that I shot them during our hunt. Right over his head! I never had problems with other Countries. I wouldn't concern myself with it. Good luck on your hunt. Doug