We have heard many stories of someone turning up with one box of ammo, because all he wanted to shoot was 5 animals.

After using most of this ammo in sighting in, and shooting a warthog - 8 shots, the safari was about over.

take your allowed weight limit. leave what you don't use.

Saeed

Here is another one for you. Very true by the way.

After months of planning and making sure the gun gear and equipment A group of 5 hunters traveled to Alaska for a self guided caribou and moose hunt.

The leader of the hunt provided all the details and we shared equipment for the hunt.

individuals were given a 50lb weight limit per-person.

We fly from Billings to Seattle and then on to Anchorage. Now we head to King Salmon and then to Mother goose lake by charter.

We set up camp and inflate the rubber rafts and proceed to get our gear out. Rifles - fishing poles - spotting scopes with try-pods.

Day 2 finds us up early having breakfast and the leader of the group ask me if he can borrow some of my ammunition (we had the same Ruger rifle). Now our fearless leader had asked every one to only bring 10 shells on the hunt to help reduce weight. I had brought 30 rounds and was able to lend him 10 rounds and we both had a great hunt.

If it comes to ammunition for a life time hunt, i will reduce some other areas to make room for ammunition.

Play it safe; take the max allowed

Take the max.
Planned to shoot 7 animals. Brought home 12 and shot 25+ monkeys, missed one warthog, used more than one shot on a Gemsbuck(1st shot too high), missed a Baboon at 900 yards and another 5 warthogs just for fun/food.
Used 2 rounds to check zero when we arrived.
Glad I took extra rounds.
Better to have too many than not enough. Did not bring any extra ammo home.

Boddington has written somewhere that a reasonable ammo estimate should be 2.5 rounds per animal on a PG hunt. On last year's Pg/buff hunt, I used 39 rounds to take 17 animals. That count also included practice shooting as well from my .375 and .30-06.

The very last thing I want to be thinking about when deciding on a follow up shot is the preservation of ammo and/or the rest of my safari.

I left behind lots of ammo, but the cost was nothing compared to the safari. My PH didn't want one caliber since he didn't use it and it was "rarely used" at his camp. That came home with me.

If the loads are handloads then it is important to leave the load data.

I can get a 50 and a 20 in my ammo box so 70 rounds is the new total

Take the full 5kg

quote:

Originally posted by Schauckis:

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Im going to attempt to kill 7 to 10 animals

7 to 10 rounds.

- Lars/Finland

11, always check the zero first.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
I can get a 50 and a 20 in my ammo box so 70 rounds is the new total

I think you've answered your own question. Knowing you, I'm sure you'll come home with about 55 of those 70 rounds, unless we get into a shooting rocks competition!

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
You might wish to take notice of an telegraph operator in East Africa during t5he war.

Apparently he had heard that a German patrol, consisting of 42 individuals, were heading his way.

He sent the following telegraph to headquarters:

"Armed German patrol is heading towards us. Please send one rifle and 42 bullets"

Talk about confidence!

I saw it in an old African hunting book.

I am afraid I cannot remember the name.

This reminded me of a story by a Tanzania PH. Sad however true.

A Wealthy hunting client booked a 21 day Tanzania Safari for the full package.

The client thought he was quite the marksman and was very good at putting holes in the center of targets while at the shooting range.

So the client brought his 2 rifles and 21 shells for the 21 day safari, with the thinking that one animal a day at 1 bullet would be all he needed.

The client was having difficulty making the shot on animals that were stalked to with in reasonable shooting range.

after 4 days in the field the client had 0 animals in the salt and had expended his 21 rounds of ammunition.

on Day 5 a conference was held between the client and the PH concerning the lack of ammunition by the client.

There were 2 options available for the client, Have a charter fly in with additional ammunition for the client to use or the safari hunt was over.

However, prior clients had left some of their unused ammunition in camp with the PH. The PH, upon checking the surplus ammo found some ammunition that matched the clients rifle's.

The Ammo prior clients had left with the PH save the current clients safari.

That client is an idiot, I took 50 rounds on my 8 animal safari. Hell when I go deer hunting here and only have one tag I take ten rounds.

Never been on an overseas hunt.
When going elk hunting here in my home state I take a 100rnds for just about every caliber I reload for.
First thing that usually happens in the wardens show up to meet n check everyone's license and such. I make it a point to let each of them know that I have ammo for most everything used for hunting and some extra's. A lot of guys enjoy shooting rocks n such during the day.

It's amazing how many guys come to look me up because they've left their ammo home, or it won't chamber for some reason. Out of over a dozen trips I can remember only two I didn't sell ammo. First time I hadn't let anyone know I had it and heard later of someone that didn't get to hunt at all because he didn't have ammo nor a ride to town.

I stock a large milk crate in my camp trl just for this backup offering. It's saved a bunch of guys a long drive to the nearest town during the few hunting days. Here, most seasons are only five days. Take one out to go buy ammo, then what happens when the weather locks you in camp?

No way this could be done on a safari though.
George

For that caliber, take the max.

That's what I'm doing in 6 weeks!

I've only been to Africa once, but hunted in other countries about six times total (not including Alaska, which should be considered "another country" ). Based on my experience, here's my advice:
1) Bring all the ammunition you can legally. (What's the downside to leaving some there for the PH and future clients if they need it? A little good will and possible karma never hurt anyone.)

2) Bring the wife along and (YMMV) you might be able to double the amount of ammo you'll have available! Just pack it in another piece of checked luggage and be sure to have both of your names on each article.

3) Even if you go alone, its worth considering to pack ammo in two separate pieces of luggage. If one is lost, half of your ammo arriving at the destination is better than none.

4) Double...no make that triple check each box and even individual rounds before leaving on your trip. If a box contains half live rounds and an equal number of expended casings, its not going to be of full value to you during your hunt.

Someone recently brought the wrong (.308) ammunition with him, on a trip thousands of miles from home for his .30-06! Fortunately, the PH had a couple of boxes of suitable ammo there, which had been left by a previous shooter(s). Karma, karma, karma! Only a few rounds were needed to check zero and take the game wanted, so the trip was a success. When the hunter returned home, in addition to a decent tip, the PH had two fresh boxes of premium .308 rounds for whoever might have need for them in the future.

Did I mention checking to be sure you've packed the right shells?

Bring all you can.

Never know if you might get one of those " I really have to clean up a lot of excess animals, no charge to you if you don't mind shooting your ammo" offers. It happens, more often than is talked about. Would be a pity to miss out on a baboon cull or a springbok/gemsbok cull, because you only had enough ammo for ten trophies.

Plus, the goodwill in leaving a pile of extra ammo behind, is priceless. I have not yet met the PH or appie, that won't take whatever you have left over, whether they are permitted or not for it, they have friends that are in need, I assure you. Plus, if you should run out, it's NOT cheap to buy over there, not always available, and rarely the same stuff you are shooting.

Rather to many than to few.

It is quite true that 30-06 ammo is readily available in South Africa, even in smaller towns. But, and this is a big BUT, maybe your PH does not have a 30/06 license, that means that you personally have to accompany him to the nearest source of ammo to buy with your SAPS 520 form. That takes time! Then you have to get back to the range to ensure - and maybe have to adjust - your telescope zero with the new ammo. That takes time! Maybe your rifle does not group at all with the new ammo?

On a 10 days safari there simply is not enough time available to waste in such a manner. Rather bring to many rounds than to few! The cost of a wasted packet of 30-06 ammo that is left with the PH is nothing compared to the total cost of the at least half day hunting lost being in search of a source of ammo. Add to that the stress!

Enjoy your hunt!

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Nice chat

10 day PG hunt

1 rifle.....30-06

How much ammo?

When I went to Namibia in 2013, I brought 40 rounds of .300 WSM ammo and when I returned home, I had 23 rounds left. I know because you have to declare the number of rounds of ammo both coming and going, and they actually count them at the Windhoek Customs office.

Reminds me of my first trip to Montana in 1994. I went with a macho co-worker who shot a big magnum and he brought 40 rounds of pricey ammo. It took him 10 shots to re-zero when we got there, and I'm 99.9% sure he's a flincher. I got a nice 4X4 muley with one shot the second day of our hunt with my little .308. He shot all 30 remaining rounds out of his magnum at deer and finally hit a muley in the ass with his thirtieth and last round. Since we were many miles away from any sporting goods stores hunting on BLM land, I asked him if he wanted me to finish it off. He said "sure" and a single cross-canyon shot did the trick. Nineteen years later in 2013, the same guy says he wants to go to Namibia with me when he sees pictures from my 2012 trip. He wired his $1000 deposit to the PH and then punked out at the last minute for a bogus reason. I went alone anyway, and had another awesome hunt with Jan du Plessis of Sebra Hunting Safaris. Needless to say, I'm done hunting with that guy.

Yes If you hunt with a guy who embarrasses you It makes for a long hunt indeed

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Nice chat

10 day PG hunt

1 rifle.....30-06

How much ammo?

When I went to Namibia in 2013, I brought 40 rounds of .300 WSM ammo and when I returned home, I had 23 rounds left. I know because you have to declare the number of rounds of ammo both coming and going, and they actually count them at the Windhoek Customs office.

Reminds me of my first trip to Montana in 1994. I went with a macho co-worker who shot a big magnum and he brought 40 rounds of pricey ammo. It took him 10 shots to re-zero when we got there, and I'm 99.9% sure he's a flincher. I got a nice 4X4 muley with one shot the second day of our hunt with my little .308. He shot all 30 remaining rounds out of his magnum at deer and finally hit a muley in the ass with his thirtieth and last round. Since we were many miles away from any sporting goods stores hunting on BLM land, I asked him if he wanted me to finish it off. He said "sure" and a single cross-canyon shot did the trick. Nineteen years later in 2013, the same guy says he wants to go to Namibia with me when he sees pictures from my 2012 trip. He wired his $1000 deposit to the PH and then punked out at the last minute for a bogus reason. I went alone anyway, and had another awesome hunt with Jan du Plessis of Sebra Hunting Safaris. Needless to say, I'm done hunting with that guy.

I agree with many of the statements made. 60 rounds at a minimum. You never know what is going to come up. Better to take more than not enough. I once had a hunting partner whose rifle, scope and handloads gave him fits, and he went through all of his ammo and half of mine before we got the problem corrected at the range. Glad that I had the extra ammo and that he was able to use it to complete the Safari. Moreover, I agree that you need to triple check your ammo before you leave. I once took a box of 458 win ammo, thinking that it was 375. (The boxes were similar and my boys had moved the 458 ammo box and mixed it with my 375 ammo). Needless to say, it was embarrassing to arrive with the wrong ammo (in Zimbabwe of all places) and I had to beg off ammo from another hunter. And, I had only taken one box of 375 ammo. Another lesson in taking more than enough. Just my thoughts.

One other thing. I am a big believer in Murphy's law.

I would take random samples of your ammo and fire them at the range to make sure that the lot is OK. That goes doubly if you are hand loading. I'd also cycle all rounds through the magazine.

Random samples if I'm a handloader?

Do explane

I handload for a reason......100% quality control

BTW.......I only buy factory 22LR

My Dad was a handloader.....it's all I have ever shot my entire life

I have had a bad lot of primers in the past where nothing would fire. Of the same hand loading session the rounds from the previous lot would work, the new lot wouldn't. I even verified it back home where I made more rounds with the primer lot being the only difference between some rounds. The rounds from the "suspect" primer lot still would not fire.

Good idea to take different samples of hand-loaded (or even factory) ammo

You guys do understand that after a round has been "tested" it's empty brass

Absolutely. That is why I said random samples. Now, I use the same lot of bullets, powder, primers and brass. If I need to take 100 rounds, I make 110, and randomly choose 10 rounds to re-check the zero on the rifle. All passes, then I am good to go.

I have some question & would appreciate input from the experienced guys.

Here is the scenario

On a buffalo / PG hunt (targeting a bull buffalo & PG such as Eland, Zebra, Impala. Warthog & Duiker) - you have a Big bore rifle 416 Rigby & a medium rifle 9.3X62

For the 416 Rigby most would take some expanding bullets - one load & some solids - one load.

Would you take a second soft spirepoint load for long range shooting?
What ammo loads would you take for the second rifle?

Naki,
If I was in your feet during your Omay Safari I would have Swift A Soft's and Woodleigh FMJ's for both rifles. More then likely your PH will request you use the FMJs in your 416 for the Buff.

Thanks Mate - I have got CEB Safari Raptors & solids. The Barnes TSX also shoots to the same POI - so the 416 Rigby is sorted for the buffalo.

I am just wondering if I should take 340 gr Woodleig softs for long shots at PG or if the TSX is adequate out to 250 meters??? The great thing is that all the bullets shoot into about 3 or 4 inches at 50 meters.

Also the what should I use in the 9.3X62 for PG? I also have CEBs including the Talon tip in this caliber but I have not developed any loads yet. Should I just stick with the 250 gr TSX??

I don't know when you are going, so load development time might be an issue. CEB also has a 225gr Safari Raptor with talon tips for .416 that should be good past 250+ yards for PG.
https://cuttingedgebullets.com...y=DGBR-HP_R08_BBW_13

Geez - 70 posts on a subject of this nature? Take 60 rounds of whatever shoots best and forget it.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Geez - 70 posts on a subject of this nature? Take 60 rounds of whatever shoots best and forget it.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

Yep, who would have thought so many people would chime in to help out an ol hillbilly going on a bottom feeder hunt

I would expect 2 pages on a DG high $$$$$ question but the response has been great

I do greatly appreciate the help from everyone and enjoy the chat.

Ted - It is OK if a "hillbilly", as you call yourself, gets more than 50 miles from home. Have a good trip and great hunt.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Geez - 70 posts on a subject of this nature? Take 60 rounds of whatever shoots best and forget it.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

Yep, who would have thought so many people would chime in to help out an ol hillbilly going on a bottom feeder hunt

I would expect 2 pages on a DG high $$$$$ question but the response has been great

I do greatly appreciate the help from everyone and enjoy the chat.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Ted - It is OK if a "hillbilly", as you call yourself, gets more than 50 miles from home. Have a good trip and great hunt.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Geez - 70 posts on a subject of this nature? Take 60 rounds of whatever shoots best and forget it.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

Funny

Yep, who would have thought so many people would chime in to help out an ol hillbilly going on a bottom feeder hunt

I would expect 2 pages on a DG high $$$$$ question but the response has been great

I do greatly appreciate the help from everyone and enjoy the chat.

funny.......I drive 400 miles "from home" to hunt in my own state

You should always take your 5kg limit. On a trip that costs as much as any safari, why would you scrimp on the amount of ammo you can take? If you want, put it in two separate bags so that if one doesn't arrive, the other might and you'll still have ammo of you own.

And, like others have said, leave what you don't use. I've always left ammo with my PH when coming home... if any was left over.

I'm a little shocked at the wrong ammo stories being told. Am I the only person who cycles every round through his rifle before packing it for a trip? I also check the primers to be sure they are seated properly. I had some Federal factory 300 WSM not chamber in a rifle. I would hate to make that discovery in the middle of nowhere.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
I'm a handloader so before I could leave any ammo I would have to let the PH know they are loaded out long

Same problem here.

Not too many 300 H&H rifles can handle a round 3.8" long!

Just a note or two on "leaving" ammo. In a lot of Countries it is quite possible that it is illegal to leave unused ammo for whomever. Also if the ammo is hand loads it's use runs a pretty good risk of a problem popping up. Could even be a dangerous situation as you don't/won't know what kind of firearm or it's condition the ammo will be used in.

If I don't want to bring my unfired ammo home, we usually have a camp shootout and burn up all the excess. Camp staff and trackers love this kind of activity. I then pack the empties back in my bag just in case someone questions the fact of "where is all you leftover ammo".

Taking unnecessary chances in Africa with "local authorities" is never a good thing, so I try and keep it clean.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS