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Ammo availability vs wildcat cartridge?

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26 August 2001, 13:23
Frank Nowakowski
Ammo availability vs wildcat cartridge?
I just read a post where it was mentioned not to rechamber for a certain ctg that was a wildcat "as you can always find a box of .....(fill in the space, .30-06, .270, etc) which you wont be able to do with the .....(again, fill in the space, .338-06, .340 Wby, etc). I have been on afew trips over the pond and have done a heck of a lot of hunting her ein the lower 48 too. I have NEVER forgotten ammo, ammo has never failed to arrive with me, etc. When we travel to Africa we break up the ammo amongst all the travelers so that if all bags didn't show ,SOMEONE would have at least enough ammo for a few days. If I were to travel to a very remote area I think I would send ammo months ahead in order to be sure it arrived., etc.
My God! We can send spacecraft to distant planets, travel at supersonic speeds routinely, explore the depths of our oceans, yet we can't travel with a wildcat and be assured we will have ammo?

Maybe as a very "organized" individual this seems ludicrous to me, I'm always prepared. Whats the general concensus of opinion???

Frank N.

26 August 2001, 13:37
Curtis_Lemay
my thoughts are preferrance rather than availability when you're going to buy/build/rechamber to any cartridge...then again i like odd balls, so i'm a little biased

27 August 2001, 04:01
GeorgeS
Frank,
You mentioned sending spacecraft to other planets; all those spacecraft have redundant systems. Think of using a commercial round and locally available ammo as a form of redundant system.

I too have never had my ammo not arrive at the hunting destination. I too split my ammo among all the suitcases.

It's just a way of hedging your bets, as ANYTHING can happen when traveling in or to Africa

George
(taking my (no chance of finding it in Tanzania) .470 Capstick for buff this year)

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

27 August 2001, 09:13
<AKI>
Frank. I think the main idea is that you could/might get your multi$$$$$$$$ huntingexperience of your life spoiled by using a rare caliber. If I think of it that way I�d rather use a boring 375 H&H or 458Win than a thrilling 375/338 Lapua or 458/505 Gibbs because the IFFFFFs tend to happen as Murphy so brilliantly pointed out. AKI
27 August 2001, 10:24
Atkinson
I hear this agrument all the time...I have seen many clients lose their ammo and luggage. it happens, end of story...I tell'em "I wouldn't" and let it go at that.

You want to risk it then have at it, you can always use the PH rifle with iron sights, or with a so so scope if your lucky...

You probably won't lose your luggage,but why would you even risk it...If your luggage is lost then the whole plane load is probably lost to...you'll get it 4 or 5 days later...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

27 August 2001, 10:26
Atkinson
Frank,
you cannot send ammo ahead to Africa. Most countries have the same regulation.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

27 August 2001, 12:55
Frank Nowakowski
Ray,

I gave two boxes of ammo to my PH in Reno in 98 to take home for me, just in case. It was waiting for me when I arrived. Same for 2000, sent over two boxes of .338-06 and two of .280 Rem. No problems. I'm not trying to get smart with you Ray, as I regard you as a true Gentleman and certainly do hold your opinions highly. Just letting you know wheres there a will there is generally a way.

Frank N.

28 August 2001, 00:59
Terry Blauwkamp
"To each his own".
28 August 2001, 03:01
GeorgeS
My "backup" rifle will be a .375H&H (just in case, the .470 ammo gets lost).

Just hedging my bets

George

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Shoot straight, shoot often, but by all means, use enough gun!

28 August 2001, 03:34
Atkinson
Frank,
I took no offense, just was answering the question, and the way you go about it is pretty fool proof, I sure can't argue that. I was referring to the average Safari hunter just head'en for Africa with guns and ammo.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com