If I do say so myself I am an experienced stalker with some 15 years under my belt. I have held a firearms license for some 20 years and was a full time firearms dealer importing sporting rifles for 6 years. Amongst others I own a lovely Heym .416 Rigby that I'm taking to Tanzania in September to hunt Cape Buffalo with Pierre van Tonder. Pierre and indeed his agent Ray Atkinson, has suggested I take solids and soft point ammunition with me. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

However, my Fireams Licensing department will not allow me to possess expanding ammunition or components for the .416 as they say I do not have "good reason". This is despite the fact that all my other rifle permissions are completely open and that there is provision within the Home Office Guidance to the Police - Section 13.35 says "Calibres such as the .375 (9.5mm) are at the lower end of those suitable for shooting �dangerous game� but may, once initial �good reason� has been established, also be used for shooting the larger deer species in Britain�.

They accept that this provision exists but refuse to give me this authority until I have a written invitation to shoot Red Deer with my .416, if I chose to use that rifle. If I get that permission I then get the authority to purchase and possess expanding bullets and ammunition and consequently work up handloads, practice and zero before I go to Tanzania.

Could any UK members of Accuraterelaoding.com help me out please? I really need to be able to shoot expanding ammunition before I leave and to put in some time at the rifle range doing so. If you own any Red deer stalking and think you might be able to, please send me a private via these forums. Thank you

Spie.

You have a PM.

Rgds Ian

Sorry I cannot help. I have only roe.

But I do have a 375H&H on my ticket that I am allowed to shoot muntjac with.

What a system!

Hi richard,

I am in the middle of Re-reading one of Peter Capstick's books on dangerous game in Africa. The thought of 375H+H for Munties nearly made me fall off my seat in laughter. Dunno why, but it tickled me for some reason.... they can have quite big teeth/tusks though

The system isn't bad when it works for you but it is a TOTAL pain when it inhibits common sense. I seem today to have got the FAC officer ot lift the land restrictions on my rifles. At last!!!

FB