Decided this year to take a 338-06 with reloads based on Lake City Ord miitary brass as one of my two rifles. In 4 previous safaris to Zim I've always had ammo headstamped to match the barrel of my rifles. Yet, I've never had anyone actually compare headstamps with barrel markings; or, for that matter, even look at my cartridges. I've read the comments on this forum, but I'd really like to hear from someone with actual experience in the subject. Has anyone had any problems with ammo headstamps that don't match barrel markings? Zim, Namibia, or Tanz?
Thanks Hope your safari season is going well.
TWL

Just got back from Namibia this week. I shoot my own wildcat. I went to the trouble to make up labels. Other than to weigh my ammo when I first checked in at the airport here in Houston it was never looked at.

You could try a stick-on label for your custom barrel that identified it as the headstamp of your brass. A 6.5-06 could be relabled 30/06 just for the trip. I've seen guys have their barrel permantenly marked with the wrong caliber in order to guard against these kind of problems. This would be very dangerous unless it was marked in a caliber that could be safely fired in the actual chamber.

I have not gone yet and am planning on going next summer to Namibia. I also plan on carrying my .338-06; I bought head stamped brass from Huntingdon's just to avoid any issues, I figured the $40.00 for brass was cheap insurance.

Why risk your ability to use your gun of choice for a few bucks. Get 2-20 round boxes of Weatherby(Norma) 338-06 brass for a total of $50 and leave home without worries. I believe Midway and Cabelas has this brass. That is what I use. Take a chance and sure enough some bonehead will ruin your day.

Woody

TWL,

As you've been advised why take a chance? We invest too much financially and emotionally in a safari to take a chance. I have had my ammo counted and headstamps checked against my gun permits in Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia and RSA.

Mark

You guys are right. I've never had any "authority" in Joberg, Bulawayo, Harare, or Dar do anything with my ammo but look at the boxes. I use plastic boxes to which I have attached custom labels I've made that say "TWL & Associates, Custom Ammunition
PO Box xxx & phone."
But why press it any further? Norma brass it is.