Importance of taking popular chamberings

meigsbucks

AH legend
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
2,468
Reaction score
4,978
Location
Central Ohio
Media
27
Hunting reports
Africa
1
Member of
SCI, NRA Life Member
Hunted
Zimbabwe and Namibia
On my first safari, buffalo was my main objective, and I wanted whatever rifle I had in my hand to do the job. I took a .416 Ruger and a .375 H&H. My second safari was for plains game only, but included eland. I took a .338 RUM and a .30/06. I took the ‘06 not only for it’s versatility but its availability.
I’ve noticed a lot of you have taken some, let’s say, less common chamberings. i.e.: Weatherby’s, 6.5x55, RUM’s, WSM’s, etc.
So my question is, how important do you feel it is to take rifles chambered for “common” cartridges in case your duffle with your ammo takes a side trip to Tokyo? Or do you feel that it is such a rare occurrence that you don’t really worry about it?
 
Well, my trip to Namibia in June will see a 416 Rigby and a wild cat-358 RUM on a 338 RUM case come with me. Both will be in the same rifle case so if one goes walk about they both do.
 
Don't worry about it at all. It's one of those things that people stress over but rarely happens. And if it does I'd just use a camp rifle, no different than if my rifle didn't make it .
 
It happened to me once. It was the only trip I made where I connected in JoBurg. Since then I’ve always overnighted in JoBurg before catching a direct flight to my safari destination. That seems to have addressed the issue. I do take at least one rifle I can be sure of getting ammo for in case of a problem.
 
What I think is much more important is to only hunt with a PH who wears the same size shoe that you do (and make sure he doesn't hunt barefoot). That way you're covered if your boots don't make it, right @Hank2211 ? :whistle:
 
What I think is much more important is to only hunt with a PH who wears the same size shoe that you do (and make sure he doesn't hunt barefoot). That way you're covered if your boots don't make it, right @Hank2211 ? :whistle:

I always wear my hunting shoes on the plane and carry two sets of safari clothes in my carry on. I’ll bet Hank does too in the future!
 
Having traveled to South Africa multiple times I know about this place and they have most ammo. I really don’t sweat the thought of misplaced ammo. Last year my guns arrived the day after I did and I Was prepared to barrow the camp rifle.

E5592CAB-EAFC-4E51-AE20-D11E936C8619.jpeg
 
My guns and ammo are always fully insured - just in case they do have to be replaced. All good so far.
If needed, there are always camp rifles available for the hunt.
 
I think it's VERY important to take commonly available loads for hunting. In fact it drives the rifle I buy FOR HUNTING.
Things happen. Baggage & ammo gets lost. You can run out. I've seen guys borrow ammo in camp. I once had to drive to a local hardware store (Wharton PA) to get a box of Remington 30-06 180gr PSPCL because I forgot to pack it. It saved my hunt.

For target shooting IMHO get any gee-whiz whoopee wildcat thing you want.
 
This concern comes up a lot. But stories of it happening have been very rare. Three trips so far and zero issues with missing rifles, ammo or bow. On my last trip another hunter in camp came from Canada with a Weatherby, no issues. I do work to have minimal connections, less chance of it being left behind somewhere.
 
Safari and Outdoors is a small chain in South Africa that keeps an impressive number of calibers in inventory. However once you leave the larger cities where they are located, odd calibers are difficult to find. Calibers common to Africa are generally available. Mind you that it might mean a 70 Km. trip to town. The safest bet is to bring more than what you will need, but stay under the 5 Kg. weight limit allowed by the airlines.
 
Thanks for everyone’s input. On my first safari, it wasn’t a concern, but since then, a friend had to wait ten hours for the flight with his duffle to arrive. Hence my decision to take a 30/06 on my second safari. Just in case my ammo racked up some frequent flier miles on a side trip.
 
Having traveled to South Africa multiple times I know about this place and they have most ammo. I really don’t sweat the thought of misplaced ammo. Last year my guns arrived the day after I did and I Was prepared to barrow the camp rifle.

View attachment 270218

Agreed, I’m more worried about having everything I need for a successful safari, ex gun and ammo, in my carry on. I know that I can secure a gun if something bad happen. However, trying to find boots, clothing, toiletries, that would be close to impossible and as Hank learned, could really mess up a trip.
 
Agreed, I’m more worried about having everything I need for a successful safari, ex gun and ammo, in my carry on. I know that I can secure a gun if something bad happen. However, trying to find boots, clothing, toiletries, that would be close to impossible and as Hank learned, could really mess up a trip.

This.

I travel internationally for work about 70-80 days a year. My carry on always has the bare necessities as I've had my checked bag delayed multiple days multiple times. Sometimes lost all together. Goes so far as wearing my boots (I wear boots almost exclusively in Asia) to the airport and then once on board switch to my runners and then toss the boots in the overhead.

Also been stuck overnight somewhere unintended a few too many times as well, so having something fresh is more important.

I'd be bummed if I couldn't use my rifle because it was delayed or ammo didn't show, but that would t stop me from using a camp rifle amd having a great hunt nonetheless.
 
I’m not as concerned about my rifle as I am about clothes, meds, etc. Camp guns and ammo are usually available. I wear what I could hunt in including Courtney boots. In my carry-on I have a complete change of clothes as well as camp shoes, toothbrush and tooth paste, paperwork, etc.
 
On my first safari, buffalo was my main objective, and I wanted whatever rifle I had in my hand to do the job. I took a .416 Ruger and a .375 H&H. My second safari was for plains game only, but included eland. I took a .338 RUM and a .30/06. I took the ‘06 not only for it’s versatility but its availability.
I’ve noticed a lot of you have taken some, let’s say, less common chamberings. i.e.: Weatherby’s, 6.5x55, RUM’s, WSM’s, etc.
So my question is, how important do you feel it is to take rifles chambered for “common” cartridges in case your duffle with your ammo takes a side trip to Tokyo? Or do you feel that it is such a rare occurrence that you don’t really worry about it?
If your ammo does not show up neither did your luggage a pretty bad situation. I can borrow a gun but borrow underwear? Seriously it can and does happen. Most of us have a certain load or brand that works well for us and something different will require range time at best to get things working. So my opinion is borrowing a gun may be easier than borrowing ammo. Shoot what you like and stop with the worrying, it’s a hunt of a lifetime!
Philip
 
My next trip takes place with 11,15x60R, 9,3x72R and 16 2 1/2" ga.... and I do not worry!!!

:whistle:

HWL
 
Guys what I do and do for my clients is order a stock of their ammo via the local gun dealer .....well in advance ......say 100 rounds per hunter ....if not claimed by ny client 50 percent refund .....over the years have built up an impressive collection with the dealer ........only needed it once client forgot to pack his ammo
 
Daily laundry is a game-changer, pack your carry-on bag for your safari like it's your only bag for a weekend trip plus any extra meds you may need and you'll be set for your safari. I've been to Africa twice, both times Delta left my guns in Atlanta. On my first trip, my father and brother arrived in Joberg with no luggage except for their carry-ons, fortunately, they both packed extra hunting clothes, and our hunt proceeded as planned with borrowed rifles and some very expensive ammo from Safari Outdoors.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
53,632
Messages
1,131,570
Members
92,693
Latest member
ThomasovWoogy
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Impact shots from the last hunt

Early morning Impala hunt, previous link was wrong video

Headshot on jackal this morning

Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

20231012_145809~2.jpg
 
Top