Ackley improved chambers

[Catm09]

I have two rifles 30-06 and 35 whelen Ackley improved. They will go to South Africa with me. However, under the allowable cartridges, I understand the cartridges must match the rifle chambers. Since there are no comercial headstamp cases for these, other than the base cases, would the ammo I bring be allowed if the brass is just headstamped 30-06 and 35 Whelen ?

 

[Mekaniks]

Welcome to AH

What is the stamp on the rifle? Stamp on the rifle needs to match the ammo headstamp and your 4457 paperwork

 

[JimP]

I personally wouldn't worry too much about it. As long as you are using the correct case.

I think where people would get into problems would be bringing in 25-06 rounds with a 30-06 headstamp.

In two trips to South Africa my ammo has never been checked other than the weight on my trip home last June flying Qatar Airlines

 

[Catm09]

Thank you Jim P! That answered my question. I’m a big fan of 35 whelen. Building my Ackley now; was just worried about the ammunition rules. The rifle barrel with be stamped 35 whelen Ack imp. I’ll of course be using 35 whelen cases. I can see where using 280 or 30-06 necked up would be a no go!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thank you Jim P! That answered my question. I’m a big fan of 35 whelen. Building my Ackley now; was just worried about the ammunition rules. The rifle barrel with be stamped 35 whelen Ack imp. I’ll of course be using 35 whelen cases. I can see where using 280 or 30-06 necked up would be a no go!

@Catm09
I have both the standard and AI Whelen.
Not trying to discourage you but to me the AI version isn't worth the effort and time to form the cases. Projectiles, primers and powders being how they are at the moment makes it a rather expensive exercise to gain almost nothing.
Load the standard Whelen to its full potential using hogdon CFE223 and you will not be disappointed.
In my standard Whelen I get over 2,900fps with 225gn and 2,700fps with 250s. With 310gn I can safely get 2,455fps.
To me this makes the AI version redundant that's why it's up for sale.
Just MY thoughts.
Both the AI and standard are very capable medium to big game cartridges that lack nothing.
Bob

 

[wolfhunter]

@Catm09
I have both the standard and AI Whelen.
Not trying to discourage you but to me the AI version isn't worth the effort and time to form the cases. Projectiles, primers and powders being how they are at the moment makes it a rather expensive exercise to gain almost nothing.
Load the standard Whelen to its full potential using hogdon CFE223 and you will not be disappointed.
In my standard Whelen I get over 2,900fps with 225gn and 2,700fps with 250s. With 310gn I can safely get 2,455fps.
To me this makes the AI version redundant that's why it's up for sale.
Just MY thoughts.
Both the AI and standard are very capable medium to big game cartridges that lack nothing.
Bob

did you ever load cfe223 in the 35ai

 

[CBH Australia]

If you try find CFE,223 IN Australia, you will be disappointed.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

did you ever load cfe223 in the 35ai

@wolfhunter
Yes mate it took upto 4 grains more to achieve similar velocities. I probably could have gone Moe but I'm not that adventurous..
I did get just over 3,000fps out of the AI with 200 grainers but the 225gn carries more authority way out yonder.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

If you try find CFE,223 IN Australia, you will be disappointed.

@CBH Australia
I think I have the biggest supply in Australia of CFE223 of about 15 pounds, and it's ALL RESERVED FOR THE WHELEN.
When I die Chris my wife has been told you get first option on the Whelen, projectiles,primers and the CFE223 so you will be able to use it to its potential and love it as much as I do.
Bob

 

[TERMINATOR]

I personally wouldn't worry too much about it. As long as you are using the correct case.

I think where people would get into problems would be bringing in 25-06 rounds with a 30-06 headstamp.

In two trips to South Africa my ammo has never been checked other than the weight on my trip home last June flying Qatar Airlines

This

Use .35 Whelen and 30-06 Brass to make your improved rounds and no SAPS guy is gonna know the difference.

First off, 4 hunts in Africa never had them look at the ammo. Just looked to see that the Serial Numbers on the rifles matched what was on the SAPS 520 form and on the rifle permit form from that point out. I am pretty sure they never even look at what caliber the barrel is stamped. Just looked for serial numbers matching the paperwork. I mean when land in Jburg, SAPS checks guns. Land in East Cape...SAPS checks guns. Leaving East Cape...SAPS checks guns. Arrive in Jburg...SAPS checks guns. Done that multiple hunts and never had a single time where they ask to see my ammo. I have had the ammo case weighed by the airlines though.

Second, if they ever did decide to check that the ammo matched the guns, these guys are not rocket scientist/gun nuts. They see 30-06 and .35 Whelen on the barrel and the ammo head stamps are .35 Whelen and 30-06...you are going to be good. No way Bobby SAPS officer even knows why there is a A.I. after the .30-06 or .35 Whelen. Trust me the odds of the dude saying "Wait a minute...the barrel says 30-06 AI but the cases only say .30-06." are about the same as me getting hit on by Tom Brady's ex-wife.

 

[wolfhunter]

@wolfhunter
Yes mate it took upto 4 grains more to achieve similar velocities. I probably could have gone Moe but I'm not that adventurous..
I did get just over 3,000fps out of the AI with 200 grainers but the 225gn carries more authority way out yonder.
Bob

I used 200 grainers tsx on caribou everything else has been 225 gr. but i will be trying that powder my 35AI is pre 64 Winchester black fbglass stock krieger barrel 25" under minute at 200 yds

 

[CBH Australia]

Thank you Jim P! That answered my question. I’m a big fan of 35 whelen. Building my Ackley now; was just worried about the ammunition rules. The rifle barrel with be stamped 35 whelen Ack imp. I’ll of course be using 35 whelen cases. I can see where using 280 or 30-06 necked up would be a no go!

Since most A.I. Chambers can safely chamber and fire the parent case round should it even be an issue?

Same thing if you travel with a .357magnum lever action but have .38special ammo. It could be difficult to explain that to some who doesn't know or is by the book and not willing to verify that it is perfectly legitimate. I think the real issue is just to stop people importing ammo for others.

Actually, something that hasn't come up in this thread is using an agent for the rifle permits and walk you through at the airport.

People say that Henry at rifle permits can arrange paperwork and attend the SAPS office with you to make a smooth transfer.

Might be $100 well spent and he can advise you on the ammo issue or explain that to sap's for you.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Since most A.I. Chambers can safely chamber and fire the parent case round should it even be an issue?

Same thing if you travel with a .357magnum lever action but have .38special ammo. It could be difficult to explain that to some who doesn't know or is by the book and not willing to verify that it is perfectly legitimate. I think the real issue is just to stop people importing ammo for others.

Actually, something that hasn't come up in this thread is using an agent for the rifle permits and walk you through at the airport.

People say that Henry at rifle permits can arrange paperwork and attend the SAPS office with you to make a smooth transfer.

Might be $100 well spent and he can advise you on the ammo issue or explain that to sap's for you.

@CBH Australia
Chris I had my trip organised for me including all firearms and ammo paperwork. This cover the stupid West Australian laws as well all the way thru to Namibia and home again. Borderforce Australia were a breeze and pleasure to deal with and no dramas in Africa. Same on the way home.
The only hiccup was Namibia wanted the ammo packed separate from other luggage instead of in the luggage. Just paid $10 Namibian ( 1 dollar Australian, yeh I'm a big spender)to have it shrink wrapped with paperwork. On the return I never touch any luggage until Sydney and EVERTHING arrived no problems. Cost a couple of hundred to have it done but we'll worth the money.
Bob

 

[CBH Australia]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen Western Australia is about to get stupider, watch thos space.