Inspection of Brass

[Hoytshooter]

When flying into joberg has anyone ever had issues w brass headstamp not matching barrel? Reason I ask is because I have booked a trip for my son and I. It will be a graduation present. I have four years before this hunt. As hard as I tried I cannot talk my father into going on this trip. But he wants to build a 416 express up for my son. This is a 350 rem mag case opened up to .416. We will have a direct flight so not to concerned about lost luggage. My thinking is have barrel stamped 350/416 rem mag or just 350. Rem mag for trip and have 416 added when we return. Also I will be carrying my fathers 416 express as well. Should I be concerned about this?

 

[billc]

I have done 3 trips to Sa and have never had them ask to see ammo. I would not worry them looking at ammo at all. They look at the gun for serial number and that is to match what is on your paper work and the caliber stamped on the barrel.

The question will 4 years from now will the rules be the same or not. 4 years is a long time and so much could change by then. You will need to check on the rules the year that you are going to be sure what is ok or not

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I've only had SAPS ask to look in my ammo box to confirm it was just ammo. They've never looked at the head stamps. But I have a .458B&M that is based on a .300RUM action. It is a wildcat caliber for which no factory brass is available. The brass is made by cutting .300RUM brass and sizing with a custom die.

I have had my barrel stamped .458B&M / .300RUM just in case. But in the two trip that rifle has made, again no one asked to see the ammo. To be safe I would have the barrel stamped, but you could and likely will end up wondering why you did it.

 

[rookhawk]

When flying into joberg has anyone ever had issues w brass headstamp not matching barrel? Reason I ask is because I have booked a trip for my son and I. It will be a graduation present. I have four years before this hunt. As hard as I tried I cannot talk my father into going on this trip. But he wants to build a 416 express up for my son. This is a 350 rem mag case opened up to .416. We will have a direct flight so not to concerned about lost luggage. My thinking is have barrel stamped 350/416 rem mag or just 350. Rem mag for trip and have 416 added when we return. Also I will be carrying my fathers 416 express as well. Should I be concerned about this?

In neighboring Zimbabwe it has been inspected 100% of the time. I think you're playing with fire. It seems a rather shortsighted way to ruin a $20,000 vacation. "I just had to have this wildcat no matter what!"

Almost every cartridge in the world can be properly head stamped as brass. You just need to order 200 pieces at $10-$12 each to get it made. That's crazy you say? Perhaps so is bringing the wildcat that doesn't provide any measurable improvement upon dozens of standard calibers available.

Sorry if that seems stern. I just think your trip is too important to introduce a risk like this that has so little benefit.

 

[BRICKBURN]

As noted, it does depend on your destination.
Many will just count the number of cartridges, if they look. Others, may actually read and compare.

In true African fashion you can use a sticky note on your barrel and see how that goes.

 

[JimP]

In true African fashion you can use a sticky note on your barrel and see how that goes.

View attachment 176220

With a $50.00 bill attached to the sticky note.

 

[Velo Dog]

It'd be a lot less time and ulcers to just bring a .404 Jeffery, even if your father was to build it (as you mentioned about the wildcat idea).

 

[rookhawk]

Bring a .404 Jeffery instead.

@Velo Dog always says the right things. I imagine him sitting at his computer, wearing his pith helmet and monacle, lamenting that his gin and tonic has lost its chill!

Seriously, if you want the traditional, proven solution to hunting problems, go with velo.

 

[Velo Dog]

@Velo Dog always says the right things. I imagine him sitting at his computer, wearing his pith helmet and monacle, lamenting that his gin and tonic has lost its chill!

Seriously, if you want the traditional, proven solution to hunting problems, go with velo.

Thanks rookhawk,

The admiration is mutual, as you have more knowledge than most fellows I know, on classic / vintage firearms, especially in regards to ones fitting to European and African hunting.
If you ever find yourself in Anchorage, Alaska with a bit of spare time, please look me up.
I'm buying the G&T's.

Cheerio,
Velo Dog.

 

[rookhawk]

Thanks rookhawk,

The admiration is mutual, as you have more knowledge than most fellows I know, on classic / vintage firearms, especially in regards to ones fitting to European and African hunting.
If you ever find yourself in Anchorage, Alaska with a bit of spare time, please look me up.
I'm buying the G&T's.

Cheerio,
Velo Dog.

Surely I'll take my quanine anti-malarials with you as well. We know it works. Neither of us have contracted malaria in Anchorage or Chicago so surely the tonic has done its job!

I like tradition as much as you. So many want to reinvent the wheel. Square tires are usually the result!

 

[AZDAVE]

We you are the first gentleman that has a 416 Express besides me that I know of. I haven't taken it to Africa yet but is just a fun cartridge to shoot. My barrel is markeded 350Rem Mag/416. So take what you want and just have a blast.

 

[Hoytshooter]

That's what I was thinking as well. It is my fathers favorite cartridge 300gr tsx at 2650 w rl10x powder. He has several black bears with it and has always wanted to shoot something bigger. No matter how I try to persuade him Africa is a no. He wants me to shoot something with it. Now if he will just split the trophy fee for a buff! Lol

 

[AZDAVE]

I will have to load at my range book and see what my load is. You could try a bit of duct tape, a I love me jacket and a Dr. note saying he requires special treatment for a rare condition that can only be cured in Africa. and turn him loose once you are in camp. Just food for thought