Separated From Ammo

[Gomer]

Has anyone ever gotten separated from their ammo? Is it that common? I wonder how often someone has had to find ammo at their destination, or had to borrow a rifle because their ammo was lost. Seems like everyone would only be shooting 308s, 30-06s, and 375 H&Hs if losing ammo was that common.

 

[375Fox]

There was a poll done on this not too long ago. It happens but I wouldn’t say it’s common. I had happen in Cameroon in 2021. Ammo and bag was left behind in France, but rifle arrived. Once out of 15 safaris. It happened to my Dad earlier this year in Zimbabwe. He got ammo and bag a few days into the hunt. It might not matter so much in South Africa or Namibia, but outside those countries you’ll be glad you had a common cartridge. 375 H&H ammo will generally be available in any camp. Maybe not quantity you’d like and a mix of multiple brands and bullets, but there will be some.

 

[Hooked Now]

My PH from my trip earlier this year sent me a pic of the hunter that arrived after us with a really nice buff. He was hunting in a fairly bright colored shirt and borrowed ammo when his bags didnt arrive. Rifle did arrive. I saw a bunch of his animals for the trip and it appears that borrowed ammo and a bright colored shirt may have been some kind of a lucky charm. He seems to have had a great trip in spite of the bag shenanigans.

 

[WAB]

It has happened to me once.

 

[BeeMaa]

How important is it to you to use YOUR rifle to take animals on safari? Sticking to the commonly used cartridges will make sure there’s ammo available in the event yours doesn’t show up.

7x57, 270WIN, 7RM, 308WIN, 30-06, 375H&H, 416RM, 458WM/LOTT, 470NE…etc. would be good choices.

If you’re dead set on using your 495A-SQUARE (or other uncommon cartridge) for a safari, understand that there is a possibility of using a camp rental rifle if the ammo is delayed.

 

[Odinsraven]

14 trips never happened mostly to South Africa

 

[Red Leg]

Once. Bag remained in Johannesburg while the rifle and I went on to Mozambique. Caught up with me eventually, but after I had taken a buffalo and sable with .375 ammo from the outfitter.

 

[Jack Stevens]

As far as lost ammo and/or lost rifles, does the particular airline taken and cross-over stops make a difference?

Like flying from somewhere in the States thru Europe versus, say, thru Qatar, and then on into your final destination - Zim, Tan, or RSA?

Any particular pattern?

 

[375Fox]

As far as lost ammo and/or lost rifles, does the particular airline taken and cross-over stops make a difference?

Like flying from somewhere in the States thru Europe versus, say, thru Qatar, and then on into your final destination - Zim, Tan, or RSA?

Any particular pattern?

Qatar won’t lose your rifle or ammo. However, the problem is you need to check directly in to a Qatar hub or buy a separate ticket on different reservation to get there with firearms now, so unless you live within driving distance of Dallas, Houston, Washington Dulles, Chicago, etc it can be a problem.