Ammunition availability in Africa

[sjuels]

I was told to not bring an exotic caliber to Africa, if my ammo gets lost I will not be able to find any there.
For a 458 Lott, I can use 458 Win Mag, which I assume would be readily available, but what about 9.3x62mm (yes - it's my new toy and I cannot leave it alone)?

Thanks,
/Soren

 

[jjhack]

All the cartridges you mention are easy to obtain in the bigger gun shops in RSA. However you will not be near any of them when you are at a hunting camp. The 458 lott is for the most part not a "sporting arm" used by the average hunter, but rather a parks game ranger rifle cartridge,, and a PH cartridge. The vast majority of PH's in RSA will have a 375HH, followed by the 458, and 458 Lott. Access to ammo for these three should not be a huge battle, but the best situation is to contact the PH to be sure he has access before you leave. RSA residents cannot be in posetion of ammo they do not have a gun permit for.

So he cannot buy it for you and hold it until you arrive unless he also has a rifle for the same cartridge. It's always best to hunt with a typical cartridge when you travel international or to speak with the PH or outfitter prior to hunting with them to be sure he can locate the ammo you need.

When travelling with another person it's also prudent to split up the ammo in all the checked bags so that in the event any one is lost you still have some in another bag. I can help the with these issues when the hunters book the hunt with me and I arrange the permits to be pre issued prior to arrival. Then I can make certain that we have access to what ever he needs. Even if I have to get it handloded by my partner on site in RSA. He belongs to a huge gun club with access to just about any cartridge relaoding dies and componenets needed.