Muzzleloaders for African Hunting?

[sherppa]

How realistic is it to consider hunting Africa with a muzzleloader?  Is it legal if so what are the minimum calibers?

thanks

sherppa

[quickdtoo]

Here's some readin for ya....

http://www.chuckhawks.com/south_african_hunt.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/africa_muzzleloaders.htm

http://www.undertheafricanskysafaris.com/backup_index.php?menuoption=24&menucontentid=&linkoption=Firearm+Regulations

[sherppa]

thanks quick!

[K.K]

I watched Jim Shockey take buff and hippo with a 50 cal in-line.  I'm not sure I'd do it, but it has been done.

[DanP]

What strikes me about this is that, until you've hunted these animals enough for your PH to listen to you about how to set up a stalk, you're going to be relying on the skills of your PH.  That means that the challenges of using a muzzleloader (getting closer, etc) are going to place the burden on your PH more than they'll place them on you.  Translate that to more time, more guide fees, etc.

Second is that you cannot transport powder on the airlines -- you have to find another way to get the powder there... or see if you can find it locally.  One thing I've noticed is that there are very, very few outlets that deal with firearms in medium-sized cities (ie Bloemfontein).

Dan

[GEMSBUCK]

1st JS uses a 54 cal, second you may transport Pyrodex,777,etc on airlines in a sealed container,third MZ hunting is gaining popularity among African nationals in the form of sport hunting and any safari company worth their salt can obtain it for the hunter from abroad.
 To address more fees for a PH to hunt a MZ client I reply BS. It is the PH that decides if you can shoot and it is client that decides if they wish to shoot. Most DG is killed under 100 yds with any type of firearm most under that closer to 50 or <. The competition among safari companies and their PHs is stiff enough that they'll do their best to see their purchased quotas are filled each season.

[DanP]

Good to hear pyrodex is transportable by air.

Given the availability of firearms in SA (cannot speak to other African countries), I'm not surprised that muzzeloaders are becoming more popular.

However, I have heard it isn't trivial.  ONE example (I've seen others) describing this is http://www.chuckhawks.com/africa_muzzleloaders.htm

As I mentioned earlier, getting bulk powder to South Africa is a major problem. Current concerns with international terrorism have created a situation where transporting muzzleloader loads can be difficult and expensive. To further complicate matters, airline regulations are written for cartridge rifles and do not even mention muzzleloaders. It is also difficult for a foreigner to learn about South African black powder sources or purchase regulations.

I tried to locate a South African Pyrodex source with no luck. Pyrodex is not marketed in South Africa. I attempted to arrange for purchase of black powder in South Africa with equally frustrating results. South African dealers would not even discuss the matter over the Internet, probably for good reason. I researched the strategy of having my powder shipped ahead to the outfitter but felt that a $300 hazardous shipping charge for a couple of pounds was unreasonable.

I hadn't really meant to speak about dangerous game issues.  I know people had hunted dg with muzzeloaders before cartridge guns came along... things like 4 bores for elephants.  I understand they kick in ways modern guns don't...  That's the kind of thing I'm sometimes curious about enough to explore...  Hunting with a .54 caliber gun doesn't sound unreasonable... with really good projectiles, modern pressures, sabots, etc.

What I had in mind was what MY first experience was like, the challenges *I* faced, and how a muzzeloader would have fit into that equation.

Most of the plains game I took were between 100 and 200 yards.  If I needed to get closer, it would have taken more time... likely more days, which would translate into more PH fees.  I didn't say the fees aren't worh it... (more on that below)

The core of my comment wasn't even about fees.  I enjoy hunting with a muzzleloader in part because it is more challenging, takes more time, makes *me* work harder to get onto an animal.  

I think I'll stand by the following: 1) if you haven't hunted Africa before, I think its a good idea to go first with a modern gun.  The division of labor and role between hunter and PH is really worth exploring.  WHEN you have done that, and if you've settled into a good working relationship with a PH, going back with your muzzleloader, working even closer with your PH, spending more time looking for and getting close to your game will be much more rewarding.  If you've digested that division of labor, the muzzleloading experience could really be worth the extra time, and possible costs.  2) Make sure you get ALL your details clear BEFORE you go about how to get your pyrodex into the country you're hunting.

I'll go further...  Since I have hunted with a traditional rifle, there are a few species I'd be interested in trying with a muzzeloader -- those that come to mind are kudo and mountain reedbuck.  I might throw bushbuck in there, too.

Dan