Headstamp not the same

[jim dab]

I can't find it now but someone here had asked if there would we a problem if the headstamps didn't match up with the rifles a person is takeing with them there was no answer posted. It kind of got lost in the thread. This is not the first time I've heard this question and the last time the answer was absolutely a big problem. Does any one know the answer, my 358 STA is going with me no matter what. Does anyone know who ingraves headstamps?

Jim
Alberta

[Grumulkin]

The prudent answer would be that the head stamps should match the firearm.  If they don't, some official may refuse to let your ammo in leaving you to buy it somewhere at your destination and in your case, you probably won't find any at your destination.

When I went to South Africa, no one checked head stamps and the experiences of others has been the same.  I think you would have at least a 90% chance of getting incorrectly marked brass into the country; only you can decide if those odds are good enough for you.  It's also possible, though I wouldn't bet on it, that some official would listen to reason if the headstamp question came up.  You would also probably have a better chance of getting it in with a service like Air 2000.

Here is a source for 358 STA brass from Quality Cartridge:

http://www.qual-cart.com/headstamp.htm

[jim dab]

Thanks Grumulkin have you use their brass, is it any good. Even if it's only good for a couple of reloads it could save a whole bunch of trouble.

Jim
Alberta

[Grumulkin]

I've used their 357 Herrett brass and have no complaints about it.

[JJHACK]

Don't bring a firearm and Ammo that don't match into RSA. Odds are that you will not leave the airport going into the country with that combination. They have let the gun in without ammo on several occasions but never the ammo that I know of.

If you have odd ball ammo then bringing the gun in won't likely help you. How many guys want to spend the first few days driving around Joburg and pretoria searching for ammo?

Get proper headstamped ammo or use a different rifle is my suggestion.

[jim dab]

Grumul kin;  E-mailed them over at Quiality , no problems. They will even run the brass I'll need for this new wildcat 6.5 Ruger I'm trying to put together. Thanks again.

Jim
Alberta

[boarmountain]

JJHack,

When did this start? I hunted S. Africa in 2000. I brought in a 375/06 jdj and a 6mmjdj. One had headstamp 225 winchester and the other a 30/06.I was using handguns. I ask because I may be going back next year.

[JJHACK]

Quite a bit has changed since 9-11-2001

South Africa has both "laws" and "Policy's". Either can be enforced at the whim of the person doing the inspection. I have always defaulted to the more strict of the two.

When you wen there with these guns did they take your ammo out and count it and check the head stamp? Or did they just pass you through?  I would be very surprised for you to say they looked it over saw that it did not match and then let you pass with it. Only because I've never seen that yet a single time. Every time so far that this has happened they have taken the ammo.

I use SAP's police off duty to clear my hunters with pre-filled permits which help get the process over so quickly that many times my hunters are out the door with guns before regular tourists are out with simple luggage! They don't usually ask too many questions of my hunters when they are escorted by a police officer, or other legal official

[Dusty Miller]

Ah, knowing the ropes sure makes life easier!

[boarmountain]

They didn't check mine but they checked my partners . After an explanation, they let us pass w/ our ammo and guns. Well, next time I'll take my encore w/ factory calibers.

[jim dab]

It surprises me that the Professional Hunters Associations of the given countries haven't petitioned the  governments and had these problems rectified. After all no one is going to arm an extremism group with expensive ammo. A simple form, and bureaucracies love forms, should be adaquate.

Yea, yea, yea, I no, ....This is Africa 

Jim
Alberta

[JJHACK]

The professional hunters assoc in several counties is no more then a good ole boys club to gather around the fire drink bear and complain about the system

It's a shame really because the money involved with the safari business is substantial and will get the attention of people in power. But few new PH's join due to the ridicule and domineering attitude of the elder PH's and few of the senior PH's really give a rip about the future because in their little world everything seems OK.

You're absolutely right though, a little time and effort on the part of what could be a powerful organisation could change the way things work in many countries.

[jim dab]

Jim, maybe this is the only way they are still able to do business. I guess in some of the countries if you don't keep your head down you could lose it literally. I've been asked to go to a Ducks Unlimited dinner next weekend and one of the people that will be seated at our table is from Zimbabwe. Apparently still owns land there, goes back every couple of years. A white guy. I wonder how that works after all the last  thing I heard, all the white farmers were given their walking papers at the end of a machete. I may just have to ask. Tactfully  .

Sounds like it would be a heck of a uphill battle to get anything organized. A huge diversity of people  makes it that much harder.

Jim
Alberta