Newbie

[metott8666]

First of thanx for allowing me to join. My wife and myself are heading to Africa in 2026 so I figured now is the time to start preparing and doing all the research I can. Looking forward to cruising the forums and getting in some good reading. I did just recently purchase a rifle to take, (from what I've read the dreaded) Weatherby Mark V in 378 Weatherby. I am not shy about recoil at all and am very confident in my ability to handle it. My plan is to try and take a Cape Buffalo, everything else will be with my 280AI. My first question for the group would be what is an acceptable amount of ammunition to bring for 4-6 plains game animals and 1 Cape Buffalo? Also is it worth the headache to bring a pistol to try and hunt with also? I have a 500 S&W that I would like to bring if it's not a huge deal bringing it in to the country. Thanx again

 

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to the form @metott8666.

If buff is all you are going to hunt 20 rounds should be sufficient for checking your scope, getting your buff with a few rounds left over in case you want to use your 378 on something else.

For your 280AI, 30 rounds should be plenty for checking your scope and for 4-6 animals. Even if you are a bad shot.

For taking your 500 S&W, if you hunting RSA, not much of a problem, providing it meets the legal barrel length requirements. Contact Marius at Henry Rifle Premits for getting your pre-approved firearms permits (SAPS 520).

 

[Mekaniks]

1 box for the 378 and 2 boxes for the 280 will be plenty.

Do you have an outfitter yet?

 

[metott8666]

Welcome to the form @metott8666.

If buff is all you are going to hunt 20 rounds should be sufficient for checking your scope, getting your buff with a few rounds left over in case you want to use your 378 on something else.

For your 280AI, 30 rounds should be plenty for checking your scope and for 4-6 animals. Even if you are a bad shot.

For taking your 500 S&W, if you hunting RSA, not much of a problem, providing it meets the legal barrel length requirements. Contact Marius at Henry Rifle Premits for getting your pre-approved firearms permits (SAPS 520).

Thanx, its an 8-3/8" barrel. I don't know the specs but now I know to look for that. I would consider myself a pretty proficient shot and would rather turn down a questionable shot in favor of waiting for better shot. Would feel kinda crappy to travel all the way there to just wound a handful of animals and leave.

 

[metott8666]

1 box for the 378 and 2 boxes for the 280 will be plenty.

Do you have an outfitter yet?

Thanx, yes we do. I believe Kuche is the outfitter if I'm spelling it correctly.

 

[D.M.V]

Ahoy

 

[Ridge Runner]

Thanx, its an 8-3/8" barrel. I don't know the specs but now I know to look for that. I would consider myself a pretty proficient shot and would rather turn down a questionable shot in favor of waiting for better shot. Would feel kinda crappy to travel all the way there to just wound a handful of animals and leave.

Should be good to go with that 8-3/8" barrel.

I figure 2-10 rounds for checking scope and iron sights upon arrival. Allow 3 rounds per animal. Check ammo in case scope gets knock off while stalking, bumped around in bakki, by getting stupid not checking the sticks are set/balanced hang your rifle on sticks take 1-3 steps away and rifle hits the ground, etc.,etc..

Forgot to mention 20 rounds (full box) for your 500.

As always clients prerogative to leave any excess ammo with PH.

 

[metott8666]

Should be good to go with that 8-3/8" barrel.

I figure 2-10 rounds for checking scope and iron sights upon arrival. Allow 3 rounds per animal. Check ammo in case scope gets knock off while stalking, bumped around in bakki, by getting stupid not checking the sticks are set/balanced hang your rifle on sticks take 1-3 steps away and rifle hits the ground, etc.,etc..

Forgot to mention 20 rounds (full box) for your 500.

As always clients prerogative to leave any excess ammo with PH.

Thanx, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Just remember: TIA (THIS IS AFRICA). Always plan for the unexpected....extra animal(s). Better to have extra ammo than not enough. Especially with non standard calibers. Check with your outfitter on availability of ammo for the calibers you are taking.

 

[CBH Australia]

G’day from Australia

Im sure the .280a.i will be a great choice for plains game.

You should be able to estimate your ammo requirements from your own experience. Allow a few for checking the zero and enough for the hunt.

That said there is the unexpected, maybe culling a few Baboons or a new and exciting species.

Also look at what the airline allows. I’m not sure if they will limit ammo carriage by weight or if it’s by count.

Enjoy