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Africa, 2022

Since they shoot so well in my gun and stay together, i was planning on using the 181 Hammer Hunters. Should i rethink that and go with something more frontal radiused for impact like the Sledgehammer's
I would take what you're comfortable with. I planned on using 196 grain Hunters but I ran out of time for load development. Wound up using 200 grain A-frames that I already had a load for and everything I shot with them died. Put one of the 181 grain Hunters through the engine compartment and your end result will be the same. đź‘Ť
 
They didn't even take my ammo out of my bag. Make sure you have your ammo in a separate locked case in your luggage. You can't fly internationally with it all in one case like you can in the states. I would also recommend paying riflesonly.com their nominal fee to walk you through the RSA Police checkin at the airport. It was money well spent and I was in and out in about 5 minutes. Opened the rifle case, checked the serial numbers against the paperwork, and off I went. They obtain the permits before you arrive, otherwise you will stand in line filling out paperwork.

Most importantly, take a good camera, leave some time for Kruger National Park, and don't limit yourself to 3 animals, take what the bush gives you. I went with Kudu and Nyala at the top of my list, and ended up taking both plus Sable, Warthog, Gemsbok, Wildebeest, and 3 Impalas. My hunt was last June and the animals arrived to the tannery earlier this month, so don't be in a rush to get your stuff back to the states.

You should be fine with the 181's for a bullet. I shot everything with my bow, 375H&H, and 6.5 CM. They all died just the same.
 

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I've decided when I go to fly first class. Yep from the east coast it is about 10k but it's the only way I'm gonna do it. I can't stand 4 hours in a plane let alone 19
You will also find that when you fly First Class, your checked baggage will receive Priority handling. Since booking all my hunting flights First Class, (knock wood), we have not had any issues, with lost, delayed, damaged luggage, and, inspected has not been ransacked. it was pot luck when flying economy.
 
Who are you flying with? I also am heading to Africa in April for my second hunt. Flying with Delta. It may be a bit more money but you can fly direct from Atlanta to Johannesburg and not have to transfer, not have to fly through Europe or the middle east. As stated what we found is that your ammo will, more than likely, have to be in a separate case, locked, for flying in other countries. I think the States is the only place the ammo and firearm can be together. I also whole heartedly agree with Rifle permits. We have used them for both our trips and things went off without a hitch on the first trip, praying they go the same on the second. I killed four animal last time using a 6.5x284 shooting 140 Grain Berger Elite Hunters and all animal were dead within 20-30 yards if they did not die right at the point of impact. the 181 grain hammers should be no problem. As for ammo they did count our ammo when we entered Africa, but did not look to match up the brass to the rifle. I think that is a perk with getting the rifle permit folks to help you out. The airline and SAP personnel know them and help to facilitate a quick entry and exit.
Will probably be the best hunting experience of your life, enjoy it. It was supposed to be a once in a lifetime and two years later I am already going back. Its just another world for hunters.
 

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Who are you flying with? I also am heading to Africa in April for my second hunt. Flying with Delta. It may be a bit more money but you can fly direct from Atlanta to Johannesburg and not have to transfer, not have to fly through Europe or the middle east. As stated what we found is that your ammo will, more than likely, have to be in a separate case, locked, for flying in other countries. I think the States is the only place the ammo and firearm can be together. I also whole heartedly agree with Rifle permits. We have used them for both our trips and things went off without a hitch on the first trip, praying they go the same on the second. I killed four animal last time using a 6.5x284 shooting 140 Grain Berger Elite Hunters and all animal were dead within 20-30 yards if they did not die right at the point of impact. the 181 grain hammers should be no problem. As for ammo they did count our ammo when we entered Africa, but did not look to match up the brass to the rifle. I think that is a perk with getting the rifle permit folks to help you out. The airline and SAP personnel know them and help to facilitate a quick entry and exit.
Will probably be the best hunting experience of your life, enjoy it. It was supposed to be a once in a lifetime and two years later I am already going back. Its just another world for hunters.


Thank you. Ill keep that in mind as im not sure who we will be booking flight's with yet.
 
I have been lucky enough to go over there 10+ times. I have had the best luck using a meet/greet service at the airports. It costs a little more but they literally know all the customs people on a first name basis. I have always been taken to the front of the line and all was checked and I was on my way in 5 minutes. Never had my ammunition inspected. They only make sure it is in a separate lockable container and doesn't seem too heavy. Do not be surprised if "something" is out of order. In South Africa that means you need to put $50 folded in your passport and everything will instantly be in order. Don't let it bother you that that seems like a rip off. It is just the way Africa is. You are getting ready to have the best hunting trip of your life and bribing your way in is just the way it is. I am looking at my 60" Kudu and smiling as I write this.
 
I have been lucky enough to go over there 10+ times. I have had the best luck using a meet/greet service at the airports. It costs a little more but they literally know all the customs people on a first name basis. I have always been taken to the front of the line and all was checked and I was on my way in 5 minutes. Never had my ammunition inspected. They only make sure it is in a separate lockable container and doesn't seem too heavy. Do not be surprised if "something" is out of order. In South Africa that means you need to put $50 folded in your passport and everything will instantly be in order. Don't let it bother you that that seems like a rip off. It is just the way Africa is. You are getting ready to have the best hunting trip of your life and bribing your way in is just the way it is. I am looking at my 60" Kudu and smiling as I write this.

I figured as much, lol. Not surprised in the least.
 
Thank you. Ill keep that in mind as im not sure who we will be booking flight's with yet.
If your in the market for flights and travel arrangements I would also recommend Patrick with TWG. They are also great to work with and have taken great care of us on several of our out of the country trips. If you do book with them they can get your rifle permits taken care of as part of there services, help with your SAP forms and make sure that you are ready before you leave the country. They are very well versed in travelling to Africa. Here is his e-mail address.

Patrick Wright <[email protected]>
 
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