We at Kuche Safaris are hunters not experts on ballistics. However, we base our knowledge on experience that we gained in the field about what works and what not.
Bring a rifle that you are used too and feel comfortable with. A good accurate rifle, with a good penetration ability. African animals are tough and doesn’t bleed a lot, therefore shot placement are more important than caliber although it goes hand in hand.
I have seen Impala and Warthogs going for miles after shots with big caliber rifles and then we have seen Eland killed with a 7mm calibre. Thus it is all about shot placement which is the most important part of your hunt.
It is therefore very important that you bring a rifle you can trust and one you are used to.We recommend 300 calibers upwards for bigger plainsgame. You will need about 40 rounds of good Ammo. Remember a dollar more for a good bullet is not a lot of money when you shoot at an expensive trophy animal.
Although there’s a few rumors about the importation of your rifle in South Africa, 90% of them are not true. If you contact Mr.X for assistance, you will have no problems on your arrival in SA. It is really easy to bring rifles into South Africa.
Importation of Firearms
- a Temporary import permit (SAPS520) from the South African police service is required to bring your rifle into South Africa. This permit is issued on your arrival at Johannesburg.
- There are companies and individuals offering an import service at a fee. Almost all of our clients make use of Mr. X, making use of his service will ease your arrival.
- You are allowed to bring 2 rifles per person (NOT OF THE SAME CALIBER) and 5 pounds of ammunition for each rifle.
- NO semi-auto OR Automatic rifles
- Documentation needed to temporarily import your rifle if you do it by yourself or use the services of Mr. X: Copy of passport, USA Customs declaration form (Form DA4457) please make sure it is stamped AND signed, Airline Itinerary and our Letter of Invitation.
- If you decide to temporary import your firearms yourself, you will need to present all the above mentioned documentation upon arrival at the South African Police office.
Please contact Mr.X at: mxafrica18@gmail.com for assistance in your Rifle Importation.
- South African professional hunters mainly use shooting sticks as the grass are normally to high for bi-pods. We recommend that you practice form shooting sticks in a standing position. You will do most of your shooting in this way.
- Shooting distances vary from 30 – 200 yards in the Limpopo province and up to 300 yards in other areas. For your comfort we have hunting rifles available. Ammunition can be bought in town. For the conditions you will be hunting with a good telescope with a 4X – 6X which will be adequate.
- We personally use .280 Remington and 30-06 with ammo weighing about 160gr for all our plainsgame. Therefor a .270, 30-06 & .300 will do well.
- Barnes TSX bullets perform very well on African game.
