Choice between 2 rifles for Africa

I'm going to Africa in April and I have a .308 and a .270 Short Mag. Looking at all the ballistics charts it seems that the 270 short mag carries more energy and is faster than the .308. However it is a smaller bullet (140 gr versus 168 gr). I haven't seen anyone on this forum discuss the .270 short mag and compare it to the other calibers. I plan on harvesting a kudu, Gemsbok, and Impala. If you had to pick a gun to take, which one would to take? the 308 or the 270 WSM?

just to add more info to help with the decision, I will be hunting the Limpopo province in South Africa.

go 308 with 160 odd grain bullets

Two friends just took those trophies with the 270 wsm and they dropped like rocks. 130 TTSX.
Guess which my vote is.

The .308 is a much better choice. From personal experience in Limpopo, I would suggest premium 180gr ammo. I have even used 200gr bullets with much success. Ask your PH for his advice. Good hunting.

Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

Two friends just took those trophies with the 270 wsm and they dropped like rocks. 130 TTSX.
Guess which my vote is.

Totally agree.
It will kill those animals very well.

.308 and a bonded 165.

Both will kill animals just fine. If you get separated from your ammo en route (happened to me last year, although I did manage to get reunited in time for my hunt) the 308 will be easier to find ammo for.

Agree with Bert the Turtle here, Both are fine cartridges, but same topic comes up quite a bit about lost ammo while in transit. The 308 would be a heck of a lot easier to find than any of the WSM, WSSM, RUM, RSAUM, etc. etc. (did I miss any) Oh yeah the new Ruger/Hornady stuff. I am sure there are a lot of guys on here who have never had this issue (lost ammo) but, it comes up on this site often enough to be considered, I want to hunt with my 35Whelen next time I go to Africa, the ammo issue concerns me so I am sure I will be taking my ol' 30-06 instead. Better safe than sorry, go with the 308. Scott.

I think that both would work fine, with the 270 wsm you would want premium bullets as it is quite fast for the ranges you will see in Limpopo. The ammo issue is something to consider I had my 416 Rigbys taken on last year good thing it was on the return trip.

If you like one gun better than the other take it. Otherwise my vote would be for the 308, for the ammo issue, the ranges you will see in Limpopo will be short so you shouldn't need to flatness of the 270, and at closer range the 308 will, less likely to have bullet failure due to deflection off branches, get better penetration due to more bullet weight, less likely to have bullet failure due to hitting a big bone on the way in. With the 308 you may not flip the animal on his back, but when he goes down he will stay there.

The 308. Bigger bullet is better & will be easier to find if bullets are lost.

I agree on the .308.

Take the one you shoot the best off shooting stick.

However, you asked and I would opt for the 308 with 180 gr bullets.

Agree with Bert the Turtle here, Both are fine cartridges, but same topic comes up quite a bit about lost ammo while in transit. The 308 would be a heck of a lot easier to find than any of the WSM, WSSM, RUM, RSAUM, etc. etc. (did I miss any) Oh yeah the new Ruger/Hornady stuff.

+1

However, you asked and I would opt for the 308 with 180 gr bullets too.

You have gotten some great advice. You shouldn't have any problems with either rifle. I have the .270 WSM and wouldn't hesitate to use it on those animals. My first question is which one do you shoot the best? Thats the one I would probably take if it was me. Good shooting ability and confidence in your weapon win over caliber in my book. If you take the .270 be sure and use premium bullets. If you travel with others put ammo in each others bags. Last year 3 of us split ammo 3 different ways so unless all 3 bags failed to make it we would each have some ammo. We didn't loose any. My first trip to Africa my rifle arrived 3 days later..... So it can happen. Good luck. Bruce

Originally Posted by DOCMAN

Ask your PH for his advice. Good hunting.

You may find that some PHs have very strong views, both positive and negative, about certain guns, calibers and bullets. Asking for his advice ahead of time, if possible, will likely start you off on the right foot with him. Conversely, if you happen to be using something that he doesn't believe in, it can impact on some of the decisions made in the field, due to a lack of confidence in the equipment. Not usually a good situation...

What specific bullet do you recommend for my 270 WSM? I was wanting to use the Barnes triple-shock but they only make it in 140 gr and would really like a 150 or even 160 gr bullet. Do yall have any recommendations?

Both are good for the trophies you mention.

Limpopo ranges/terrain call for a .308 though. The faster .270 one can use for more open ranges. If I had to choose only one for an African Safari, the .308 hands down.

Good luck.

I have used the Barnes bullets for the last 4 years. I recovered a 130gr TTSX from my 270WSM.... after it went through apprx 34 inches of mule deer. Any shot from the side will create a complete pass through on the animals on your list. 150 Gr is the biggest that most companies make. The exception is the Matrix company. I think they have a 165 gr in the 27 caliber. But your twist may not be right for that bullet. You'd have to try it. The Barnes is a great bullet. It was discussed in dept last year. If you take the .270WSM that a great bullet to use. Bruce

As others have stated the gun you are most comfortable with is the one you should take. If you are comfortable with both, then take both? More paperwork but you can do it. (dont know how/who you are travaling with so that may not be possible) if I had to pick one gun it would be the .308. The pros for this gun and this situation far out weigh the cons. As fayr as bullets? Everyone has their takes on bullets. I am a Hornady guy. Others are Barns or Nosler. All of these bullets will work great on the animals. Go 165-180 grn. And a quality bullet that shoots good from your gun. An good luck!