Going to Namibia next june and want to shoot some small game for life size
mounts. Animals like baboon Jackal, klipspringer,steenbok etc.
We handle hundreds of these skins a year and more than 60 percent are nearly blowen in half, making for a poor mount.
My understaning of Namibia is that you must use 7mm or larger.
I do have a 7mm-08 that could be loaded down.
Im taking a 375 H&H and a 300 wsm.
Any Ideas ?
I could certainly be incorrect (or at least only partially correct) but consider using solids on the baboon and jackal. Solids are not permitted on antelope or other PG but should be OK on those two species. From my understanding, solids would not be allowed on even the smaller antelope - duiker, klipspringer, steenbok, and the like. You may think about using a tough, premium soft-point bullet (i.e. Swift A-Frame, Woodleigh PP, etc.) as these will perform in a similar fashion to a solid/FMJ on these smaller animals.
Not sure what area you'll be hunting but see if your outfitter has Damara Dik-Dik available. To me, it is one of THE species that defines Namibian hunting and is small enough to make a fine full-size mount.
Another option is a conversation with your PH. Mine offered the use of his .22 mag, and it worked perfectly for duiker and steenbock. I didn't have a close enough shot with it for a jackel. A hornet would likely be better, but a .223 would have to have right bullet or it could do more dammage than a big heavy bullet which might, with a little luck behave like a solid.
>>I don't know if you reload your own shells or not but cast bullets can be an option with reduced loads. I have shot hand gun silhouette with mostly cast bullets & I have screwed around with XMP 5744 & SR4759 which work real good for reduced loads. I used XMP 5744 in my 30/06 with 165 gr cast bullets that go at 1700 fps & shoot right through an animal like a solid. I didn't get a chance for any small animals in Africa but I did test them on fox & rabbit & they worked well. I did use XMP 5744 in the 7/08 in an xp 100 and had decent results.
.... THese same powders may do the trick on jacketed bullets as the velocity may be slow enough the bullet won't open up. I never tried it with them.If you are interested in loads let me know!!!
Thanks guys.
Red leg---- my understanding of the firearms laws in Namibia wont allow for the use of those calibers for hunting.
Calhoun-----yes I do reload, I use barnes triple shocks for all my hunting loads. I have a load for my 7mm-o8 thats reduced-- but was trying to limt my guns to two when I go.
Maybe the 300 wsm with the barnes triple shocks would zip right through with out expanding much ?
...Wildcat - I looked in my accurate Arms reloading manual & they have XMP5744 listed for the 300 Win Mag. With 150 & 168 gr bullets they are traveling about 1800 fps. I would think if you called Accurate they could give you some loads for the 300 wsm. I would think at that slow of speed the Barnes wouldn't open up to much. It may be just the recipe you need!!!
Member Of: SCI Northeast Wisconsin Chapter, NRA, Local Sportsmen's Club
Hunted: South Africa
Wildcat - I used a .300 SAUM shooting 165gn TSX on my trip in May. The smallest animal I shot was an impala. Hide damage was minimal. Exit hole was about 3/4". The bullet had opened up and left a nice wound channel, but didn't "explode" like a ballistic tip might. Ditto for everything else except the eland. There was no exit wound.
My wife had similar results shooting a springbok and a warthog with her 7mm Rem Mag loaded with 140gn TSX.
Since the .300 SAUM and WSM are nearly identical ballistically, I would not worry at all about shooting smaller game. You won't ruin them.
I understand the "law" in Namibia. And you are correct, a .22 mag is technically below the min. Therefore, I wouldn't bring one. Which is why I suggested a conversation with your PH. I was prepared to wack small antelope (and there is a huge difference between a springbock and a dik dik) with a 250 gr .338, but my PH, fortunately, suggested his .22mag. It was perfect.
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