375 H&H versus 9.3 x 74R

I am going on (predominantely) a Plains Game safari (Sable, Bushbuck) + Hyena and other small cats. I have a single shot Dakota Model 10 in 9.3x74R and a Kimber Bolt Action in 375 H&H. The Kimber is heavier than the Dakota. Which one would you take? I do not want to take both, because I am also thinking of bringing my Winchester Model 70 in 300 WM for the "long" shots. Any recommendations?

gday steve i dont know about a 9.3x74R its thge first time ive heard of it but near everytime some one mentions a calibre on this site some one tells em they cant go wrong with 375H&H.
ive just bought one and are waiting for my prmit to aquire to be returned so i can pick it up and see if i become a one eyed supporter of this firearm .
when im going to africa in august next year i will taking my 300 win mag and .243 for plains game and of course my bow

Take the 375. If something goes wrong this side (lose ammo or whatever) every single gun shop will stock 375 rounds etc.
Also its slightly more gun than the 9.3x74 (ballistics wise).

But once again, take the rifle you are most comfortable with. The 300WM will be more than adequate for all plains game in South Africa

A 375 H&H can do everything that a 9,3 can but not the other way around. You will never fail when taking a 375 to Africa.

Hi Steve,

For the plain games you have mentioned, 300 WSM will do just fine. Plus you will save some weight traveling with one rifle.

Originally Posted by Fritz Rabe

A 375 H&H can do everything that a 9,3 can but not the other way around. You will never fail when taking a 375 to Africa.

..there you have it, and if you hand-load as well then you will have everything covered..! Long shots are very rare with a good PH and with 230, 250, 260 or 270gr bullets you can handle any long shot you'll ever have to. Take the rifle that you shoot best.

My best always.

I'd take the one I had more confidence in.

The .375 H&H is always the right answer, but in reality, the difference between the .375 H&H and the 9.3x74 is pretty small, especially inside of 200 yards. The .375 will spit out a bullet which is slightly larger (by 0.005"), slightly heavier (by 15 grains), and slightly faster (by 100-150 fps).

About 1000 times more important than what you take is what you're able to do with what you take. I'd go through a couple hundred rounds under real hunting conditions before you go. Shoot a few from the bench, but many more from improvised rests, shooting sticks, in the rain, in the wind, with bugs crawling up both legs, etc.

Mostly, have fun!!!!!

Take the Kimber bolt action in the 375 H&H.

That .300 WM is hard to beat for a PG hunt. But I agree with several of the others, and I'd take the one with which you are most comfortable. Also, for a relatively rare trip to Africa, particularly with something as expensive as a sable on the dance card, I would prefer a repeater. I love singles, and use them a lot, but it is not too hard to imagine a scenario where a quick follow-up could make a difference. Losing any animal is awful. However, spending all day on an ever more hopeless stern chase of a gemsbok is one thing - a sable is a very different economic commitment entirely. Additionally, on a PG stalk, your PH is likely not to be carrying a rifle to provide that insurance shot.