All around rifle for 1rst trip to South Africa..

What would be the best all around rifle for plains game in South Africa. I was thinking a 30-06 or .270..

Hi LongbowofMT I just got back from South Africa in June and while we were sitting around the fire with a few cold ones we talked about the same thing and 5 out of 5 PHs standing there said the same thing a 270 with a good bullet is all you need from Eland on down and I trust what they think. However it doesn't mean I'll do it, I still like the 30-06 for the little extra whoop ass it gives. Good luck on your first hunt you have a lot to look forward to be sure to fill us in with the details and pics when you get back. Who are you thinking of hunting with?

LongbowofMT,

Bob has given you excellent advice here. A rifle that you are comfortable shooting, will be very important. Rather bring a rifle that you have the confidence in being able to putt the bullet in the right place than anything else. A bigger calibre does not necesarily negate the consequences of a poor shot. From .270 to the .30 cal will be deadly.

Take Care,

Best Regards.
Marius Goosen

Consider the 7mm Rem Mag.

I must agree with Gforce, if you dont have a 30-06 a 7mm Rem Mag does real good. Although I have a 270, I still see that it just doesnt have that same mmmph that you get with the 30-06, especially since a perfect broadside doesnt always present itself. Just recently I had a hunt where the 270 wsm (close enough to 270 win) just didnt have the extra penetration for those quatering away shots, it did the job, but not efficiently enough. I think if it were a 30-06 it would have been a different story...
Best advise is take what you are most comfortable with (270 to .30 cal are all great for plains game) Enjoy your first hunt!!!!

I think the bullet is more important than the caliber. Swift A Frame is hard to beat.

What options do you have at hand...

is the 30-08 and 270 what you currently have or do you plan to purchase one...both will provide a good safari experience...

NOW, if you are looking to purchase a new rifle i would suggest a 300 win mag or H & H or Weatherby...with 180 gr bullets...more get up and go so to say. and all should be easy to learn to shoot.

if you are looking to move into the next group a 338 win mag is my favorite with 225gr bullets..

It is all about shot placement...

Originally Posted by longbowofMT

What would be the best all around rifle for plains game in South Africa. I was thinking a 30-06 or .270..

Like James said, All about shot placement.
Since your goal is to be a PH at some point.
Thinking positively you may want to go Barts route and get a 375 H&H.

Originally Posted by longbowofMT

What would be the best all around rifle for plains game in South Africa. I was thinking a 30-06 or .270..

..which PG are you planning to hunt..? Where are you planning to hunt..? You can also look at a .308, a 7x57, a 8x57, a .300 H/H, a .300 WinMag, a 9.3x62 or even the great .375. Talk to your PH..!

300 Win Mag or 300 H&H....30-06

.338WM with Swift A Frame bullets, great medicine for difficult shots.

In 5 hunts I've used 338/06 w 225 Partitions, 7mm/08 w 139 Accubonds and last hunt my old O3A3 in 30/06 w/ 180 Accubonds. I have seen on the last hunt 308 w/ South African Norma 180s. I'm now partial to the 338/06 and Partitions.
But that being said, as was stated here, accurate shooting is the key. I like the 30/06 with 180 Partitions. If you're good with it, use it. The 30/06 will do what you need. The 308 seemed a little weak on eland at 300 yds and the bullets blew up in a short distace on penetration. My 7mm/08 was way weak (in my opinion) compard to the others. With perfect placement, they all work. I just feel better with the 338/06 or the 30/06. Go with a good bullet! I like Partitions. Your mileage may vary. :-)

I personally love the 300 Weatherby. I used it on my first safari this past July. It performed great, dropping many of the animals instantly with 180 gr. handloads. I think any of the catridges already mentioned would work very well. One thing to consider is ammo availability if you needed it during your hunt. The 30-06 and 375 H&H are without question the two most common rounds anywhere around the world. Things can happen during travel and one may find themselves in need of ammo. Shot placement is the most important factor so take the rifle your most comfortable shooting.

Looking at a 25-06 or 7mm mag. I had a .375 and traded it for two longbows I'm kicking myself now over it

Originally Posted by longbowofMT

Looking at a 25-06 or 7mm mag. I had a .375 and traded it for two longbows I'm kicking myself now over it

Go with your 7MM. It's a much better all around choice.

If you are truly looking at a new rifle specifically for this hunt, go with a 300 WM over the 7mm Mag. If you are deciding between the two guns in your safe, go with the 30-06. Pick a premium bullet that shoots well in your rifle of choice and have a great time!

I went with a 30-06 last year. I shot Springbuck, Impala, Black Wildebeest, Kudu and Gemsbuck with it.
I was not totally satisfied with how the bullet performed(Federal Fusion). The cartridge is plenty good enough with a better bullet.
I would use either Barnes TTSX or Swift A-frame bullets if I was taking a gun with me on my next hunt in SA.(I am bringing a bow instead )

Bullet quality and bullet placement is much more important than the caliber.

If I was expecting some long shots, I would bring my 6.5-06 as I am the most confident with that in all situations and I would never feel undergunned. Even on Eland.
If all my shots would be inside 200 meters, I would either bring my 6.5-06 or my 375 Ruger.
Both with Barnes TTSX bullets.

Originally Posted by 1ObsessedHunter

Go with your 7MM. It's a much better all around choice.

I agree of the two you listed the 7mm Mag hands down.

Originally Posted by longbowofMT

What would be the best all around rifle for plains game in South Africa...

Whatever the PH has over there already. I send a lot of guys to Africa each year and i still recommend borrowing a rifle. Unless you have a "pet" rifle that you just have to shoot, loaning a rifle is so much easier to do. Most outfitters (all that I represent), have very nice rifles as it is their job. You will not be disappointed and it will greatly "free up" your travel.

Thanks for all the advice so far guys. I have an a 30-06 but I don't want to travel with it, it was my great grandfathers and has been passed down to my grandfather to my dad and uncle, then me. Its just to much of a treasure to take over seas. So i looking at a new rifle for over there. The rifle, "Old Girl" as she has been called is an old model 54 winchester and shoots true. Most accurate 06 I have ever shot and trust to use. Just looking for something else is all. I started looking at 7mm and trying to decied if it is what I want.