Cartridge choice advice

[ltsheets]

The 270wsm already has a gemsbok with a 140AB load and Barbary sheep with a 150VLD load under its belt.

 

[ltsheets]

Not my best shooting but she was running wide open when I shot her.

 

[Royal27]

Haha. I figure I have a double rifle case already, might as well take both of those rifles if they're good rifles for plains game.

Then definitely take them both, no reason not to. And they will certainly both do the trick.

 

[ltsheets]

Barbary Ewe

 

[Royal27]

Nice animals. You're going to have a great time.

Practice shooting off sticks as much as you can before you go. If you don't have any make some cheap ones.

 

[ltsheets]

Good call on making sticks rather than buying. I was thinking about a tall set of bogpod tripods

 

[Royal27]

Good call on making sticks rather than buying. I was thinking about a tall set of bogpod tripods

I like the wooden ones better, but that is my personal preference. Lots of guys use bogpod and the like. It is what you are most comfortable with.

I made mine from dowel rods and copper repair pipe so I could break them down and take my own to Africa. After two trips I won't take them again I don't think. Wood sticks are wood sticks.

 

[Art Lambart II]

It looks like your covered, use a high quality gun case and you'll be fine.

 

[ltsheets]

Already have a double rifle SKB!

It looks like your covered, use a high quality gun case and you'll be fine.

 

[CAustin]

Take them both and practice a lot before you go! That 300 wsm will do the trick.

 

[Art Lambart II]

I have to apologize for my earlier post I don't know what I was thinking, of course you need a new rifle. Tell the wife the cost a 375 H&H with a scope is less than the price of a non-recovered Kudu, and a new 375 will ensure that won't happen. Problem solved, now you can confidently look your wife in the face and tell her the guys on AH said you needed a new rifle for your safari.

Good Luck,

 

[BWH]

I have that same Browning Stainless Stalker..... in 30.06 & 375 H&H..... LOVE!!!!

 

[CAustin]

I have to apologize for my earlier post I don't know what I was thinking, of course you need a new rifle. Tell the wife the cost a 375 H&H with a scope is less than the price of a non-recovered Kudu, and a new 375 will ensure that won't happen. Problem solved, now you can confidently look your wife in the face and tell her the guys on AH said you needed a new rifle for your safari.

Good Luck,

This is sage advice Art. A man would be wise to listen to what you have said.

 

[ltsheets]

Hahaha. I'm saving that argument for the future Cape buffalo hunt that I want to do in the future.

 

[WildRose]

I'm heading to SA for Blesbuck, Springbuck, Kudu, Nyala, Lechwe, wildebeest or gemsbok, and Impala next year. I'm leaning towards taking a 300wsm with 180 ttsx hand loads as the primary and a 270wsm with 140AB hand loads as a backup. What do you guys think?

Either will work well for most of your list.

I was however rather surprised at how much lead both species of wildebeest can absorb. I would stick with the .300 on them and anything bigger with a good bullet you can put in the right spot every time.

Shot placement beats displacement as does quality constructed bullets with good controlled, predictable and repeatable performance characteristics.

 

[WildRose]

Hahaha. I'm saving that argument for the future Cape buffalo hunt that I want to do in the future.

It's never too early to start... .

 

[ltsheets]

Well I started he process of getting ready to load up a bunch of 300wsm rds with 180ttsx yesterday. Also ordered the tall bogpod tripod to have a standing tripod to practice with. Not sure if I'll worry about taking it with me yet or not.

 

[Royal27]

Well I started he process of getting ready to load up a bunch of 300wsm rds with 180ttsx yesterday. Also ordered the tall bogpod tripod to have a standing tripod to practice with. Not sure if I'll worry about taking it with me yet or not.

@ltsheets ,

What powder are you going to try?

 

[ltsheets]

Ive already done some development, just starting a new batch with once fired brass. The powder in using is IMR4350 max load according to the Barnes manual. I think 65.5 gr? Not sure on the MV as I haven't chrono'd it yet but that load has shot .5-.75" or so when tested in the past.

 

[rookhawk]

I'd go with a 7x57 myself. Not just for tradition but because it's less powerful and is for shooting inside 200 yards.

If you bring a 300 yard gun you'll take 300 yard shots. You'll feel robbed of experience if you take long pokes. Tell your PH you want to spot and stalk within 100 yards and you'll have a better experience. A low power scope is also very helpful.

Just my opinion. I can't fathom traveling across the world to "shoot" animals. I'd rather "hunt" animals. The intimacy and nuance of a stalking hunt is very special and I'd be worried if you brought a long range gun your PH would provide long range opportunities. Anti-climatic.