Which chambering for hunting plains Game?

[Scrumbag]

Hi folks,


I recently posted a thread asking about a first DG rifle.


This got me thinking, what do people prefer for a plains game rifle?


In the current battery the choice that springs to mind is the 7x64. (Rather than the 257 Roberts or the or the 9.3x62)


So, this got me thinking, is 7x64 too light for the heavier end of plains game (Kudu and Eland)? (Worked well for me in Europe on everything from big reds, boar and muntjac)


What would you folks say is the “optimum” plains game rifle?


Scrummy

 

[greyfox]

Take you r pick, anything from 270 winchester to 338 WM, with several stops in between.
A rifle you can shoot, good scope, plenty of range time, and good bullets.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

300 win mag seems to be very popular and for good reason. Agree w/ greyfox that anything from 270 to 338 is good.

 

[Scrumbag]

Any merits in changing from say 7x64 to .30-'06?

 

[Code4]

In my limited experience there is a world of difference between Kudu and Eland. The first not being so tough and the second substantially larger.
If you hunt both you have to pack enough gun for Eland. 9.3x62 - .375H&H come to mind. An acquaintance lost an Eland with a .338WM and bad shot placement..
Delete Eland and any .30 cal will do good work. Match the cartridge to the terrain you hunt. Magnums for open country, .308W for true bushvelt or split the difference with a .30-06.
..... or you could just take your favourite deer rifle and hunt a little closer.

 

[Philip Glass]

For Africa bigger IS better! You never know the hunting situation you will be in. How far will the shots be? On three safaris now opportunities at 300 yards shots have been taken. Some with success some not so. If this can possibly be the case then you will need .300 Win and up. If you have 100 yard or less shots then take your pick. I personally will never again travel to the other side of the planet without enough Gun.
Regards,
Philip

 

[K-man]

Man, that's like asking which is prettier, a supermodel or your wife. It depends on what you are after and where you are. Any .30 cal with a good bullet and proper shot placement will work. I personally carry a .375 H&H in the field because you never know what's around the next bush, and I am capable out to 300 yds with it. The key is what you are comfortable with, and the biggest thing you are going to shoot. Good luck and enjoy your time in Africa

 

[Red Leg]

You are already armed with two of the truly great PG rifles - the 9.3x62 and the 7x64. My personal favorite pure PG cal has been the .338 WM, but should I ever go back again for just a PG hunt it will be my 9.3x62 which I will carry. I tend to lean toward the heavy side because I have come to believe in an exit wound whenever possible. The .338 WM, 9.3, and yes, the .375 (my favorite all around cal when buff are also on the dance card) all usually deliver such a wound making follow-up on anything which doesn't immediately drop, a fairly easy proposition.

All of that said, I would not hesitate to use my 7x64R on any PG hunt. The Germans load heavy for cal bullets of fantastic quality which will drill very deeply through almost anything. My rifle is in a tiny Ruger No 1 based package by Heym which is like carrying a .22.

All this is a long way to simply say take either of those two rifles which you shoot best and put the investment toward another game animal or two.

 

[cpr0312]

If your looking at Eland, anything .300 and larger. Most plains game 30.06 just fine, or 7x57.

 

[Art Lambart II]

I leave on the 8th for my first safari and I'm using a 35 Whelen, for those not familiar with the Whelen it's the American equivalent to the 9.3x63. I like to hunt close so I prefer a heavy bullet a moderate velocity (250 grains @ 2550 fps) rather than a lighter bullet at magnum velocities. Whatever caliber you pick all ways use a premium bullet, the price difference between a tipped cup and core bullet and a tipped bonded bullet is nothing when compared to the cost of your safari.

Good luck & happy hunting

 

[Royal27]

The other advantage of something like the 9.3x62 or .375 H&H is the relative ease of finding solid ammunition for use with the little guys. My klippie was a Texas heart shot with a .375 H&H and a solid, resulting in very little damage. I shudder to think what my .30/06 and a TTSX would have done with the exact same shot.

 

[thriller]

I have a ruger hawkeye in 338 win mag its relatively light, doesnt kick bad, its accurate and has a serious punch when it hits something. Not so great for the little guys but works well on everything else.

 

[sheephunterab]

Personally, if eland is on the menu then I'd say the 338WM is pretty hard to beat. Shooting 185 grain bullets it's fast and makes a big hole with very manageable recoil. With the right optics it's a very capable 500 yard chamberings. I've taken one on two safaris now and am a big fan. That said, I just had a 300H&H built that I can't wait to take to Africa.

 

[markferrigno]

7x64 is a great round for PG. As my guide told, whatever caliber you can shoot well. I don't see any issue with taking Eland with a "deer" caliber, I had a .308 and my guide had no reservations (never got one) Of course shot placement but also bullet selection is important. I asked asked to only show up with Barnes VOR-TX. They worked perfectly, I pulled several bullets out and they mushroomed perfectly.

 

[Velo Dog]

By reputation, the 7x64 is an excellent cartridge for "plains game".
That being said, your 9.3x62 is no doubt better than excellent for all African antelope, especially the quite large eland.

 

[Scrumbag]

By reputation, the 7x64 is an excellent cartridge for "plains game".
That being said, your 9.3x62 is no doubt better than excellent for all African antelope, especially the quite large eland.

Yeah I had thought that, sadly the 9.3x62 is not drilled and tapped...

 

[greyfox]

Any merits in changing from say 7x64 to .30-'06?

Sure, go from Super Cool, "look what I have" to "here's my plain jane rifle" LOL.

I took a 7 Mag, took everything I shot with one shot except a gut-shot Blesbok. 7X64 is underappreciated except by those that know.

 

[Scrumbag]

Sure, go from Super Cool, "look what I have" to "here's my plain jane rifle" LOL.

I took a 7 Mag, took everything I shot with one shot except a gut-shot Blesbok. 7X64 is underappreciated except by those that know.

Good point, well made...

 

[PeteG]

I like the 7x64, i wouldnt take a poke at an Eland from too far away though. But 150m or less, i reckon you'd be fine. Use a good sturdy bullet and you may have to be patient to wait for the right shot to present itself.
I definitely wouldnt swap out the 7x64 for a 30-06 and the 9,3 is a fantastic caliber as opposed the that horrible old 375 whatchamacallit!

 

[Royal27]

I definitely wouldnt swap out the 7x64 for a 30-06 and the 9,3 is a fantastic caliber as opposed the that horrible old 375 whatchamacallit!

What took you so long???? I was getting concerned....