Which Gun Would You Choose?

[Michael Dean]

Planning my first African Safari; no specific date set or outfitter picked but I'm doing my homework and putting a plan of action together. I do have one decision that I can't nail down, my choice keeps on changing for a variety of reasons, and that is which firearm will I bring. I've already decided that I will bring only one rifle but as to which one, I've got no Idea.

I own a 375H&H, a 338 Federal, a 300 Weatherby, a 270 WSM and a 7x57. The rifles have traditional wood stocks with the exception of the 270 wsm and the 338 Federal, these two have composite lightweight stocks. Weight is an issue, I'm 62 and can't climb all day while carrying 20 pounds. I'm not hunting Eland, the largest animal would probably be a Zebra. I can comfortably shoot all five rifles, I took an Elk with the 375 H&H at 500 yards a few years back. That being said, I'd prefer keeping my shots to a 300 yard limit and not bring more gun than I really need. I also hand load so I can customize my loads.

I'd appreciate some input from those who've hunted plains game in Africa and appreciate first hand what the experience will demand.

 

[Hunting Sailor]

Hey Michael,

Great to hear you're planning the Safari.
Without assigning a more or less area of your hunt it will be hard to say which caliber would be best for you.
You can always go safe and bring either the 375 or the 7x57, both will work for a huge % of all hunts most hunters will ever do.
If you're planning to hunt here in the Eastern Cape of SA or the desert areas of SA or Namibia, you may be better off with a rifle for longer distances.
I've used 243W, 270W, 7x57, .30-06 and 300 WM for plains game and they have all worked for me and for what I wanted to use them for. I've had to adapt at times for the distance and not take shots that were offered due to my confidence in my own shooting, the caliber and the distance. It's hunting.
For the one general rifle between the ones you mentioned I would say the 375 H&H with the general mentioning if a Safari in Africa.
Not sure my info helps.
Once you settle for an area and even an Outfitter I suggested you contact them and ask their opinion of which of the rifles would be best suitable.

//Gus

 

[CAustin]

You can't go wrong with the 375 H&H.

 

[Nyati]

In my experience, proper shot placement and using a premium bullet are all you need for clean kills. If you are not hunting anything larger than a zebra, your 7x57 will do perfectly.

By the way, I have seen an eland taken with one shot from a .25-06.

 

[sierraone]

If you have already taken an elk at 500 yards with the .375 Holland, then you have answered your own question. The .375 will take anything if you decide after you are there to hunt something a little thicker!!! The 7x57 would be my second choice for any and all smaller species. Avoid the Weatherby, many PHs/Outfitters don't like the hyper velocity calibers. Should talk to your PH before deciding if you lean that direction. Lots of choices and fun in planning!!!

 

[Ryan]

I did just fine with a 30-06 so looking at those choices I can safely say any of them. What is your favorite? The 7X57 is a classic that has a good track record over there including my last PH who used one for years on plains game, so I'd side with that.

 

[Mekaniks]

I used my .338 federal with 210g Partitions and took a kudu, blue Wildebeest, black Wildebeest, impala, springbok, and a jackel. It worked perfect. Like yous, it is also a lightweight rifle with a Kevlar/composite stock and 20in barrel, weighs 7 1/4 lbs fully loaded. I won't hesitate to take it again someday. My 2c for what it's worth....

 

[TOM]

The one you are most comfortable and accurate with. Not being snarky, go with the one you shoot the best.

 

[Shootist43]

If I were you I'd reconsider the idea of bringing only one gun. SH** happens. During our safari last August a fellow hunter brought his 30-06 and enough spare parts to fix just about everything on the rifle. Poor fellow, his scope base screws broke and he wound up using one of the PHs' rifles. My two sons and I each brought 2 guns. One ostensibly for larger game and one for Impala and smaller game. Given your choice of rifles I would take the 375 H&H and the 7 x 57. If you had to, you could take Kudu sized and smaller animals with either one and have the satisfaction of hunting Africa with your own rifles.

 

[siml]

Your 300 and 375 will cover all bases.

 

[Ridgewalker]

The two keys have been mentioned, i.e., "talk to your PH", and "which ever one you shoot the best".
You have to pull the trigger within 3-4 seconds off of sticks typically. So practice this and if the 375 is too heavy to move to sticks and shoot accurately, then try the 7x57, or one of the lighter ones. Just my thoughts.
Best of luck on your decision!

 

[Buckdog]

Tom said it 100% true. I would pick from the 375, 338 or 300 which you shoot the best and which you feel more confident and comfortable with. don't need multiple guns just need to be really good with one of those and if you can shoot 500yds with a 375 what are you asking for take the 375! I have take 31 plains game (eland to grysbuck) so far all with a a custom 300win that is my go to baby doll always in my hands never fails me. So when you go to the big dance take your most favorite gal no questions asked ever

 

[kesha]

I agree 375 H&H or 300 WM cant go wrong as for 270WSM if something were to happen hard to find ammo for odd calibers. I own one my self and I will take mine next trip but I always take 2 rifles just in case.

 

[Michael Dean]

The one you are most comfortable and accurate with. Not being snarky, go with the one you shoot the best.

To answer this question, I'd have to say the 7x57; I've got four rifles in 7x57 and I've killed a truckload of deer with it. My favorite is a Ruger No. 1, it's a tack driver.

 

[IvW]

7 x 57 will kill everything, including the Zebra with the right bullet selection. It should also be light and easy to carry. If you can still shoot the 375 H&H with confidence that would also be a great choice. Taking both would also be a great idea as they make a perfect light and medium combination for a two rifle safari although either one is all you need to do the job.

 

[Denvir Tire]

I understand the memories made with your own favorite rifle, however 3 safaris in for me and I've rented the rifle each time. Twice in SA and once in Namibia. Using the PH's rifle just makes sense for me, no airport hassles, less luggage, no chance of damage, etc.
Regarding caliber, the rental in SA was 30-06 suppressed using Nosler Partition. Namibia had .270 WSM also suppressed with Barnes X.
Both of these rifles were modern, equipped with Leupold glass and in good condition.....

 

[Hunteez]

Great collection.

As mentioned before - deciding on the correct caliber depends greatly on the area where you're going to hunt.

With that said the 375H&H is my favourite caliber and would be my first choice. But I understand the weight concern. Therefore I would go with the 7x57. With good marksmanship it should comfortably take all the species on your list.

I also support the advice of bringing a second weapon. But I understand it sometimes can be a hassle with more stringent airline security these days. Plus (if you don't mind) you should be able to hire an appropriate rifle from the outfitter/PH in a worst case rifle-malfunction-scenario.

 

[KCSafari]

Pack your 7x57. It's a favorite among us in Africa and ammo is available everywhere. It will put down everything you plan to hunt also. I have both a 375 H&H and 7x57 but personally think the H&H is too much gun for most plains game. Good luck and best of luck for your planning.

 

[Red Leg]

As everyone else has noted, all of these will work just fine on a PG safari. Assuming you are not going where a stray elephant may object to your existence (most of the RSA and Namibia) then I would not lug around a .375 (and I love the caliber - though I would never try a shot at an unwounded elk at 500 yards with one of mine - that's what? 70 something inches of drop? Remarkable shot). Of the remainder, if typical bushveld, I would bring the one that gives you the most joy and confidence to use. If mountains or desert then I personally would lean toward using one with a bit more legs than the 7x57 (but then I would have said that about the .375 as well!) - but I would hardly feel inadequately armed with any of them.

 

[curtism1234]

I used my .338 federal with 210g Partitions and took a kudu, blue Wildebeest, black Wildebeest, impala, springbok, and a jackel. It worked perfect. Like yous, it is also a lightweight rifle with a Kevlar/composite stock and 20in barrel, weighs 7 1/4 lbs fully loaded. I won't hesitate to take it again someday. My 2c for what it's worth....

What he said