Best Caliber for Tiny 10?

[crs]

How about a 12 gauge Parker ? Seriously, While hunting birds a while back in RSA, I flushed/kicked up a jack rabbit sized antelope with 4 inch horns and was on it with the borrowed 12 SxS within 30 yards - easy shot, but I did not know if was edible and just said "bang" and watched it lope away. One of our guides asked me why I did not shoot it, and then said it was a record book ?????? .
I told him that if it had wings, it would be in the game bag.
We shot 13 species of game birds that day and had a great time without shooting a horned jack rabbit.

 

[BobT]

If you decide to go with a .375 H&H, 300 Grain A-Frames are probably not the best choice.

 

[HWL]

I cant believe I forgot about the 300 Sherwood. And its British

...or a 25-20 Single Shot..... very American

HWL

 

[Ridgewalker]

I like IVW’s drilling suggestion unless you’re focussed on larger game. I have a 12x12x30-06 drilling I have wanted to take to Africa for night critters. I’ve got some FMJ loads from 147 down to 110 (1,900-2,000 fps) I have used on bobcats, turkeys and grouse that don’t seem to tear things up. Just have to put them in the right spot.

 

[IvW]

you guys and all your "Special and Unique calibers kill me. the answer is very simple I shoot the damn thing with whatever gun is in my hands when the target appears. end of story very simple. you dont play around trying to reload to a solid or some such non sense you just aim and shoot. If you have alot of gun in your hands as is likely in africa then you shoot back in the guts. and yes it will pretty much cut in 1/2 if its a high velocity rd inside 200yds. IF they are way out there 350yds plus rd will be slowed down enough to just shoot behind the shoulder and not exploded. And FYI I have shot plenty of them most with 300WM and a few with 12 Ga. from range of 30 yds to 420yds. who wants to be carrying a "pea shooter" in africa duh thats dumb carry enough gun to kill whatever target of opportunity pops up and you will be happy all day.

WOW! so anything within 200 yards can be shot in half, although most hunters prefer to do full mounts on these little guys....only one I would even consider at 350 yards which is an extreme shot is klipspringer, if the average hunter is even going to hit it at that distance is another question....420 yards on these? that distance shot on something so small puts you in a class of your own I ques.

Shoot the damn thing with whatever....eish not the respect I have when I hunt, again you are in a class of your own.

 

[Dewald]

Now that would be fun!

I have two single shot rook rifles that would be ideal as well. One is a lovely Steven Grant that is also built on one of the tiny Martini falling block actions. This one is in .380 Center Fire (.380 Long). The .380 Long Colt works beautifully in this little rifle.

View attachment 360851

The other is a Birmingham gun built by Laurenberg and uses the Westley Richards action. It is in original .44 Winchester Center Fire (.44-40)! Perhaps a stopping rifle for an enraged opossum? Either would be ideal in close cover for several of the Tiny 10.

View attachment 360852

Those are two beautiful rifles you have there.

 

[norfolk shooter]

WOW! so anything within 200 yards can be shot in half, although most hunters prefer to do full mounts on these little guys....only one I would even consider at 350 yards which is an extreme shot is klipspringer, if the average hunter is even going to hit it at that distance is another question....420 yards on these? that distance shot on something so small puts you in a class of your own I ques.

Shoot the damn thing with whatever....eish not the respect I have when I hunt, again you are in a class of your own.

Having not engaged any of the T10 yet what id the typical distance for the bulk of them? Im off to the EC next year and cant decide between my 7x64 or getting a 30-30. FYI the 7x64 is super accurate and spits out a 168grn accubond LR at an avg of 2900fps. I know thats a little on the fast side but I am thinking of just having cape mounts done

 

[Red Leg]

Having not engaged any of the T10 yet what id the typical distance for the bulk of them? Im off to the EC next year and cant decide between my 7x64 or getting a 30-30. FYI the 7x64 is super accurate and spits out a 168grn accubond LR at an avg of 2900fps. I know thats a little on the fast side but I am thinking of just having cape mounts done

Suni - 30 Ft - 60 yards
Blue Duiker - 20 Ft - 40 yards
Red Duiker - 20 yds - 200 yds
Common Duiker- 50 yards - 250 yards
Steenbok- 20 yards - 150 yards
Oribi- 50 yards - 250 yards
Damara Dik Dik - 20 yards - 70 yards
Klipspringer - 80 yards - 300 yards (or whatever is comfortable)

These estimates are based purely on my own personal observations. I have not been around the other two or the remaining Dik Dik subspecies.

Most of the farther ranges are limited by the terrain they inhabit. For instance, the Blue and Suni like cover that forces you to move a branch out of the way to check the time on your watch.

Also, many are regionally specific. Like the spiral horns, it is one of the major factors making their acquisition such a challenge. Might want to check with your outfitter with regard to what might actually be resident in the area you are planning to hunt.

 

[mark-hunter]

During one of my two hunts (and I am hoping for few more hunts in africa) I had a chance to shoot steenbok.
But, I did not.
Little fellow came near the road, bakkie was stopped, and I could make clean shot, 15 meters distance
But, first, i was not about to shoot from truck, this is not really my cup of tea, and secondly I had other priorities.

However, after reading all your posts from page one, I am certain - once I get my foot again to african hunting grounds, I will keep tiny ten in mind, should a chance arise.

 

[IvW]

Having not engaged any of the T10 yet what id the typical distance for the bulk of them? Im off to the EC next year and cant decide between my 7x64 or getting a 30-30. FYI the 7x64 is super accurate and spits out a 168grn accubond LR at an avg of 2900fps. I know thats a little on the fast side but I am thinking of just having cape mounts done

168gr Accubond....LR.....2900 fps...not the right way to go.....

Which ones do you intend hunting?

What is a Cape mount? Just neck and head or shoulder mount?

 

[norfolk shooter]

168gr Accubond....LR.....2900 fps...not the right way to go.....

Which ones do you intend hunting?

What is a Cape mount? Just neck and head or shoulder mount?

its just neck and head. Im looking at Steenbok and common duiker. I guess mountain reedbuck isnt one of the T10?? If it is lets throw one of them in too

 

[norfolk shooter]

168gr Accubond....LR.....2900 fps...not the right way to go.....

Which ones do you intend hunting?

What is a Cape mount? Just neck and head or shoulder mount?

how about a solid (SMK) going about 2750fps 168grn? Its my target load

 

[bruce moulds]

while i will probably never get to africa, i see merit in the pursuit of the tiny 10.
as such i am reading this thread with interest.
here in oz i am called on to shoot kangaroos in vineyards and orchards.
these animals while big in the butt, are small in the chest.
where i operate, is reasonable closely settled, so bullets flying around the district are to be avoided for safety sake.
humane killing requires instant death, and good chest shots will cause this, while stopping the right bullet.
a 50 gn plastic tipped varmint bullet from a 223 achieves this well.
these bullets stay in the chest from all angles.
with the tiny 10 you could minimize penetration with a shoulder shot, or probably just shoot them in the ribs.
specialized hunting of these animals might require another erson armed with a big gun to be in close proximity under certain circumstances.
bruce.

 

[MarkB]

Wow just reading this thread "intrigues" me. Some people??

I do have observations based on my shots on some of the tiny ten and am looking, reading and investigating better options. I am supposed to be on safari now but have a Covid delay. As some of the tiny ten and all the small night critters are on my delayed safari list I am looking, learning and making sound decisions on the best firearm for these future options.

Having shot duiker, steenbok and many jackal with my 375 H & H and 300 gr solids I will say this is NOT a good/perfect plan. A jackal hit centered was so "exploded" he did not come home. A 375 as an option on a single gun safari or as others say, shoot with what you are carrying, take the chance, pay the taxidermist or in my case spend the hrs sewing, repairing and hoping the mount looks good. Even a steenbok with 308 and 165 gr accubonds required major repairs.

I have shot dik dik with outfitters 22 rifle, this worked very well and reflects on his life size mount.

So does someone take outfitters advice and just use and pay for his recommended gun for night critters and tiny tens? Load 308 solids and use as I can load some? Shoot them with what you carry and hope for best?

I am still looking for a "best" option. Would ask for opinions based on some real experience or knowledge. How about any lock down SA outfitters advice who have a wealth of first hand knowledge/details and evidence? If you have never seen said animal, please read and learn.

MB

 

[R.M.C.]

I've never shot any of the tiny ten but I shot a hell of a lot of gray fox at night with a 12 gauge with full choke. I like 3" mags with 1 7 \8 oz of copper plated #4s. Never much damage as long as they aren't 10 yards or closer. But of course you'd have to get within 35 yards or so lol

 

[BeeMaa]

If you can't read, it's not my fault ... I never mentioned a. 338 with solid tips, if with hard tips, things that are very different ... I mentioned .375 with solid tips ... read well ... tuna head

First time I have used the "dislike" button.
You sir, have a real strange way of trying to make friends.
Especially when two of the most respected guys on AH are trying to help you.

Take a few minutes and just breathe.

 

[Hunting Sailor]

Since so many of the Tiny 10 are shot as opportunity arises there will be the inevitable damaged bodies if you use the rifle you have in hand. Perhaps people with stronger willpower than I posses would be able to decline a shot if they have it due to not the right bullet available in the rifle they have in hand.

For specialised dedicated hunts though I would assume the local outfitter and PH would be the best to give you specific information as they differ so much in terrain and speed.
I've shot a few and they have all been more or less taken as opportunities came up.
Steenbok 150m- 270 Win 130 gr SP- Shot in the shoulder. full mount- Lots of issues for the Taxidermist.
Common Duiker 80m- 243 Win 100gr SP- Shot behind shoulder, shoulder mount- no issues.
Klipspringer 130m- 7x57 170gr SP- Shot behind shoulder, full mount- no issues
Steenbok 70m- 308Win 150gr SP- Shot behind shoulder, skull mount- no big damage to the skin.

I have seen a few others being shot as part of "packages" and there has been diverse results.
Common Duiker- 100m 300 Win Mag 200gr ELD- Shoulder shot, lots of damage
Common Duiker- 120m 270Win very light fragile bullet, shoulder shot, lots of damage.
Steenbok- 140m 270 same very fragile bullet behind the should and it basically went straight through.
Steenbok- 100m 270 Win 130gr Hollow point, big exit hole. Skull mount.

Some recommendation for a specific hunt with 22 Win Mag or shotgun may be the best for a specific type, but for the international client coming to Africa and wanting to use their own rifle I would suggest to take a few heavy for caliber solids with you just in case the opportunity arise and you see something to go right after it. Not when you're about to take the shot, but when you start the hunt for the animal.
The Klipspringer I shot was taken roughly 30 minutes before I shot a Kudu with the same set up and that is how I had arranged for what was my main targeted animal.

Sorry I cannot give you a best caliber for all of them, but they are quite diverse.

 

[Ragman]

Have only shot a Steenbok out of the Tiny 10 and that was with my PHs .30-06. Hit him at the back of the ribs and had quite a bit of guts hanging out. Shot a porcupine (probably thicker than the T10 critters) with a borrowed.223 and damage was minimal. Hard to say what the “best” caliber is. I like @Philip Glass setup!

 

[Red Leg]

its just neck and head. Im looking at Steenbok and common duiker. I guess mountain reedbuck isnt one of the T10?? If it is lets throw one of them in too

The reedbuck clan are not. A lot of these would make diminutive shoulder mounts - as in making a roe buck look huge, I have an oribi shoulder mount on a pedestal. It is very attractive. Ideal for the corner of a desk or bookcase. This is a steenbock done in such a way.

 

[Tra3]

I gotta add my 2c...
First, neck shooting one of the T10 would be like head shooting a moving squirrel with archery equipment at 50 yards. Except when you miss your buddy gets to keep your bow.
Having taken a steenbok and dukier, they don’t like to sit still for long.

Second, some of them make for a great and inexpensive hunt. They are as “Africa” as a kudu. Not hunting them because of size is like choosing to not fish for trout in Montana because king salmon are bigger.

Finally, when you first shoulder your rifle and see one in your scope, it may look far away because they are so small. Don’t instinctively hold over, because the distance is probably only 50 yards. (After a string of good shooting I provided a hearty laugh for my PH by missing a steenbok at 50 yards.)