Classic plains game rifles and cartridges

Bandera said:
The 9.3X62 are out there, can be hard to find.
I have one of the original left handed 375 Ruger Alaskans set up like the one above.

The African’s pop from time to time.


The Ruger No.1’s. I have a 458 Win Mag and a 450-400. Both needed a better recoil pad as do almost all Rugers. I installed a prefit 1” recoil pad and it made a world of difference. The other thing in heavier calibers the No.1 is not forgiving to poor shooting stance and balance. Make a mistake and the rifle lets you know it.
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@Bandera
No rifle is forgiving to poor shooting stance,balance or fit.
Ive had some light recoiling guns that hammered me mercilessly like a marlin lever action 44 mag, a hogs back 9.3x62 and even a little Boito 410 single barrel shotgun with 3" loads. None of these were what the average shooter would call kickers but these bitches slapped me up the side of the head very painfully. The stocks just didn't fit and let me know about it everytime I pulled the trigger.
Even big kickers can be tamed with the right fitting stock.
Bob
 
Bob Nelson 35Whelen said:
@Bandera
No rifle is forgiving to poor shooting stance,balance or fit.
Ive had some light recoiling guns that hammered me mercilessly like a marlin lever action 44 mag, a hogs back 9.3x62 and even a little Boito 410 single barrel shotgun with 3" loads. None of these were what the average shooter would call kickers but these bitches slapped me up the side of the head very painfully. The stocks just didn't fit and let me know about it everytime I pulled the trigger.
Even big kickers can be tamed with the right fitting stock.
Bob
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Well that and a stiff backbone.
 
MS 9x56 said:
Well that and a stiff backbone.
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@MS 9x56
A stiff back bone will only results in more pain and a trip to the chiropractor.
You need to roll with the recoil not fight it.
Try and fight the recoil and you are going to end up in a world of hurt.
Bob
 
Bob Nelson 35Whelen said:
@MS 9x56
A stiff back bone will only results in more pain and a trip to the chiropractor.
You need to roll with the recoil not fight it.
Try and fight the recoil and you are going to end up in a world of hurt.
Bob
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Exactly. Shoot a 416 Rigby of any sort from the bench or prone and might need an appointment with ortho surgeon. Standing it will shake the shooter hard but shouldn't physically hurt him.

Another example. At skeet a young fella I shoot with has a newer inertia Benelli auto that is actually bruising his cheek. He's tried adjusting the stock a couple different ways but still getting hurt. I tried it for a round and though it kicked harder than my old long recoil magnum A5, it wasn't bad. So I watched him shoot. The guy was leaning into the gun and gripping it like a rock climber. "Here, watch me." On shooting the double on station one I was nearly knocked off my feet with the second shot. I shoot low gun and standing very relaxed. No time to jump into some exaggerated stance with flying elbow, etc. And I bust targets. "Relax. That gun is not going to get away! It's smacking you in the face because you're not rolling with the shot." He is stubborn. Oh well!
 
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Bob Nelson 35Whelen said:
@MS 9x56
A stiff back bone will only results in more pain and a trip to the chiropractor.
You need to roll with the recoil not fight it.
Try and fight the recoil and you are going to end up in a world of hurt.
Bob
Click to expand...
Reminds me of that old song "When I fight Authority Authority always wins." :LOL:

 
Hunter-Habib said:
7x57mm Mauser
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Or .30-06 Springfield
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If you can find a BRNO ZKK600 rifle in either calibre, you’re gold.
View attachment 737290

Amongst currently manufactured options, a Ruger Hawkeye in .30-06 Springfield is as good as it gets for the sportsman on a budget.
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I always enjoy seeing your pictures Sir.
 
That RJ Renner 7x57 fits the bill nicely

T

Thread 'For Sale or Trade: Three rifles'

I’m still thinning the herd:
#1 - Ruger 77 Hawkeye 257 Roberts. Excellent condition. Very low shot count (less than 40) LOP 13.5” trigger to butt. Bought on AH recently. Professional gunsmith went through rifle refinished stock with an oil finish, installed a lighter trigger spring (2.5 lb pull) and floated the barrel. Ruger rings. Did not work up a load but it shoots Winchester X 117gr very well. This rifle seems to be fairly ammo picky like most Roberts I’ve shot. I just can’t fall in love with the caliber. $1000 shipped.

#2 - 1978 Ruger 77 red butt tang safety 7x57...
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For tiny 10, I'd go with a 223 Winchester.

When it comes to plains game, it really gets over thought and I'm including myself. Really that an ildwr friend reminded me if: Any cartridge that will kill an elk at 300 yards in the US will kill any antelope in Africa. The bullet and shot placement is more important than the caliber. He does prefer a 300 H&H though....

While I'm putting together a 30-06 for 2027, my teenage daughter used a 7-08 this summer. Including a quartering one shot kill on a zebra. Barnes TSX. A friend's wife routinely takes PG up to eland with her 7-08. So a 7x57 would work.

For classic, this 8x57 I recently picked up may take the next trip. I just got it, and haven't had time to work with it. You can find well made German mausers.for very attractive prices If I like the 8x57, the 30-06 may not go.

And actually Bob is correct, the 35 Whelen would be an excellent do all cartridge for all PG.

.
 

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txtrout75218 said:
For tiny 10, I'd go with a 223 Winchester.

When it comes to plains game, it really gets over thought and I'm including myself. Really that an ildwr friend reminded me if: Any cartridge that will kill an elk at 300 yards in the US will kill any antelope in Africa. The bullet and shot placement is more important than the caliber. He does prefer a 300 H&H though....

While I'm putting together a 30-06 for 2027, my teenage daughter used a 7-08 this summer. Including a quartering one shot kill on a zebra. Barnes TSX. A friend's wife routinely takes PG up to eland with her 7-08. So a 7x57 would work.

For classic, this 8x57 I recently picked up may take the next trip. I just got it, and haven't had time to work with it. You can find well made German mausers.for very attractive prices If I like the 8x57, the 30-06 may not go.

And actually Bob is correct, the 35 Whelen would be an excellent do all cartridge for all PG.

.
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@txtrout75218
Bob is never wrong but it's also very seldom he is right. Just ask me I should know. If'n I want a second opinion I will ask myself.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob
 
Beck said:
From Top to Bottom
.300 Weatherby Sako Av - Meopta 2-12x50 illuminated
.375 H&H Sako Kodiak - Meopta 1.7-10x42 illuminated
9.3x66mm Sako Grizzly - Meopta 1.7-10x42 illuminated
Not pictured
8x68S Steyr Manlicher 2-10x42 Leupold illuminated

View attachment 738160
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I like the collection, big Sako fan myself. It is currently the brand leading the charge for my dedicated PG rifle. I'm working on a custom A7 for an mule deer rifle as well, the actions are darn hard to beat!
 
Wyit76 said:
I like the collection, big Sako fan myself. It is currently the brand leading the charge for my dedicated PG rifle. I'm working on a custom A7 for an mule deer rifle as well, the actions are darn hard to beat!
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And they are tack drivers - try out meopta if you get a chance. I was a huge Leupold guy until I discovered them
 
I love my 7x57’s and 9.3x62. If eland is in the plan, I would go with the 9.3.

To step out in another direction, have you considered the 8x68?
 
Lots of great suggestions in this thread. As far as "classic in Africa" it doesn't get much more classic that a 7x57 or a 9.3x62, both have an extensive history of taking any and all game animals in Africa. A more American flavor would open the door to a 30-06, 35 Whelen, 300 Win Mag.

I have used a 300 Win and a 30-06 the last two times I hunted PG in Africa and the 300 Win many other times as well. I have never had a reason to be anything other than completed satisfied with either option.

However, I do believe that the next time I target PG, I will be using either my 7x57, 35 Whelen or 9.3x62, just because I believe that would be great fun breaking out one of these other cartridges and trying something different.

What's the point of having rifles in the various cartridges, if you don't go shoot things with them, know what I mean? Whatever you decide on, practice with it a lot before going and go have a great safari.
 
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