Solids for SA small game

MarkB · Jan 6, 2020

Looking for answer to question. Are solids allowed for use in SA, real solids not military ball, or FMJ?

For my night hunt portion for the civet, honey badger, porcupine and maybe genets I wanted to use some 110 gr 30 cal old style Barnes solids in my 300WSM. Last few hunts I used Nosler Accubonds but shock exploded smaller stuff even on no bone hits. Real issue sewing an exploded jackal for life-size. I was hoping not to repeat.

I have researched this question for hours, I have found "outfitter" statements and the official pachyderm regs and species caliber regs. I am looking for the official Government bullet yes or no regs if they exist.

Anyone know?

Thanks

MB

KAROO WILD Safaris · Jan 6, 2020

Yes they 're allowed. Even if they were illegal for hunting, I guarantee you no one in SA will check or know the difference. A 110 gr solid will destroy or cut up a genet size animal though. The pressure and speed will make a sizeable exit hole in most cases. You can try downloading it to the edge of it's lowest safe fps and trial test it. But even 65 gr solids out of a 243 make large holes in genets even when downloaded. We found a .22 works best, close shots are viable as you can call them in with a squeeking sound using your hands and lips.

MarkB · Jan 6, 2020

I am more worried about Airlines in, not sure how close we are checked. There are reports on here about ammo not marked with same head stamp so was worried. Outfitter has 22 and shotgun, will probably need for genet, its the intermediate stuff that concerns me. Renting an array of guns and the ammo adds costs and I do like to say I used my weapons and handloads for all in my memory room.

There is no Gov ref for or against?

Thanks

MB

IvW · Jan 6, 2020

MarkB said:
There is no Gov ref for or against?

Thanks

MB

No not for what you want.

110gr solids from a 300 WSM will still blow them up.

Genet .22LR or shotgun

The rest controlled expansion at lower velocity or solid. Badgers are tough.
7x57 mm at reduced velocity is great. Woodleigh hydros but watch the speed...good old Woodie jacketed solid is also great but shot placement is more critical as they do little damage.

They make a 220 gr FMJ which would be great but not sure WSM will take them....

Spitser shaped bullets or so called "cat loads" are a waste of time in my opinion....

Ridgewalker · Jan 6, 2020

Haven’t used them in Africa, but I’ve used a 30-06 with 110 grain M1 carbine FMJs loaded down to about 1,900 fps (30 carbine velocity) on turkeys, bobcats, coyotes, rabbits and dusky grouse and it worked well. Little damage.
On the little grouse, I tried to hit wing butt or base of neck.

MarkB · Jan 6, 2020

Thanks for answers so far. Glad I was not only one who could not find a real Gov ref. I will load up some of the 110s and see how slow I can push with acceptable accurate. 300wsm did not like the accubonds slow, wanted 2700fps but groups opened way up. Bumped back to 2900fps and nice groups again. I do have some 308 FMJ from last trip, not 220, I think 147 but they still caused some sewing. Maybe another option.

MB

CAustin · Jan 6, 2020

MarkB said:
Looking for answer to question. Are solids allowed for use in SA, real solids not military ball, or FMJ?

For my night hunt portion for the civet, honey badger, porcupine and maybe genets I wanted to use some 110 gr 30 cal old style Barnes solids in my 300WSM. Last few hunts I used Nosler Accubonds but shock exploded smaller stuff even on no bone hits. Real issue sewing an exploded jackal for life-size. I was hoping not to repeat.

I have researched this question for hours, I have found "outfitter" statements and the official pachyderm regs and species caliber regs. I am looking for the official Government bullet yes or no regs if they exist.

Anyone know?

Thanks

MB

yep!

fourfive8 · Jan 9, 2020

For tissue or hide damage, velocity is your enemy. Other posts so far are exactly right. If you have time and desire you can test your bullets in a media like “wet pack”. Bundle up phone books or news print or even magazines with nylon string into 4-6 inch bundles. Soak in water over night. Place in wood trough or just lay on wood whatever. Fire bullet straight down axis of media. You can see/record effects inch by inch through that media. 10-15 inch thickness of that media will show whatever you need to see relative to smaller game. Use same media for each shot otherwise comparisons will be meaningless.

I think I’d try to find an accurate load down around 2000 or less. For damage, velocity is much more a factor than bullet weight. You’d likely be much better off, for your purpose, using a much heavier, SLOWER bullet than a lighter, naturally FASTER bullet.

Red Leg · Jan 9, 2020

I have used 300 gr .375 solids at normal velocity on animals as small as Suni (think small jack rabbit in size) and they worked perfectly. I would not think of using one on a genet - it would cut him in half. @IvW is correct - .22lr or shotgun would be best. A .22 solid would also work from a relatively mild caliber like a .22 Hornet for the smallest of the small. As @fourfive8 correctly notes, speed can cause tremendous damage to the smaller fellows. Heavier and slower is always better.

Solids for SA small game

MarkB

KAROO WILD Safaris

MarkB

IvW

Ridgewalker

MarkB

CAustin

fourfive8

Red Leg

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