2 type bullets or only one for Dangerous Game

[ftrovato]

I think it's always the PH's call.

However Woodleigh Hydro solids & Swift Breakaway solids (maybe some others) have a concave nose that are proven to increase the size of the wound channel better than other solids and approach the performance of expanding bullets.

I put 570 Grain Woodleigh Hydro in the left rear hindquarter of a buffalo and it exited inside the right front shoulder the size of quarter.

It seems like the best configuration when shooting softs and solids.

 

[Frederik]

I think it's always the PH's call.

Personaly I think we are past these days especially with information we have on this forum for example. Believe me a busy PH does not have the time except when doing shows in the USA each year to see what new gear and brands and bullets are there.

We have a wide selection of premium bullets out there and some are not found everywhere in the world but with a quick ask and search on here you will get some.
Do I carry solids while hunting buffalo yes but its only on my belt never had the need to load them into my magazine. The solids are there just in case.

When I was the PH then I had solids loaded in my magazine as I would probarbly need to shoot at a buffalo getting away from us mostly and need as much as possible penetration.

 

[NoStepOnSnek]

As a beginner or someone unfamiliar with the world of dangerous game, I pose this question to more experienced hunters:

Is it necessary to have or go hunting buffalo with two types of bullets: expanding (the former) and solid (the latter), given that "controlled" expansion and high-penetration bullets are available on the market, such as Swift A-frame and Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw?

For example, in a 500-grain .470NE

So I have not gone on my first African hunt, but my outfitter has recommended softs with solids for a follow up. But one thing he told me that I haven’t seen mentioned yet is the added benefit of solids in a large caliber rifle allows for minimal damage when taking smaller plains game if the opportunity arises. So even if you don’t need them for buff, having some that hit point of aim with your softs gives you the ability to take some of the smaller stuff without too much damage

 

[IvW]

the added benefit of solids in a large caliber rifle allows for minimal damage when taking smaller plains game if the opportunity arises....... the smaller stuff without too much damage

Exactly the problem and why I dont use solids on buffalo......

 

[Dinsdale]

Personaly I think we are past these days especially with information we have on this forum for example. Believe me a busy PH does not have the time except when doing shows in the USA each year to see what new gear and brands and bullets are there.

Ask Buzz Charlton about bullets and ballistics and his eyes glaze over. Couldn't be more bored. Lol

 

[ftrovato]

Personaly I think we are past these days especially with information we have on this forum for example. Believe me a busy PH does not have the time except when doing shows in the USA each year to see what new gear and brands and bullets are there.

We have a wide selection of premium bullets out there and some are not found everywhere in the world but with a quick ask and search on here you will get some.
Do I carry solids while hunting buffalo yes but its only on my belt never had the need to load them into my magazine. The solids are there just in case.

When I was the PH then I had solids loaded in my magazine as I would probarbly need to shoot at a buffalo getting away from us mostly and need as much as possible penetration.

One of the PH's I've hunted with wanted straight up softs in my rifle, another wanted a soft followed by solid(s).

Whenever we got into elephants, even though we were not hunting them, they both insisted I change to solids in the event something went wrong during our exit strategy.

I think it's good to have both on hand...

 

[BeeMaa]

I spoke extensively with several PH's about this subject, and they all said just about the same thing.

Bring premium softs like the Barnes TSX, Swift A-Frame, Federal TBBC or Norma Oryx as your primary. Also bring a handful of solids in the event that they are needed. They mentioned Woodleigh Hydros, CEB Safari Solids and Swift Breakaway Solids as ones they would trust.

Solids are for smaller antelope (T10) or whenever the PH asks you to load them. I know for hunting elephant; solids would be the primary bullet as well.

We are leaving in less than a month for Cape buffalo and maybe some PG. Taking 30 Barnes TSX and 10 Hydros just to have our bases covered.

 

[gcbailey]

My guide recommended me to bring softs and and just a few solids in 2022. I used Woodleigh's in a 450/400. When we went after buffalo, I kept a soft in the right barrel and a solid in the left (in the event of a charge). My first shot dropped him instantly, so I reloaded another soft for the coup de grâce. I never used the solids, but it was good to have them, just in case.

 

[375Fox]

I spoke extensively with several PH's about this subject, and they all said just about the same thing.

Bring premium softs like the Barnes TSX, Swift A-Frame, Federal TBBC or Norma Oryx as your primary. Also bring a handful of solids in the event that they are needed. They mentioned Woodleigh Hydros, CEB Safari Solids and Swift Breakaway Solids as ones they would trust.

Solids are for smaller antelope (T10) or whenever the PH asks you to load them. I know for hunting elephant; solids would be the primary bullet as well.

We are leaving in less than a month for Cape buffalo and maybe some PG. Taking 30 Barnes TSX and 10 Hydros just to have our bases covered.

I would not class a norma oryx as a premium soft in the class of the other 3 you listed. I have some in 375 I acquired when ammo was scarce but I wish I didn’t now that ammo is widely available again. I’d only use them on PG and that’s advice I’ve been given by several PHs. They are bonded but also very thinly jacketed and soft. This is one of few I recovered from 300 win mag 180 gr on a recent hunt. This was an impala at maybe 100 yards. I estimated maybe 40% weight retention and lots of lead fragments in meat. I expected much better. I won’t try on buffalo unless I have to. Based on what I saw I’d actually say a Nosler partition is a more reliable bullet than oryx.

 

[BeeMaa]

I would not class a norma oryx as a premium soft in the class of the other 3 you listed. I have some in 375 I acquired when ammo was scarce but I wish I didn’t now that ammo is widely available again. I’d only use them on PG and that’s advice I’ve been given by several PHs. They are bonded but also very thinly jacketed and soft. This is one of few I recovered from 300 win mag on a recent hunt. This was an impala at maybe 100 yards. I estimated 30-40% weight retention and lots of lead fragments in meat. I expected much better. I won’t try on buffalo unless I have to. Based on what I saw I’d actually say a Nosler partition is a more reliable bullet than oryx.
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Most of the PH's listed the Norma Oryx for lion and leopard. They favored that to the NP.