308 or 300 Win Mag for Leopard

[dchum]

I think it's Kevin Robertson that has a great writeup about Leopard bullets (and Art Alphin of A-Sq fame wrote a LOT about this subject, and even developed the RIP "Lion Load" bullet, specifically designed for cats-that have a rather interesting nervous system that disrupts easily via use of lighter, low-SD for caliber, more thinly jacketed bullets. I'd go with the ".308 WM!" lol (the 300). Any traditional 150-165 gr. (non-Premium) bullet (lead-tipped, jacketed) would do the job, but if you handload Nos BTs (especially the gen. 1 that had even thinner jackets!), and even the Berger original VLD Hunter or the new Classic Hunter (not the heaviest, newest, highest BC/SD) in 150-165gr, as they are not constructed as tough as most plastic-tipped premiums (which, oddly is what you want in this case). The lighter/faster lower SD, thinner-skinned bullets (i.e. 300 WM 165 @ 3,150-3,250 fps) will certainly penetrate a cat (likely pass through,) but the bullet will tend to disintegrate within the animal (in this case, the desired effect on Felines!) Also, any of the cheaper "Whitetail" ammo. sold by all manufacturers would be a great choice for cats (again, using more traditionally-constructed, lighter bullets.) It's an easy shot ONCE it presents itself, and the 300 WM is a super-accurate cartridge (as-is just about anything at that distance! Tracers might be nice in some leopard hunts!! lol)

300 Winchester Magnum 168 Grain Classic Hunter Rifle Ammunition

The 168gr Classic Hunter load represents a relatively light weight option for this cartridge. The bullet produces less recoil leading to greater accuracy.

bergerbullets.com

300 Winchester Magnum 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip – Copper Creek Cartridge Co.

coppercreekcartridgeco.com

https://www.scheels.com/p/federal-premium-barnes-tsx-300-winchester-magnum-rifle-ammunition-20-round-box/29465-P308H-300WinchesterMagnum/?srsltid=AfmBOorp7B3seoizXaE1k5M4E02Sgk8n-awep28ydvQD3WxqcR0xWNf5

My choice for leopard?? If the country/PH allowed it based upon min. E requirements-a hot .264 (WSM or Wby 130ish gr.), 300 WM, a hot 338 (165-185 gr), or 375/416 (<300/400) on certain hunts (using same types of bullets described above.) GL!

I think if a Berger preformed how they usually do it would be deadly on a leopard. Obviously!

My only gripe is open tip match bullets are more prone to failure. Penciling… FACT
Penciling would be an issue It is rare but it’s certainly not zero %.

And a leopard being so narrow that if the Berger open tip nose did fail to open you wouldn’t even get much damage from tumbling.

That’s why a large lead nose would be my first choice for a cat. Followed by a tipped bullet like a Accubond or SST/EDL-X or M.

Even Hornady in there Law enforcement lines have gone away from loading open tip match. Much more reliable performance with tipped bullets to create expansion.

I do hunt with Bergers and they are VERY deadly, just statistically more prone to penciling. I’ve ever seen it but I will trust the manufacturers and testing.

 

[C.W. Richter]

*my 757 AI would do the trick as well (any 7 mag or std. 757 for that matter, using similar bullet logic.)

 

[SETH RINGER]

I think it's Kevin Robertson that has a great writeup about Leopard bullets (and Art Alphin of A-Sq fame wrote a LOT about this subject, and even developed the RIP "Lion Load" bullet, specifically designed for cats-that have a rather interesting nervous system that disrupts easily via use of lighter, low-SD for caliber, more thinly jacketed bullets. I'd go with the ".308 WM!" lol (the 300). Any traditional 150-165 gr. (non-Premium) bullet (lead-tipped, jacketed) would do the job, but if you handload Nos BTs (especially the gen. 1 that had even thinner jackets!), and even the Berger original VLD Hunter or the new Classic Hunter (not the heaviest, newest, highest BC/SD) in 150-165gr, as they are not constructed as tough as most plastic-tipped premiums (which, oddly is what you want in this case). The lighter/faster lower SD, thinner-skinned bullets (i.e. 300 WM 165 @ 3,150-3,250 fps) will certainly penetrate a cat (likely pass through,) but the bullet will tend to disintegrate within the animal (in this case, the desired effect on Felines!) Also, any of the cheaper "Whitetail" ammo. sold by all manufacturers would be a great choice for cats (again, using more traditionally-constructed, lighter bullets.) It's an easy shot ONCE it presents itself, and the 300 WM is a super-accurate cartridge (as-is just about anything at that distance! Tracers might be nice in some leopard hunts!! lol)

300 Winchester Magnum 168 Grain Classic Hunter Rifle Ammunition

The 168gr Classic Hunter load represents a relatively light weight option for this cartridge. The bullet produces less recoil leading to greater accuracy.

bergerbullets.com

300 Winchester Magnum 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip – Copper Creek Cartridge Co.

coppercreekcartridgeco.com

https://www.scheels.com/p/federal-premium-barnes-tsx-300-winchester-magnum-rifle-ammunition-20-round-box/29465-P308H-300WinchesterMagnum/?srsltid=AfmBOorp7B3seoizXaE1k5M4E02Sgk8n-awep28ydvQD3WxqcR0xWNf5

My choice for leopard?? If the country/PH allowed it based upon min. E requirements-a hot .264 (WSM or Wby 130ish gr.), 300 WM, a hot 338 (165-185 gr), or 375/416 (<300/400) on certain hunts (using same types of bullets described above.) GL!

SHOT A LEOPARD AND A NICE WEST TX COUGAR WITH THE A-SQ 375HH LION LOAD, SMASHED THEM BOTH. GOT ANOTHER BOX OR SO SAVING FOR "EMERGENCY PURPOSES ONLY".

 

[DLSJR]

I ob

@DLSJR

That's a pump action rifle. A Remington Model 7600.

I obviously didn’t look closely enough to differentiate between the pump and automatic. Haven’t seen one of those Remingtons in a long time.

 

[dchum]

View attachment 754426

I’ve had the extreme pleasure of conversing w/ @Hunter-Habib on this subject. His approval of my rig and his expert knowledge of the great cats and bullet selection has allowed me to settle and concentrate on training for my leopard hunt in 51/2 weeks.

100 yards slow on the first two shots with the third rapid behind the second.

I think there are better choices these days in the 30-06.

180 partion or Accubond. Loaded by choice of Pendleton to get some more velocity.

More damage and still excellent penetration.

Just a thought.

 

[1dirthawker]

North Fork bullets makes a "percussion point" that is made specifically for cats. they open up quickly, and penetrate well due to bonding and a solid copper base. i suspect a 165-180gr bullet in either rifle would do the trick. the 300 win might be a bit more useful for other game (PG) you are interested in shooting, for bait or trophies.

 

[C.W. Richter]

Agreed fully on the SST (used 'em a bunch on deer.) I did seem some higher velocity uh-ohs using RN bullets...the V has to be suitable for them (not orig. designed for high V rigs. 06s, 757, etc. N/P!) I did see one Nos 160 disintegrate very badly w/ poor penetration in a 6.5 mag, original Nos PTs blow into dust outside a near shoulder in 257 Wby, and using the original Berger VLD (before the hunter model) that penetrated a deer completely, but blew into "bird shot" inside...500 yd blood trail. It was an easy drag, as it was fatally halalled by the bullet (but that's not what we're shooting for-'had to get permission from another landowner to collect that one.) Yeah, it's that one odd situation where a high V close-range (<100) shot will work out well-on Leopard! But the original Berger hunting 165-a great choice! Plus SUPER accurate for some longer bait (PG) shots! Some of the bonded bullets might be a bit tough for this application. Your mention of SST made me smile...down in TX years ago- a deer was 10 yds out from me, but 225 yds above me! LOL 'Shot it, and it's the 1st and only deer that literally landed at my feet moments later (i think we had to step back!) Bullet performed flawlessly, but ballistically that shot was like a 30-footer...closer to leopard hunting! *Ranch hand commented IF he would've known I was going to do that, he would've brought the truck and backed the tailgate up to the cliff! LOL

I think if a Berger preformed how they usually do it would be deadly on a leopard. Obviously!

My only gripe is open tip match bullets are more prone to failure. Penciling… FACT
Penciling would be an issue It is rare but it’s certainly not zero %.

And a leopard being so narrow that if the Berger open tip nose did fail to open you wouldn’t even get much damage from tumbling.

That’s why a large lead nose would be my first choice for a cat. Followed by a tipped bullet like a Accubond or SST/EDL-X or M.

 

[C.W. Richter]

The whole thing is interesting, but 28:30ish to your inquiry and other points above (he praises NF bullets in his books)... but he's talking specifically about a 375 (the legal min. in many places.) The shot placement/results comments are spectacular!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...-kevin-robertson/id1462591474?i=1000531053176
He backs the Nos PT (as it's not as tough as the Swift A-Frame.) The #1 bullet I use on everything excepting Buff & up. In the end he says back off the premium bullets, but just about anything with a perfect shot gets the job done.

 

[joker2400]

I’m planning to use my .375 with 300 grain Accubonds in April.

 

[Doug3006]

Light caliber and soft bullets are perfect for leopard.

Your .308 is perfect. Your 300 is also fine. Just don’t shoot them with hard, tough bullets. It’s a relatively small, lightly built animal. You want good expansion.

 

[Miletic]

Have upcoming hunt in 2028 for Leopard and looking for some input from experienced hunters. Something internal tells me 300 is too big (don't want to damage the hide). Everything I have read 180 gr was too big to get the proper expansion compared a 150gr or 165 gr. Thanks for any input.

Dear Shaw, first of all, let me say that I have not hunted a leopard, but I have hunted a lot of other animals, so I have some experience, especially with grains and calibers.
You want not to damage the skin, which is logical. If you choose a softer grain and 300wm, you will damage the skin more than you want. 308 might be a better choice. I also recommend one of the monolithic grains. Nothing lighter than 180 gr. Perhaps, for example, GMX or CX would be ideal for skin preservation. But, they are also not stop grains, so the leopard will probably leave the place of shooting.
I also tested other variants where the softest and lightest grain (for example V-Max) is used on a larger animal (where meat doesn't matter) which creates an explosion in the body and will not come out the other side. It's the best way to save the skin, but you have to hit the animal's shoulder. After this hit, the animal will no longer move from the place of the shot

 

[375Fox]

View attachment 754426

I’ve had the extreme pleasure of conversing w/ @Hunter-Habib on this subject. His approval of my rig and his expert knowledge of the great cats and bullet selection has allowed me to settle and concentrate on training for my leopard hunt in 51/2 weeks.

100 yards slow on the first two shots with the third rapid behind the second.

I’d really like to see a photo of that rifle leaning against a leopard. I doubt PHs see a Remington 760 very often.

 

[Betterinthebush]

I’d really like to see a photo of that rifle leaning against a leopard. I doubt PHs see a Remington 760 very often.

Thanks, man. I seems I’m accumulating quite a rooting section for this gig! I’ve been waiting my whole life for this hunt. Like the OP I’ve been asking questions years ahead of time.

 

[Rare Breed]

Have upcoming hunt in 2028 for Leopard and looking for some input from experienced hunters. Something internal tells me 300 is too big (don't want to damage the hide). Everything I have read 180 gr was too big to get the proper expansion compared a 150gr or 165 gr. Thanks for any input.

I am hunting my second try at leopard in Moz. Stop being worried about the grain of bullet and focus on fast expansion. I am taking my Rigby HS in 275 Rigby shooting a 175 grain partition that is assured of fast expansion as an example. Either your 308 or 300 are both good choices for leopard. The bullet type and put your money in the illuminated scope quality which for leopard is by far more important than the rifle.

 

[Rare Breed]

I have not hunted leopard, so my thoughts are just that, thoughts. If I were booking a leopard hunt tomorrow, I would plan on using my 375 and 270 Barnes TSX, a handload, that's pushing 2730 fps. But, I don't like traveling with two guns. I would also make sure that whatever scope I put on there for spots had possible illumination......and it would be a german scope, I just "think" the glass is better when pushing the boundaries of light.

That said I'm quite confident that I have a 308 win 180gr Sierra PH load going 2700 fps that would create a lot of internal damage on a cat. The Norma Alaska 180 .308 bullet is a good one for africa as well.

I would not recommend a Barnes TSX on leopard. Not enough fast expansion on a very thin skinned animal

 

[steve white]

308/GREAT light gathering illuminated scope.

 

[HuntingHard]

I used Trophy Bonded Tip, 300 Win Mag, 180 Grain (Federal Ammunition) for my 2025 leopard hunt in Namibia. Cat was standing broadside on the ground and shot was recorded with trail cameras. Cat ran into bush and audio of his death growel was recorded. That should tell you how far he ran. No problems with skin damage.

 

[Green Chile]

I’ve hunted leopard with 7x57 but some areas have caliber minimums. In Moz next year, they require .375 as minimum.

 

[Landlock91]

.308 Winchester with a 150 or 165 grain premium bullet is the better choice for leopard. The .300 Win Mag is too much gun for the job, and you're right to be concerned about hide damage.

 

[PeteG]

Have upcoming hunt in 2028 for Leopard and looking for some input from experienced hunters. Something internal tells me 300 is too big (don't want to damage the hide). Everything I have read 180 gr was too big to get the proper expansion compared a 150gr or 165 gr. Thanks for any input.

Be cautious with your choice of bullet. you will require a bullet that will expand quickly and do as much damage as possible.

Do not worry about the hide!!!
kill your leopard first without wounding it and without getting your ph or his team in any predicament that you may regret afterwards.
Your taxidermist will be able to fix any holes.
Remember 1 well placed shot with a good entrance and good exit is better that a wounded cat with multiple follow up shots and potential life threatening danger!

A 300 win mag is certainly not too much gun, on the contrary it is on the lower end of what i would recommend, and i would definitely recommend a larger caliber if you have something.

Make 110% certain you discuss angles and vital positions with the ph.
Leopard do not necessarily have to be shot "on the shoulder". my preferred location on a broadside is an inch or two behind the shoulder.
it improves the chances of hitting both lungs and then you have things in your favour. a shot too far forward may clip only one lung if the angle isnt perfect ( and that happens more often than you care to imagine) and if that happens...best you hold tight and strap in for a wild ride!

I had a client shoot too far forward, breaking both front shoulders and the cat did not want to give in, i had to go in after in in faded light into the thicket with a growling cat skirting around from bush to bush while i could not see properly. dont make that mistake. it almost did not end well.

a cat that has to be abandoned due to faded light or a situation too late at night and followed in the morning has a huge risk of total loss to lion or hyena finding the wounded cat.