jimbo1972
AH enthusiast
After my initial South African plains game safari, I quickly found myself captivated by the thrill of African hunting. As an avid collector and user of bolt-action rifles—perhaps even to the point of indulgence—I was eager to add to my collection. My most recent acquisition is a Blaser R8 Professional Success Leather, which I procured through a deal with AH member @BeeMaa. This rifle, equipped with a 375H&H barrel, has proven to be exceptional. I also added two additional barrels—one in .300 Win Mag and another in .257 Weatherby Magnum—both of which demonstrate remarkable accuracy.
As I prefer shooting suppressed, I had Silencer Central thread both the .257 and .300 barrels to accommodate my suppressors. Additionally, I commissioned a custom Gunfoam insert for a Pelican Vault V700 case, specifically designed to hold the three barrels, three scopes, stock, two suppressors, assorted magazine inserts, and extra trigger/mag group, this case weights 43lb fully loaded. This case allows me to conveniently transport everything necessary for hunting, ranging from small deer/antelope to dangerous game.
Since last October, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on the range, firing more than 500 rounds between the three calibers and stretching the distances out to 600 yards at the CMP range in Alabama. I’ve also put the rifle to good use in the field, taking a few whitetail does, a half dozen wild hogs, and a Saskatchewan black bear. The 375H&H was used for the hogs and bear, while the .300 Win Mag accounted for the whitetail deer.
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this rifle and have had great success with it, I did experience three instances where the spent brass failed to eject properly, landing back into the breach and potentially causing a jam. Two of these occurrences took place at the range, and the third occurred during a hog hunt. While this issue is not critical for non dangerous game, I recognize that it could become problematic in the event of a dangerous game encounter, particularly on a buffalo hunt. It is possible that the malfunction was user error, but I take full responsibility for ensuring the rifle I rely on for dangerous game is flawless.
To mitigate this concern, I’ve recently purchased a Winchester Model 70 Alaskan in 375H&H, which will serve as my rifle for testing and further familiarization. I own several Model 70 rifles, and I have full confidence in their ability to reliably extract spent brass. Given my experience with the Model 70, I am confident that this rifle will provide the level of reliability required for a successful dangerous game safari. I will continue to hunt with the R8 just don't trust my life to it.
As I prefer shooting suppressed, I had Silencer Central thread both the .257 and .300 barrels to accommodate my suppressors. Additionally, I commissioned a custom Gunfoam insert for a Pelican Vault V700 case, specifically designed to hold the three barrels, three scopes, stock, two suppressors, assorted magazine inserts, and extra trigger/mag group, this case weights 43lb fully loaded. This case allows me to conveniently transport everything necessary for hunting, ranging from small deer/antelope to dangerous game.
Since last October, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on the range, firing more than 500 rounds between the three calibers and stretching the distances out to 600 yards at the CMP range in Alabama. I’ve also put the rifle to good use in the field, taking a few whitetail does, a half dozen wild hogs, and a Saskatchewan black bear. The 375H&H was used for the hogs and bear, while the .300 Win Mag accounted for the whitetail deer.
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this rifle and have had great success with it, I did experience three instances where the spent brass failed to eject properly, landing back into the breach and potentially causing a jam. Two of these occurrences took place at the range, and the third occurred during a hog hunt. While this issue is not critical for non dangerous game, I recognize that it could become problematic in the event of a dangerous game encounter, particularly on a buffalo hunt. It is possible that the malfunction was user error, but I take full responsibility for ensuring the rifle I rely on for dangerous game is flawless.
To mitigate this concern, I’ve recently purchased a Winchester Model 70 Alaskan in 375H&H, which will serve as my rifle for testing and further familiarization. I own several Model 70 rifles, and I have full confidence in their ability to reliably extract spent brass. Given my experience with the Model 70, I am confident that this rifle will provide the level of reliability required for a successful dangerous game safari. I will continue to hunt with the R8 just don't trust my life to it.
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