Buff are tough

[towserthemouser]

CMS has a video that I remember seeing, where someone shot a cow elephant with a big double. I think it was a 470NE but not 100% sure about that part. The part I do remember quite clearly is that when they hit that cow on the shoulder, you could see it literally knock her off her feet. The impression I had watching the video was that she took a punch from a giant invisible fist and just got knocked over. I've heard about Knock-out Values all my life, but seeing that video I finally got it.

I agree with all who have pointed out the importance of bullet placement. But I do not think a 375 would have knocked that cow ass over teakettle like the big double did.

That's a point for the big bores, IF you can place the bullet properly.

 

[Rare Breed]

Kevin you are wise my friend. Shoot the heaviest caliber you know you can place that first shot in the kill zone period

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Kevin.
Thanks for this interesting report.
I'm especially glad to hear that the Hornady products performed quite well.
They do get a lot of flak here on the forum.
Were those the bonded bullets or the older ones?
Best regards
Foxi

Hi Foxi, these are all the bonded ones. There is a photo in our group of a retrieved one, I will try to get it, it shows perfect petal axpansion. I have nothing but goid things to say about Hornady.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

All of this information is interesting. @Kevin Peacocke, I heard the story of the last buff via Glen and @Lancaster ....very exciting and I'm so pleased everyone got out of the situation uninjured.
I note that a lot of the shots were taken with the DGX bullets which have a bit of a chequered history if I recall correctly. Do you recall if these bullets penetrated deep and tracked straight or could poor bullet performance have played a part? I can only add two buffalo cows to the collective knowledge base and both are interesting for different reasons. The first was in 2022 with a .375 H&H, 300 g TSX and a frontal chest shot - the cows legs gave way instantly and she hit the deck exactly where she stood. A follow up insurance shot with a .458 Win Mag was administered to be prudent. The second buffalo cow was last year with a .458 Lott and 420 grain CEB Raptors. The buff was quartering on and the bullet hit the left shoulder joint, fractured the humerus and made a very narrow wound through the upper part of the lungs. We caught up with her very much alive about 20-30 minutes later and the terrier kept the cow at bay whilst numerous shots were fired with the 458 lott. I noted at the time that the 450 grain CEB safari solids appeared to hit her much harder than the 420 grain Raptors and the autopsy showed the petals had not reached the vitals. As a result of this experience I will be setting off to the Caprivi before long with "old school" 450 grain TSX and 500 grain TBBC, together with 450 grain CEB solids. They all shoot to the same point of impact so will take my PHs advice.
For the record I dont think the CEB Raptors are bad bullets, but I would be very careful which shot I took with them and definitely would not take a frontal or quartering on shot through the shoulder bones with them again. I am sure with broadside chest shots they would probably be excellent

@SRvet I don't have any penertation facts unfortunately.
Yes, it was exciting, but could have ended very badly. I am perhaps guilty of over reaction in having gone to the extreme with the 500 Jeffrey, but I am just not prepared to take any more chances than necessary. This is hunting, and those who do it know the risks, but the new entrants like my kids don't have to experience the learning curve from the bottom. The only thing I would change if opportunity had allowed would have been to get a 470 or a 500 double for the very fast second shot, but the Blaser was immediately available and we will practice and practice the pull reload with lesser loads on the range.

 

[Sideshow]

Hi Foxi, these are all the bonded ones. There is a photo in our group of a retrieved one, I will try to get it, it shows perfect petal axpansion. I have nothing but goid things to say about Hornady.

I for one would like to see that.
Do you have much choice on the ammo front @Kevin Peacocke I’d be guessing no with arms embargo’s for Zim. How is the SA selection? I heard good things about Rhino bullets. I’m sure if they make 500 or what their supply line is like. But nothing wrong with trying something new in something new!

 

[mark-hunter]

I am always reluctant "to try something new" on high value, high stake hunt.

 

[Sideshow]

Here’s some more info on Rhino bullets

Rhino Bullets: As African as their Name

It’s not too often you get a bullet manufacturing enterprise start off in the manufacturer’s spare bedroom, yet that is what I learnt on a visit to East London, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Owners Kobus and Shirley van der Westhuizen began their Rhino bullet production in a spare...

www.kevindthomas.com

And load data pages of the stuff looks like plenty of testing done.

https://www.xxlreloading.com/bullet-manufacturer/rhino-bullets-load-data

 

[Sideshow]

I am always reluctant "to try something new" on high value, high stake hunt.

Well I do agree but just to clarify I’m not saying take a brand new rifle straight out of the box and new bullets and go for it plus I very much doubt Kevin is that type of man.
Not as if these guys are new either.
From the above link.

“Rhino Bullets are premium hunting projectiles developed and tested in Africa under some of the harshest hunting conditions in the world. Designed by Kobus van der Westhuizen, a veteran hunter with over 40 years of experience, Rhino Bullets emerged from a need for reliable, high-performance bullets capable of taking on Africa’s most resilient game animals. After years of dealing with inconsistent results from available bullet brands, van der Westhuizen set out to create a solution tailored to the unique demands of African hunting environments.

Over an extensive 18-year development period, Rhino Bullets were rigorously tested on a wide range of species—from small Gray Duiker to the formidable Cape Buffalo. Feedback from professional hunters, sport shooters, and dedicated reloaders played a crucial role in refining the bullet design. The result is a rugged, accurate, and dependable product line that combines terminal performance, penetration, and shooting precision.

Launched internationally in 1999, Rhino Bullets were engineered "by hunters, for hunters"—with Africa’s toughest game in mind. These bullets are equally effective on the shooting range and in the field, offering benchrest-level accuracy while maintaining the strength needed for big game hunting. From Blue Duiker to Cape Buffalo, Rhino Bullets deliver consistent results shot after shot.”

As a side note it’s not as if Kevin who lives in Zim can just duck down to Bass Bro and grab what he wants off the shelf…even if there was such a store in Harare they probably don’t even have shelf’s let alone stock

 

[mark-hunter]

Specifically speaking of Rhino bullets, I researched a bit, before my DG hunts.
The research and feedback was positive.

Then, in the overall lack of DG ammo available locally at my place, I purchased Rhino bullets for reloading.
On the end, I still keep them in my locker, never used them.

But if it comes to real need, I would use them.
I consider them tried and tested.

 

[DWB]

As far as we know and understand Rhino Bullets are no longer in production as of recent.

 

[grand veneur]

Underlying this topic is a rifle caliber 500 Jeffery. Unfortunately, the selection of bullets caliber .510 is somewhat more limited than that available for smaller cartridges. In this discussion, we should perhaps limit ourselves to what would be the best option in this caliber class for shooting buffalo.

 

[DWB]

Luckily here in South Africa, where Kevin visits frequently, we have loads of excellent options!

 

[Pondoro]

I can vouch for Rhino solids (flat tipped brass bullets) in .375H&H, shot 2 elephant with them in handloads, they penetrate like crazy..

Never used their expanding bullets but I have heared lots of praise for them..