Hello from New Mexico

[sgtsabai]

Welcome from a former New Mexican. I lived up in the Chama/TA area. Strange as it may seem to some, I was an LEO and most of my friends from that former life were the outlaws. I was there last 4th of July after getting out of Minneapolis VA hospital for Agent Orange throat cancer. Local folks from the TA area mostly and mostly old outlaws. It was great to be "home" for a bit. Back home now in Thailand. Good luck with the planning. I believe your 300 Mag will do fine for plains animals. If you want to hunt buffalo, upgrade with 375 or 416 and make that your main hunt. AH will help you as you plan. Good to have you onboard.

 

[Velo Dog]

Greetings LVD923,

Khomas Highland Hunting and Fishing Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.

Regarding the rifle choice thing, I now prefer to travel as light as possible these days and just rent one from the PH.
On the other hand, I have seriously researched what does and doesn’t work the best.
That combined with a fair sprinkling of experience shooting hoofed game, the following are my suggestions.

A .30-06 or 8x57 Mauser with 180 grain bullets and either a simple 4x scope or low powered variable is very good for non-dangerous game in Africa.
However personally,
I do prefer a bit “more gun” on Eland.
Not more velocity but, more bullet weight.

And, my favorite hunting cartridge is the .375 H&H, both in Africa and Alaska as well.
This, due to the size of Africa’s huge Eland and N. American Bison, not to mention the tenacity of our local grizzly bear here where I live in Alaska.

Anyway, I predict that you will have a grand time in Africa.

Best Regards,
Velo Dog.

 

[DERIAN KOEKEMOER SAFARIS]

Hi there folks,

Been following these threads for about 5 years, and finally decided to join you all. Getting my plans set for a safari in 2026, and was hoping to get some perspectives on a first timer's South Africa run. My apologies if this is a bit long winded, and feel free to redirect me to a more appropriate spot for my question. The specifics of the hunt is a 5 species quota. Eland, Warthog, Impala, Hippo and Cape buffalo. I've already been recommended to drop hippo and Buff, in exchange for a Plains game plan.

All said and done I have about 18 months to figure out what I'm doing. The next big topic is rifle/cartridge selection. I have options luckily, albeit unsure what would be my go to. Hoping to try for a one gun does all kinda deal. Plus I can get some practice in with a "DG style" rifle, in the chance I decide to just go for the hippo and Buff. This rifle will also get to see some trail time this coming season in NM, assuming I finely get to draw... but I digress.. My main option is Re-chambering my Ruger M77 MkII in 338 Win Mag to either 416 or 375 Ruger. With the runner-ups being a new Ruger Hawkeye African in either of the prior mentioned Rugers, or an X-bolt in 375 h&h. The Dark horses are a pair of older rifles at a local shop. First being an Eddystone 1917 conversion in 458 Win Mag, then a CZ 550 in the daunting 505 Gibbs. Even if I dont shoot it, that would honestly would be a cool piece of history to have in the safe.

with a bit a little warming up I'm perfectly confident in my shot placement inside of 300 yds. Dropped plenty of bison, and pronghorn with high percentage shots from my 300 Win Mag and 308 win. Plus never really had any issues inside of 150 with my irons. Just have never had the opportunity to shoot anything with much more recoil then my 300 or 338 with the brake off. Thanks again, and hoping to start making some new stories soon.

Welcome to AH @LDV923

I will be sending you a DM regarding Hippo and Buffalo in South Africa.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Welcome to AH.

 

[Tanner Lee]

Welcome to AH.

Caliber wise, I would recommend the 375 H&H, you can use it here in the states and it will work for hippo and buffalo.

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard LVD923. I'd suggest just doing a Plains Game hunt your first time out. Africa itself will call you back for future hunts that may or may not include Dangerous Game. DG hunts will be more fun if you've already "gotten your feet wet." A 300 Win Mag or your 338 Win Mag is more than enough gun for now. The bigger bangers can and should be saved for later.

 

[CAustin]

Hi there folks,

Been following these threads for about 5 years, and finally decided to join you all. Getting my plans set for a safari in 2026, and was hoping to get some perspectives on a first timer's South Africa run. My apologies if this is a bit long winded, and feel free to redirect me to a more appropriate spot for my question. The specifics of the hunt is a 5 species quota. Eland, Warthog, Impala, Hippo and Cape buffalo. I've already been recommended to drop hippo and Buff, in exchange for a Plains game plan.

All said and done I have about 18 months to figure out what I'm doing. The next big topic is rifle/cartridge selection. I have options luckily, albeit unsure what would be my go to. Hoping to try for a one gun does all kinda deal. Plus I can get some practice in with a "DG style" rifle, in the chance I decide to just go for the hippo and Buff. This rifle will also get to see some trail time this coming season in NM, assuming I finely get to draw... but I digress.. My main option is Re-chambering my Ruger M77 MkII in 338 Win Mag to either 416 or 375 Ruger. With the runner-ups being a new Ruger Hawkeye African in either of the prior mentioned Rugers, or an X-bolt in 375 h&h. The Dark horses are a pair of older rifles at a local shop. First being an Eddystone 1917 conversion in 458 Win Mag, then a CZ 550 in the daunting 505 Gibbs. Even if I dont shoot it, that would honestly would be a cool piece of history to have in the safe.

with a bit a little warming up I'm perfectly confident in my shot placement inside of 300 yds. Dropped plenty of bison, and pronghorn with high percentage shots from my 300 Win Mag and 308 win. Plus never really had any issues inside of 150 with my irons. Just have never had the opportunity to shoot anything with much more recoil then my 300 or 338 with the brake off. Thanks again, and hoping to start making some new stories soon.

Welcome to AH

 

[Andrew62]

Welcome! Certainly glad to have you here with the rest of us!

 

[fdw298]

Welcome to AH from Grahamstown, South Africa.
There is such a vast array of game available, but stick to what you actually want.
Best of luck with your planning. Enjoy the process.
Looking forward to your posts!
Take care & regards
Marius