Hello from the Midwest

[Darksideoutdoors]

I've been a lurker here for several months and decided to finally become a member of the site. I would say I accidentally came upon the idea of hunting Africa within the last year. I was looking for an M70 in .375 H&H, and came across one in .416 Remington. Ended up not purchasing, but the thought process went on. Did some more research, acquired a 20" barreled Savage in .375 Ruger (future .300 PRC, I think), but shortly after thought about the .416 more and ended up getting a .416 Rigby not too long after.

I have really only hunted in Illinois, so shotgun, rifle, and revolver, but have really been kinda bitten by the Africa hunting bug (luckily no trypanosoma here), so I have definitely put that on my future list. Nice meeting everyone and look forward to perhaps being to contribute to the taxidermy section before we all know it.

 

[cpr0312]

Hello and welcome to AH!

 

[Andrew Short]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Welcome! Africa is very special, I live there, hope you can get over soon.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Darksideoutdoors. You have the rifles you need, all you require at this point is a change in location. What species of animals are you thinking about hunting? Any specific countries and or outfitters in mind?

 

[nztimb]

Giday and welcome to the A H forum

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Darksideoutdoors! Nice to have you join the conversation.

 

[chashardy]

Welcome! Sounds like you have the addiction. Give in and book a hunt in Africa!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Darksideoutdoors, welcome to the AH forum! Tons of great info and sponsors here to get you to Africa! Enjoy your planning. You will only regret it if you don’t go.

 

[Darksideoutdoors]

Welcome aboard Darksideoutdoors. You have the rifles you need, all you require at this point is a change in location. What species of animals are you thinking about hunting? Any specific countries and or outfitters in mind?

I haven't narrowed it down to just a few yet. Tops on my list would be an eland, I think. Just a bit down would be a really nice kudu. But I feel like I have a pretty big list in general, pretty heavy on plains game, but would maybe look into a buffalo on a 2nd or even third trip.

I haven't looked at too many outfitters, but have been looking at a few that come up on google searches just to get a general idea of prices, accommodations, etc. But overall, I'm pretty open to advice, experiences, etc. in terms of country and outfitters.

 

[Darksideoutdoors]

Welcome! Sounds like you have the addiction. Give in and book a hunt in Africa!

I said that I have a .416 Rigby. Even though I handload, I can't afford an addiction as well!

 

[chashardy]

I said that I have a .416 Rigby. Even though I handload, I can't afford an addiction as well!

I don't handload, and I know very well how expensive ammo is for my 416 Rigby!

 

[TNDave]

Welcome from TN. You ought to think about keeping your 375 Ruger, I have one and it is one of my favorites and very easy to work up loads for.

 

[Uncle Sauce]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Darksideoutdoors]

Welcome from TN. You ought to think about keeping your 375 Ruger, I have one and it is one of my favorites and very easy to work up loads for.

I have gone back and forth on this with myself. I have considered rebarreling to something a little longer but keep the .375. But I have also considered acquiring a .375 H&H (and maybe rebarrel to .375WBY down the line somewhere), which should give me more options if I have to get ammo somewhere.

I would like to discuss some of your loadings sometime, if you have a forum post or something to reference.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Where are you hunting in Illinois? I live and hunt in Pike.

 

[Darksideoutdoors]

Where are you hunting in Illinois? I live and hunt in Pike.

Pike county? *Ash Williams voice* Well hello Mr. Fancy Pants. I actually hunt mainly in Macoupin county, but also find my way to Monroe county sometimes, in the Valmeyer area.

 

[Deleted member 53080]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Nyati]

Welcome to AH !