One Rifle

[Jim Golden]

Hi Gang,

I've been on here for 2-3 years and made a lot of friends. I've still not gotten over to Africa. I read everything and lurk a lot....I want a Dagga Boy. That's it. Anything else is secondary.

As some of you may have read before, I built a rifle on a M1917 action in .375 Weatherby that is a real hammer. And (not to brag) but I shoot it well. I only shoot one load, which is a 300gr at 2885 ft/s for about 5750 ft-lbs.

My .460 Enfield is still in the shop being built, and I don't want to die of old age before I get my tail over to Africa. So here's what I'm thinking:

I will take only one rifle. My .375 that I built myself, know it inside and out, and am a pretty good shot with it. I don't need sticks or any of that stuff. Just get me in range and let me do my thing.

I think this rifle would also be good on plains game. Might be a bit heavy for some of them, but I can shoot it well as I've practiced a lot with it.

I do have a .375 H&H I could bring as a backup. But my M1917 Weatherby shoots H&H's out of it just fine so if my loads don't show up, I can still find factory ammo that'll work.

Anyway, I'm wondering how many folks come over there with just one rifle. I think I could make a go of it

Thank you,
Jim

 

[roklok]

I like your plan. Like your line of thinking, I only took one rifle my first trip, buffalo was my only must. I took my 375 H&H, got my buffalo and several head of plains game. The 375 works well for plains game and is comforting when bumping into elephants frequently. Not the best elephant stopper, but a lot better than lighter rifles one could use on plains game. One dependable rifle in 375 is all you need for a hunt as you are planning. A plus is you can use H&H if necessary. A question. Does your rifle feed the Weatherby and H&H rounds equally well ?

 

[roklok]

What bullets are you throwing at 2800+ velocity ? I imagine you are aware as you have been spending time here, but bullet construction becomes very important at those speeds for buffalo. Personally I would consider upping to a 350 grain bullet and slowing it down a bit. There is a very short list of 300 grain bullets I would want to slam into a buff at those speeds.

 

[roklok]

As far as not needing sticks, that may well be and I consider myself a pretty fair offhand shot as well, just realize that the vast majority of PHs will want you to utilize sticks time permitting. If you havent, it would be a good idea to spend some time shooting from sticks so its not brand new.

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

I think you’re all set with the one!

 

[Flipper Dude]

One rifle? Piece of cake. Have fun

 

[fourfive8]

Been several times for either/or or both DG and PG. When going for only PG smaller than eland, I take a 338-06. Have never taken more than one rifle. When DG only or for both, I’ve used my Win 70 in 416 Rem… from impala to buffalo. North Fork Cup Point Solids make 3/4” holes through most smaller PG and are excellent for eland.

 

[Andrew62]

You've got a good looking hammer there, just book your hunt and get going!!!! Good luck!

 

[JimP]

A single rifle works just fine.

On both my trips I have figured that if there is any problem getting my rifle or ammo there are always the outfitters rifles.

 

[WAB]

You’ll be fine with one rifle you shoot well. Compared to much of what we do in NA, the shooting is typically not difficult in Africa.

 

[Red Leg]

That is all I ever do. One rifle that will handle the most critical animal on the list and use it and the same load for everything else. My four buffalo were taken with either 300 gr TSX or A Frame and they worked perfectly on everything else from Suni to Eland.

 

[matt85]

I learned the hard way, always bring two rifles (both suitable for the targets). Between luggage handlers and rough bush roads, there are many things on safari that can damage a rifle.

And it's not just guns... Cameras, batteries, hats, boots, anything important.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

I think it is more important to actually go than fret about bringing two guns. That just means you habe to go back when the .416 is ready!

I didn't take ANY guns as my outfitter had "rentals" that worked great. I'm old enough and handy enough with rifles that a wee bit of practice and I was super solid. I will say I would prefer to bring my own weapons but at the trip around Africa with my wife and daughters made that very difficult to pull off.

I'd spend more time picking an outfitter, an area and the like and when you decide on that, ask if they have "rentals" you can use as a backup.

 

[Jim Golden]

That is all I ever do. One rifle that will handle the most critical animal on the list and use it and the same load for everything else. My four buffalo were taken with either 300 gr TSX or A Frame and they worked perfectly on everything else from Suni to Eland.

Those are the two bullets I've loaded. I'd hoped they would do the trick

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Totally, Jim. I often just bring my .375 Holland & Holland Magnum Remington Model 700 on a mixed bag Safari. The true Swiss Army Knife of all rifle calibers.
Actually any .375 - .425 bore rifle with quick release scope mounts does magnificently for general purpose hunting.

 

[Justbryan]

I took two rifles on my first trip to Africa. They were a 300 WSM & a 375 H&H. The bush was very thick, and all the shots were very close. The 300 WSM stayed in the case all week and I only used the 375 H&H (300 grain TSX). I had a few 200-yard shots, but most were less than 100-yard shots.

The guide had a 375 H&H, so I had an option to use it as a backup. I could have taken one rifle on this trip. I think terrain and species should be considered when making your choice. If I would have been hunting in open country, I would have wanted my 300 WSM for 200+ yard shots.

I love the idea of using one rifle, but two rifles may be more practical to account for every situation. The exception would be going after a specific species like Cape Buffalo then one rifle is a viable option especially when the PH has a backup rifle for you to use.

It comes down to personal preference. There is no right answer, but it never hurts to have a smaller caliber for longer shots on plains game! For buffalo I like my 375 H&H, others would prefer larger calibers. The 375 Weatherby will be a great round for your hunt!

It is very addictive!

 

[analog_peninsula]

If it makes you feel more comfortable, ask your outfitter if you can rent a rifle if it becomes necessary. The most important thing is just to go. Don't pass up a good thing.

 

[dogcat1]

No such thing as too much gun.... Shoot what you like and what you shoot accurately...
With that Wby, have ear protection!

 

[roklok]

As much as I admire the Swift A-Frame it would not be my bullet choice on buffalo at those velocities. Here is a 300 grain A-Frame at approx 2400 fps impact velocity on my buffalo from 375 H&H.

 

[Jim Golden]

What 350gr bullets do you guys recommend? I'd throated the rifle out extra long just for 350's, but I worked up a load I liked with 300's and never got around to the 350's.