Single shot for dangerous game

[1:66 twiste@d]

So as I watch more of these Cape Buffalo hunting videos on YouTube, I noticed that folks using double rifles seem to get one shot and then the PH is telling them to reload.

So if a person had a single shot with a brass ejector (break open rifle) , why not! If you are breaking open the action anyways.

Just thinking out loud.

Any thoughts?

 

[375Fox]

I’m not sure the videos you are referring to, but I’d think the PH wants the rifle reloaded once the buffalo runs off or the PH in the particular case is forgetting the client doesn’t have a bolt action. Whether double or bolt I want the maximum bullets available for follow up. You can use them faster than you might think.
You can use a single shot if you want just discuss it with PH when booking. I think you’ll really regret a single shot when the buffalo runs off presenting a quick 2nd shot or in some cases a 3rd. Every shot you get into it dramatically decreases the chances of a wounded buffalo.

 

[1:66 twiste@d]

I’m not sure the videos you are referring to, but I’d think the PH wants the rifle reloaded once the buffalo runs off or the PH in the particular case is forgetting the client doesn’t have a bolt action. Whether double or bolt I want the maximum bullets available for follow up. You can use them faster than you might think.
You can use a single shot if you want just discuss it with PH when booking. I think you’ll really regret a single shot when the buffalo runs off presenting a quick 2nd shot or in some cases a 3rd. Every shot you get into it dramatically decreases the chances of a wounded buffalo.

I definitely agree about 2nd and 3rd back up shots.

 

[Green Chile]

Using single shots of appropriate caliber is acceptable if the PH agrees to it. You have to keep in mind that you are giving up the likelihood of having an animal killed by you. If the PH finishes it while you are out of battery, you will have to be ok with that. I've hunted PG with single shot rifles and done very well. It's interesting how good your first shot is when you realize it really is only 1 bullet. If only we thought that way with every weapon. DG with single shots is another subject but again, the PH may be the one killing it and you can request other outcomes but ultimately the PH is responsible for everyone's safety and he gets the final call.

 

[Cheesehead]

I remember hearing Kevin Robertson talk on a podcast or something about a learner PH he knew who used a ruger No 1 and had a few cartridge loops on his shoulder that allowed him to fire 3 or 4 shots about as quickly as any one with a double rifle

 

[1:66 twiste@d]

I remember hearing Kevin Robertson talk on a podcast or something about a learner PH he knew who used a ruger No 1 and had a few cartridge loops on his shoulder that allowed him to fire 3 or 4 shots about as quickly as any one with a double rifle

I grew up using a single shot break open shotgun. My brother and I got pretty fast reloading them. So all of my kids started with single shot rifles and shotguns. Make the first shot count!

That was our up bringing.

 

[JimP]

Once the buff is out of range one way or another its quite prudent to top off your rifle. It shouldn't matter if it's a bolt or a double.

If things go sideways you want the maximum amount that your rifle will hold, no matter what type of action.

 

[mark-hunter]

So as I watch more of these Cape Buffalo hunting videos on YouTube, I noticed that folks using double rifles seem to get one shot and then the PH is telling them to reload.

So if a person had a single shot with a brass ejector (break open rifle) , why not! If you are breaking open the action anyways.

Just thinking out loud.

Any thoughts?

My buffalo took three shots, in 31 sevond.
Bolt action.

A buffalo of my friend,, same time we hunted together took one shot from ruger no 1, in heart, frontal shot. Enough.

So, yes, you can hunt buffalo with single shot rifle, and you need a bit of luck.
The trick is to reduce the "luck" bit.

Moreover distance plays the role.
At extreme close range, two shots are of utmost importance. Do not deny yourself that option.

Then there is a question of back up shot?
Will you authorize the PH to make back up shot?
Those are two types of client.
So, if PH will not be authorized for back up shot, double rifle or bolt action are essential.

So, it is not only about the rifle, it is also about the client and attitude.

 

[mgstucson]

Kevin Robertson reported that under standard procedures required of all PH's on the PH school course, the course record for the 6 target timed/accurate fire shooting event simulating a charge was owned by the guy with the Ruger No 1 and cartridge loops sewed on the shoulder of his shirt.

Where there is a will there is a way, but some ingenuity and LOTS of practice and skill required.

Most of us mere mortals are probably better off with at least a double, if not a bolt rifle.

Reminds me of the saying, "Beware the man with one rifle, he probably knows how to use it."

 

[Philip Glass]

So as I watch more of these Cape Buffalo hunting videos on YouTube, I noticed that folks using double rifles seem to get one shot and then the PH is telling them to reload.

So if a person had a single shot with a brass ejector (break open rifle) , why not! If you are breaking open the action anyways.

Just thinking out loud.

Any thoughts?

I've not seen much of what you describe. Normally you are shooting twice with a double or the buffalo have run off completely then you reload. I feel very confident carrying a double and would not want to take a single shot for buffalo.

 

[AZDAVE]

You can hunt a buff with a single shot, however it is something YOU MUST get buy in from your PH/outfitter in advance. You will also have to be ok with your PH putting a shot into the buff.

I am considering hunting with a 458 or 577NE single for a buff in the future. But for now I will stick with my double.

 

[deewayne2003]

I remember hearing Kevin Robertson talk on a podcast or something about a learner PH he knew who used a ruger No 1 and had a few cartridge loops on his shoulder that allowed him to fire 3 or 4 shots about as quickly as any one with a double rifle

I've also heard Kevin Robertson speak on a podcast where a Zim local hunter was using a #1 and shot a buff that ran off before a 2nd shot could be put in him, this buff later surprised the hunter and put a horn tip up through his lower jaw and into his brain killing him instantly.