The "ideal" AH Hunter - welcome note

[saswart]

Let's start off, this is tongue in the cheek (parody / joke) as clearly some people struggle to note sarcasm when typed source, this forum, not my words, but yours... And also not directed at anyone specifically

Hi all,

Long time lurker here!. I decided it is time I share some of my experience and stories with you all. I believe some hunters, like myself, have the same knowledge and experience as some keyboard PH's on this site.

I have hunted the dark continent numerous times, my favorite place being some stocked farms in Limpopo, especially if the size (SCI/Rowland AWard etc.) can be guaranteed! The type of hunt I absolutely love is any hunt, CBL (I have noted y'all use abbreviations, for those who do not know, there are a quite a lot CBL is control bred lions), wild, fenced, unfenced, as long as it is legal! Bakkie jag (hunting) is my favourite! Although I admit, having hunted RSA and rest of Africa a lot, I do not know what a bakkie is..I mean any hunting or jag is lekka

Since childhood I had this feeling that Africa is my country, dreamt of hunting it day and night. I never read any books on Africa or hunting, but in my humble opinion, Peter Capstick was probably the best PH that set foot on African Soil!

I really researched the ideal caliber for my African Safari's, especially DG (for those who do not know again, Dangerous Game) and came to the conclusion without a doubt a 375H&H is the way to go, any 416 or a 458, you can't go wrong with a 500Jeff or 505 Gibbs, but for the sake of PH's in Africa and the animals, avoid, any Ruger based cartridge, 458WM, they are to slow, 450 Rigby and Weatherby recoils to much. 416 Remington is to new and has not got any history or cases for that matter in Africa yet. But again, haven't read the books, only from here, that some Bell guy shot a few Elephants with a 6.5/7mm, but it is illegal now.

I built my own rifle, using a pushfeed Win mod 70 action. I bent the bolt a bit, my preference to have it more mannlicher style, the straight bolt tend to chafe people and stick into places. Replaced the safety with a CZ 550 push safety. I chose 416 Rigby, did have some issues since Winchester was not made in same, but I managed to and the gunsmith assisted with bolt face and new barrel. I also have the extended mag, so I can take 5. This brings me to my pet peeve, capacity. I considered a double but am of the opinion that 2 shots are not enough and bring in reloading in any stressed environment is looking for trouble, just look at this video as proof.
Bolt actions rifles are faster than doubles, just look how many people have bolt action rifles as proof, if doubles were so fast, why do we not see more of them? I think they should have kept the rifle in the shoulder as this would have given them faster cycling and off course if the PH was worth his cents, he would have had a bolt action, not having to reload and place everyone in danger.

For plains game, depending on where in Africa I hunt, I prefer any Magnum flat shooting cartridge, African animals are tough! Just ensure you thread your PG (plains game) rifle, some places it is illegal to hunt without a silencer. Why a magnum you may ask, well Free State flats you shoot Impala, eland and Kudu at 250+. You can always downloaded it a bit for the bushveldt areas (bushveld is what the locals in Africa call woods - just every tree has a thorn on it). If you do not have Magnum, rather use the camp gun. I regress, you might not like it, since the scope may not be to your liking. I personally prefer open sight but I have a red dot on a QD mount (again quick release) with a 1.5x magnification.

And that brings me to bullet choice, after all, it is only the bullet that does the killing, not your rifle, not your clothing, etc. I have tried numerous bullets on my safari's, hollow point, bonded, not bonded, solids, cupcore, expanding. If you use a big enough cartridge, my feeling is it does not matter. If you shoot for say a 416 Rigby (did I say it is my preferred caliber and I built one and use it) its diameter for a solid is .416 (a lot bigger than the 404 Jeff which is .404). If you then use a bonded 30-06 bullet on say an Eland (I am not saying it is the ideal caliber for Eland, there are better choices) and it expands 25 - 50% of its width, that is .300+.150 max, being .450. That is so close to 416, just use a 416 solid, case closed (no pun intended).


So I am planning my upcoming safari in 2028, what do you all think would be best boots I can take along? I have a pair of Courtnays that I can use, or should I get a new pair now and walk them in a bit? Also I am planning on bringing a fixed blade knife for skinning, although my real preference is for a leatherman. But I hate the blood coming into every nook and cranny of the Leatherman as I prefer to skin my own game.

I really look forward to meeting you all, either here or at the next SCI get together! I will take 2 seats, for my wife and I. She's a democrat, I am Republican, but in Canada where we live we do not really care nor vote.

Yours truly, Clive (Africa's son) Bixby

 

[VertigoBE]

I hope you at least considered the use of a muzzle break on the .416 Rigby of yours. Do not forget that it recoils a bit more than usual. And... You want to look the part of course.

 

[Denvir Tire]

It seems that you are on the way to a storied career as a genuine keyboard warrior.
In the unlikely event that you need any advice, about anything hunting, there is a wise sage regarding all things hunting residing in Canada also. Ontario I believe.
We should be hearing from him soon....

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

You still have a bit to learn.

All African PHs are living for the day that they can get rid of their pre war .500 double so they to can own a R8, just like their clients. Think how proudly they will walk shoulder to shoulder, talking about barrels and trigger groups, and lets not forget their latest acquisition the suppressors. Who gives a sxxt about 48” buffs at times like this.

 

[VertigoBE]

You still have a bit to learn.

All African PHs are living for the day that they can get rid of their pre war .500 double so they to can own a R8, just like their clients. Think how proudly they will walk shoulder to shoulder, talking about barrels and trigger groups, and lets not forget their latest acquisition the suppressors. Who gives a sxxt about 48” buffs at times like this.

Oh i'm sure the archetypical keyboard warrior will still be interested in 48" buffs, especially with their typical sign of excellence, "lot's of hair and white around the bosses".

 

[Hunting Hitman]

You still have a bit to learn.

All African PHs are living for the day that they can get rid of their pre war .500 double so they to can own a R8, just like their clients. Think how proudly they will walk shoulder to shoulder, talking about barrels and trigger groups, and lets not forget their latest acquisition the suppressors. Who gives a sxxt about 48” buffs at times like this.

“Walking shoulder to shoulder”, you mean I have to get out of the truck to shoot?

HH

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Maybe I should said hand & hand. While playing with the “ol thumbhole”. Yes you have to get 3 measured paces, before taking a well aimed long range piss.

 

[Zambezi]

I'll add from my experience (but sure you know and just didn't include due to time) that one should always dress to mimic the prey. I mean it must work as you can see how close the zebra striped game vehicles get in the videos.

Also when hunting always keep the sun in your eyes. If you can't see them then they can't see you.

Lastly the harder you pull the trigger the more velocity is created.

 

[WAB]

This all seems like a lot of work. Is there no where we can order our trophy of choice online and simply have the mount shipped to our home? Perhaps with a video of the camp and hunt to enjoy while regaling our friends with the tales of our exploits?

 

[318AE]

Let's start off, this is tongue in the cheek (parody / joke) as clearly some people struggle to note sarcasm when typed source, this forum, not my words, but yours... And also not directed at anyone specifically

Hi all,

Long time lurker here!. I decided it is time I share some of my experience and stories with you all. I believe some hunters, like myself, have the same knowledge and experience as some keyboard PH's on this site.

I have hunted the dark continent numerous times, my favorite place being some stocked farms in Limpopo, especially if the size (SCI/Rowland AWard etc.) can be guaranteed! The type of hunt I absolutely love is any hunt, CBL (I have noted y'all use abbreviations, for those who do not know, there are a quite a lot CBL is control bred lions), wild, fenced, unfenced, as long as it is legal! Bakkie jag (hunting) is my favourite! Although I admit, having hunted RSA and rest of Africa a lot, I do not know what a bakkie is..I mean any hunting or jag is lekka

Since childhood I had this feeling that Africa is my country, dreamt of hunting it day and night. I never read any books on Africa or hunting, but in my humble opinion, Peter Capstick was probably the best PH that set foot on African Soil!

I really researched the ideal caliber for my African Safari's, especially DG (for those who do not know again, Dangerous Game) and came to the conclusion without a doubt a 375H&H is the way to go, any 416 or a 458, you can't go wrong with a 500Jeff or 505 Gibbs, but for the sake of PH's in Africa and the animals, avoid, any Ruger based cartridge, 458WM, they are to slow, 450 Rigby and Weatherby recoils to much. 416 Remington is to new and has not got any history or cases for that matter in Africa yet. But again, haven't read the books, only from here, that some Bell guy shot a few Elephants with a 6.5/7mm, but it is illegal now.

I built my own rifle, using a pushfeed Win mod 70 action. I bent the bolt a bit, my preference to have it more mannlicher style, the straight bolt tend to chafe people and stick into places. Replaced the safety with a CZ 550 push safety. I chose 416 Rigby, did have some issues since Winchester was not made in same, but I managed to and the gunsmith assisted with bolt face and new barrel. I also have the extended mag, so I can take 5. This brings me to my pet peeve, capacity. I considered a double but am of the opinion that 2 shots are not enough and bring in reloading in any stressed environment is looking for trouble, just look at this video as proof.
Bolt actions rifles are faster than doubles, just look how many people have bolt action rifles as proof, if doubles were so fast, why do we not see more of them? I think they should have kept the rifle in the shoulder as this would have given them faster cycling and off course if the PH was worth his cents, he would have had a bolt action, not having to reload and place everyone in danger.

For plains game, depending on where in Africa I hunt, I prefer any Magnum flat shooting cartridge, African animals are tough! Just ensure you thread your PG (plains game) rifle, some places it is illegal to hunt without a silencer. Why a magnum you may ask, well Free State flats you shoot Impala, eland and Kudu at 250+. You can always downloaded it a bit for the bushveldt areas (bushveld is what the locals in Africa call woods - just every tree has a thorn on it). If you do not have Magnum, rather use the camp gun. I regress, you might not like it, since the scope may not be to your liking. I personally prefer open sight but I have a red dot on a QD mount (again quick release) with a 1.5x magnification.

And that brings me to bullet choice, after all, it is only the bullet that does the killing, not your rifle, not your clothing, etc. I have tried numerous bullets on my safari's, hollow point, bonded, not bonded, solids, cupcore, expanding. If you use a big enough cartridge, my feeling is it does not matter. If you shoot for say a 416 Rigby (did I say it is my preferred caliber and I built one and use it) its diameter for a solid is .416 (a lot bigger than the 404 Jeff which is .404). If you then use a bonded 30-06 bullet on say an Eland (I am not saying it is the ideal caliber for Eland, there are better choices) and it expands 25 - 50% of its width, that is .300+.150 max, being .450. That is so close to 416, just use a 416 solid, case closed (no pun intended).


So I am planning my upcoming safari in 2028, what do you all think would be best boots I can take along? I have a pair of Courtnays that I can use, or should I get a new pair now and walk them in a bit? Also I am planning on bringing a fixed blade knife for skinning, although my real preference is for a leatherman. But I hate the blood coming into every nook and cranny of the Leatherman as I prefer to skin my own game.

I really look forward to meeting you all, either here or at the next SCI get together! I will take 2 seats, for my wife and I. She's a democrat, I am Republican, but in Canada where we live we do not really care nor vote.

Yours truly, Clive (Africa's son) Bixby

I’m a little disappointed you don’t have anything to sell in your first post.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

How about an illegal & unethical projectile is always superior, as long as you have backup. Especially if Mark Sullivan is foing the back up.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Trackers always prefer caps & T shirts to cash.

 

[Zambezi]

Trackers always prefer caps & T shirts to cash.

It's their prized possession. Especially if you have been wearing them for the last 10 years

 

[375Fox]

Don’t forget your upcoming hunt with Kuche Safaris you bought at auction

 

[AimSmall]

So thankful someone like you has joined! Please post pictures of your exploits!

 

[saswart]

I hope you at least considered the use of a muzzle break on the .416 Rigby of yours. Do not forget that it recoils a bit more than usual. And... You want to look the part of course.

Africa's son reply

I considered a Muzzle break, even my personal PH advised it. Did lot of hunts with him, very knowledgeable. But haven't gotten that far yet, only reason being I use a lead shed, and for my African safari's I down load the 416 to 45/70 territory.

I wanted to go back to my PH, but he informed me he is fully booked for the next 2 years. Glad for him, great guy! Hence me considering 2028, one should never consider another PH if you found a good one stick to him/her.

But that being said, I am consider looking for a new outfitter and/or PH. I want to hunt in 2028, definitely DG, but I want to add a klipspringer, suni, lechwe hyena, swartwildebees, common reedbuck and maybe something else. Hopefully someone can help me out, but it needs to be in the same area. Area, I want it really remote, no fences, no tar roads, no seeing any people. Fly inn preferred. My wife will join me, she would love to do some day activities, like spa, going to a mall etc.

Bit off the topic, sorry for the hijack, I am really a good straight shooter, the other day I shot an Elk at 683 yards, with my 1.5x reddot with said custom 416…. I will look for my photos and post them later and give a great write up or as you all call it an article.

 

[TXhunter65]

Well played...well played.

Welcome!

 

[saswart]

I’m a little disappointed you don’t have anything to sell in your first post.

Africa’s Son

I made enough money in my life (will do a write up soon in the what work are you in thread). I do not need to sell anything to fund my hunts, unlike the rest. Plus, I actually read Jeromes rules.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Africa's son reply

I considered a Muzzle break, even my personal PH advised it. Did lot of hunts with him, very knowledgeable. But haven't gotten that far yet, only reason being I use a lead shed, and for my African safari's I down load the 416 to 45/70 territory.

I wanted to go back to my PH, but he informed me he is fully booked for the next 2 years. Glad for him, great guy! Hence me considering 2028, one should never consider another PH if you found a good one stick to him/her.

But that being said, I am consider looking for a new outfitter and/or PH. I want to hunt in 2028, definitely DG, but I want to add a klipspringer, suni, lechwe hyena, swartwildebees, common reedbuck and maybe something else. Hopefully someone can help me out, but it needs to be in the same area. Area, I want it really remote, no fences, no tar roads, no seeing any people. Fly inn preferred. My wife will join me, she would love to do some day activities, like spa, going to a mall etc.

Bit off the topic, sorry for the hijack, I am really a good straight shooter, the other day I shot an Elk at 683 yards, with my 1.5x reddot with said custom 416…. I will look for my photos and post them later and give a great write up or as you all call it an article.

You cannot believe the shocked and almost teary eyed reaction from my PH as I “tipped” him my brand new Chinese made boots that I got on Amazon right before the hunt. Cash is great but he really appreciated my personal gift instead.
I left that PH speechless…

HH

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

“Walking shoulder to shoulder”, you mean I have to get out of the truck to shoot?

HH

Wait a second are you the guy who wanted his girlfriend to tag along (for free) that person said she did not eat much, 23 bottles of imported wine later. Or are you the one who turned down a leopard who was on bait because it did not have a big head and a small body. It must be you.