Tiny 10 Specific Calibers

[Il luccio]

Just my opinion but along with just sticking to the .223 for now I would also just stay away from the .30-06. It’s a good cartridge and certainly a capable one but with today’s bullet technology it’s really not needed for something like kudu. I’ve seen several elk including fully mature bulls killed with a 6.5 creedmoor and a good monolithic bullet. The Swede is popular for moose. Both will do the job with substantially less recoil than the good old ‘06. Another option would be the traditional 7x57 or the modern 7-08 Remington. Both are mild and the 7x57 has been getting the job done for over 100 years.

Full agree. This would be something down the line. She has expressed some interest in buffalo so eventually she needs to get to being able to handle atleast a 9.3x62, but incrementally. I definitely have also thought about a 7mm-08 similar to the .257 Robert’s. I think I would need to start reloading to make that worthwhile though.

This is very much a one step at a time deal. Start her shooting something light and getting used to shooting and get her to shoot her first deer then go from there. It’s one thing to be interested and excited about shooting an animal having never done it before and actually shooting an animal yourself. Kind of have to do it to know if you can.

 

[Il luccio]

The 30-06 is a great cartridge, but not something I'd recommend for a gal who is new to shooting and hunting. Start them out with something small, and when they want to move up to a bigger gun, they'll let you know.

100%. She’s interested in possibly doing Cape buffalo, she she’s going to have to get there eventually and some more. Baby steps though. .223 to a 6.5 or .257 or 7mm-08 to a .30-06 and then hopefully ahead can manage that and then I feel like with those big magnums, not having shot them, it’s a grin and bare it situation.

 

[Philip Glass]

Man, I appreciate the responses. I think a lot of this is confirming a lot of what I was thinking. I think @Philip Glass your suggestion was along with @tinktink12 exactly where my head was at. It seems like with a good mono bullet you can get away with the higher velocity of the .223. I’m leaning towards that as I don’t currently hand load, but I do think it’s something I may do in the future, so while the 6 x 45 is interesting maybe not workable.

I’d like to start her small and build up to her being able to confidently shoot something like .30-06 or at least a .270/.280. She tried shooting my .20 gauge with trap load and that seemed catch her but surprise. My plan is to buy and bring a Sako 90 .30-06 and so push comes to shove if she says I want to shoot the kudu, etc. she will be able to use it. I’ll have to look into the Lady Hunters. Barring that I figured I would put a .223 barreled action in a boyds adjustable stock. (Probably something I would do for any guns she may shoot).

Best of luck and happy safari planning!

 

[Philip Glass]

As @Philip Glass and others have recommended a .223 with 70gr Barnes TSX would be the top pick for a tiny ten specific caliber based on my experience. Second choice would be the .22 Hornet. But the Hornet would be a stretch for Klipspringer and other tiny ten animals at the longer distances they sometimes present at.

I have taken eight of the tiny ten so far and have doubled up on three of the tiny ten on a few other trips to Africa when they presented. I love the challenge of hunting them. I have shot these tiny’s with a number of calibers like .243, .270 and 7 X 64 while hunting other species. With the .243 I have used brass solids hand loaded to the same point of impact as the soft points that have worked well especially at distance when the wind was blowing. But when using traditional expanding bullets in some of these bigger calibers I have destroyed these tiny animals providing the taxidermist with a challenge to try and sew things back together. Two of these tiny’s hit with the bigger calibers where a "let’s look for another one" option when the capes were destroyed. If you are not wanting to take any trophies home or maybe euro skulls only then then slightly larger calibers like a .243, .257 or one of the 6.5’s with Barnes bullets may suit you better. Just have a suppressor fitted to reduce the recoil for your partner and the noise reduction for the PH and your trackers around you. From what I have experienced this .223 + 70gr Barnes combination hands down makes the least amount of cape damage and provides an ability to take shots accurately out to 200yds. You can also take some of the smaller plains game like Impala, Blesbok and Springbok as well if she chooses. Just remember this is a tiny ten specific recommendation and you will need to find a rifle with at least a 1:8 twist to stabilize this 70gr bullet weight.

Earlier this year in August I used this .223 combination in Africa to take a bunch of smaller game and night animals such as Spotted Genet, Spring Hare, Bat Eared Fox, Caracal and two more of the tiny’s the Red Duiker and Sharps Grysbuck. I was very happy with the result and it worked as intended.

I wish someone would have redirected me way back on my first safari in 1997. I took my trusty .30-06 but then took a .243 for the smaller animals. I was 20 something and giddy for my first safari. That .243 blew some night critters in half! I am still needing a small spotted genet to mount after all these years.

 

[IvW]

Blaser BD14

22 Hornet/7×57R/20ga from blue duiker to all general PG.....

Many caliber combinations availible....

The 222 Rem may be a better choice in this drilling vs the 22 Hornet......
So you can be hunting pg any pg except maybe eland and have the 222 readily availible for any of the smaller ones even for the normally longer range klipspringer and also have the 20ga avilible for any close quarter duikers in thicker stuff.....perfect.....

 

[ActionBob]

I have shot my tiny 10 with 22 hornet to 500/416 NE.

If I had to think of starting from scratch and a smaller rifle for tiny ten and impala sized game.

I would use my 6.5 grendel bolt gun. I load 120 CX at 2550. And go hunt. I used it in 2022 for my cape grysbok, oribi, copper springbok, and black impala.

This is the point. Use something that is traveling in the 2500 fps range or even 2400. A standard 6.5 Creedmoor for example is 2950. Way to fast. You get results like Philip mentioned. Critters blown in half.

Plus a bonded or TSX type bullet that doesn't over expand. Yet will do the job on a bigger critter. The ammo is the most important part.

 

[Il luccio]

I have absolutely no experience with the Tiny Ten but I have nothing better to do today so I’ll throw my two cents in here. I think the .223 and the smaller short action cartridges like the .243 and 6.5 Creedmoor would probably be the most practical options, but I would also consider some of the other mini action cartridges like the 6 Arc, the 6.5 Grendel, and even the 300 blk for light recoiling and efficient cartridges on small to medium game. I also really enjoy shooting 44 Magnum and 357 magnum from lever guns and both of those would be great options inside 150 yards for anything up to medium sized game. Because they are slower rounds as well you shouldn’t get as much damage as you might with a fast cartridge.

I love my .44 Mag ‘94. I think she may use it for taking whitetail deer next year. I would think it would probably work too in the same way a .375 would (obviously much less recoil). Only thing is that I feel like those rounds hit and tumble. Interesting thought.

 

[Odinsraven]

I have shot a few for cull purposes - used a 7x57 170gr - did not mess them up - though it would have little mattered had they been blown up !

 

[Charlie64]

I am going to be the odd one out here in that I do not think there is one caliber for all Tiny 10.

I shot a blue duiker out of a blind with KMG at about 20 paces with a .22. Dead on the spot.

Shot a klippie at 230 meters with CMS in Zim - kopie to kopie - with a .30-06.

Common duiker with a .243 in Natal at about 75 meters - an intentionally shot him soft thinking of a pedestal mount. He was dead on the spot too.

And a steenbok in Limpopo with a .375 whilst out looking for warthog and blue wildi.

What I think it that what you use very much depends on where you are hunting and at what distances. Many moments were moments of opportunity rather than specific singly animal hunts.

I think the ability to be flexible and place the bullet accordingly will get the desired results.

Having said that if I were forced to think of one set up just to target small antelope I would go with a combination rifle in .223 over a 16 or 20 bore barrel.

My 2 cents.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy festive season.

Charlie

.

 

[txtrout75218]

After she gets used to the 223, I would move to a 6.5 CM or a 7-08. My teenage daughter warmed up with a 223 and then took a zebra stallion this summer in RSA with a Barnes 140 grain TSX out of a 7-08 @ 120 yards with one shot. With a good bullet, that 7-08 will take a lot of stuff. In RSA you are normally not shooting over 100 yards most of the time. A 308 with a can would also be a good option for a bigger rifle.

 

[ActionBob]

I am going to be the odd one out here in that I do not think there is one caliber for all Tiny 10.

I shot a blue duiker out of a blind with KMG at about 20 paces with a .22. Dead on the spot.

Shot a klippie at 230 meters with CMS in Zim - kopie to kopie - with a .30-06.

Common duiker with a .243 in Natal at about 75 meters - an intentionally shot him soft thinking of a pedestal mount. He was dead on the spot too.

And a steenbok in Limpopo with a .375 whilst out looking for warthog and blue wildi.

What I think it that what you use very much depends on where you are hunting and at what distances. Many moments were moments of opportunity rather than specific singly animal hunts.

I think the ability to be flexible and place the bullet accordingly will get the desired results.

Having said that if I were forced to think of one set up just to target small antelope I would go with a combination rifle in .223 over a 16 or 20 bore barrel.

My 2 cents.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy festive season.

Charlie

.

There is a lot to be said for having a shotgun available!

When hunting the Tiny Ten, keep in mind opportunities for Silent Seven and others like birds, monkeys, and a shotgun is a great option for many of the Tiny Ten. Blue duiker with dogs for example.

 

[Il luccio]

I am going to be the odd one out here in that I do not think there is one caliber for all Tiny 10.

I shot a blue duiker out of a blind with KMG at about 20 paces with a .22. Dead on the spot.

Shot a klippie at 230 meters with CMS in Zim - kopie to kopie - with a .30-06.

Common duiker with a .243 in Natal at about 75 meters - an intentionally shot him soft thinking of a pedestal mount. He was dead on the spot too.

And a steenbok in Limpopo with a .375 whilst out looking for warthog and blue wildi.

What I think it that what you use very much depends on where you are hunting and at what distances. Many moments were moments of opportunity rather than specific singly animal hunts.

I think the ability to be flexible and place the bullet accordingly will get the desired results.

Having said that if I were forced to think of one set up just to target small antelope I would go with a combination rifle in .223 over a 16 or 20 bore barrel.

My 2 cents.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy festive season.

Charlie

.

I don’t think you would be the odd one out. I think that tends to be the case it seems. Best gun is always relative to the person shooting it. There is always some tradeoff and a compromise somewhere unless you own all of the guns, which could be a strategy as well… a drilling or combo would be very cool, but probably relatively difficult to come by and justify. A man can dream though.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

[Il luccio]

There is a lot to be said for having a shotgun available!

When hunting the Tiny Ten, keep in mind opportunities for Silent Seven and others like birds, monkeys, and a shotgun is a great option for many of the Tiny Ten. Blue duiker with dogs for example.

I am a duck hunter at heart, so I anticipate at least one or two safari the include a fair amount of shotgunning. I also figure in the instance of some of those duiker in heavy brush we’d borrow a camp gun where I not to have mine with me.

 

[Safari Dave]

I would use a .223 Remington with Federal Game-Shok 55g SP factory ammo.

I've had very good luck with them while not being too destructive.



However, if it is legal, the Winchester .22 WMR with CCI Maxi-Mags in 40g hollow points may be the best option.

 

[skydiver386]

I don’t think you would be the odd one out. I think that tends to be the case it seems. Best gun is always relative to the person shooting it. There is always some tradeoff and a compromise somewhere unless you own all of the guns, which could be a strategy as well… a drilling or combo would be very cool, but probably relatively difficult to come by and justify. A man can dream though.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

A drilling would be a wonderful thing, but they aren't common in North America. I've only seen one or two for sale on auction websites, but never in a gun store.

 

[ActionBob]

A drilling would be a wonderful thing, but they aren't common in North America. I've only seen one or two for sale on auction websites, but never in a gun store.

You need to get out to more gun shops and take in some big gun shows I wouldn't say drillings are uncommon... You would likely find several at the Wanenmacher's Gun Show in Tulsa. I've seen them in various Cabela's gun libraries in the past although probably less likely since the Ass Pro takeover... Heck a little shop in Garden City KS had several last time I was in there. Boone's in Isle MN has a dandy but they are very proud of it.

I bought two out if the Classifieds on here

As for hunting with them, they are really cool but not always the most practical. My problem is i just don't practice enough with them. A good bolt rifle with an OU 12 gauge loaded with 4 shot within reach on the Bakki or in the hands of a tracker or your PH works well.

 

[Il luccio]

You need to get out to more gun shops and take in some big gun shows I wouldn't say drillings are uncommon... You would likely find several at the Wanenmacher's Gun Show in Tulsa. I've seen them in various Cabela's gun libraries in the past although probably less likely since the Ass Pro takeover... Heck a little shop in Garden City KS had several last time I was in there. Boone's in Isle MN has a dandy but they are very proud of it.

I bought two out if the Classifieds on here

As for hunting with them, they are really cool but not always the most practical. My problem is i just don't practice enough with them. A good bolt rifle with an OU 12 gauge loaded with 4 shot within reach on the Bakki or in the hands of a tracker or your PH works well.

Ass Pro Shops

Yeah, that is probably true. I’d definitely keep my eyes open for one. They be great at my cabin up here. Where we hunt you often come across roughed grouse while deer hunting. Having a rifle over top a 20 or 16 would be great.

 

[Charlie64]

Not to digress from the theme of Tiny 10, but living in Germany they are all over the place and in all the ads and stores - rifle / shotgun combos and Drillings in all shapes and sizes. You can pick one up in the blink of an eye on the gun sites. Guess they never really spread to the US that much.

.

 

[Bandera]

I stated my wife on a 22LR, then moved her to a 243 then the 308. This was over the course of about an hour at the range. She shoot quite a bit but was intimidated by the muzzle blast.
I then let her shoot a suppressed 308 which she absolutely loved.

There is a Ruger 223 African in the classifieds. That seems like the perfect set up.

 

[Il luccio]

Not to digress from the theme of Tiny 10, but living in Germany they are all over the place and in all the ads and stores - rifle / shotgun combos and Drillings in all shapes and sizes. You can pick one up in the blink of an eye on the gun sites. Guess they never really spread to the US that much.

I think we can digress a bit. The first 30 posts have all the info

I was going to say this same thing. When I was in Germany as an exchange student in highschool my host family was a hunting family and they had an amazing collection of double rifles and drillings. I think some of it boils down to differences in hunting culture and history. In Europe hunting was generally more an aristocratic activity and in the US it was much more egalitarian and based around survival and self sufficiency and I think (not that their are exceptions) the guns reflect that.