TSX all the way or solids in the mag for buffalo

[M70375!]

I am taking my 416 Rem for buffalo in Mozambique soon. I plan on using 400 grain TSX for the first shot and I am wondering what you guys think of TSX all the way vs solids for backup shots

 

[sniper7]

I’ve always had solids to follow up. I think the TSX would do just fine but that deeper penetration is really important.

It it were a frames I’d say you would be fine.

Of course just an opinion and I’m sure others will say go all TSX.

Either way what really matters is first shot placement!

 

[Doug3006]

In 416 caliber, I don’t think you’ll see much difference in penetration between TSX and solids. I treat all shots with TSX as if I’m shooting solids. On a side-on shot, it’s normal for the TSX to blow right on through a Cape Buffalo.

 

[Green Chile]

My experience is the same as Doug's and I primarily shoot 400 TSX in a 416 Rigby. I don't push it to get max velocity but I still routinely get exits. In Moz, there will likely be larger groups and the shots can be a bit further out around 100 yards or even a bit further. I load TSX only unless I'm on ele of course.

 

[375Fox]

Ask your PH before you go. It will be up to him. Personally I’d rather have all TSX, but I’m not going to argue with the PH if they have a different opinion.

 

[Fordy]

Gday
First off depends on your ph as seen a few times friction created on a person’s choice of pill vrs the ph
So I’d ask there first also goes with what area you’re hunting as is it swamps or timbered or a combination ?

That aside
I’m of the opinion that soft or in this case Barnes first followed by a solid or in open areas maybe 2 softs but then a solid as it’s consistency is second to none ( still room for improvement & variations between styles) but overall solid’s today is one that’s getting more pushback these days but I think that due to some looking @ the good a pill does when it impacts the critter @ different angles & resistances & not when a pill goes pear shape or situation that will cause it too & overall a solid has less chances of going pear shape than a pill that needs to change its form to work

Until that day is seen the debate will most likely go on

Then one will realise that the better consistent pills would’ve given that bit more insurance & potentially saved the bacon for the day

Jm2cw
Cheers

 

[TOBY458]

Every PH I’ve hunted with says TSX all the way for buffalo. I’ve shot several buffalo with TSX in 375 and have always gotten plenty of penetration. This includes some really big Australian buffalo, which are even larger than Cape buffalo. In 416 caliber, you should get even more penetration I would think. But on the other hand, I would feel pretty good about having some CEB solids down in the magazine for going away shots on a wounded buffalo. That way you know without a doubt that you can reach the vitals from any angle. But in all honesty, I’d feel pretty good either way.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Swift A-Frames all the way

 

[dogcat1]

I have taken 6 buff with TSX bullets. I also take solids in case a follow up is needed. so far, no follow ups needed.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I’ll throw my preference in as TSX all the way. These are pulls from my two Buffalo in late May this year. One was frontal shot and dropped in his track and other was broadside shot and cratered in less than few seconds and 15-18yards, both received finishing shots on approach. These were factory Barnes ammo which average velocity was 2450ish in my Rigby.

 

[K-man]

All the P.H.’s I have hunted with say tsx in the magazine. If a magazine full won’t do it, a solid won’t fix it.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

TSX all the way. Never initiate a Cape buffalo hunt with solids. I began hunting at a time when solids were your only option for hunting Cape buffalo. And I know exactly what can go wrong.

 

[Green Chile]

I've yet to meet an experienced PH that doesn't like TSX. Ask your PH of course but if you tell them you want to bring TSX, most of them will respect that choice. Many will tell you that it's one of their favorite bullets.

 

[M70375!]

Thanks for all your interesting opinions, I think if my PH is good with it , I will just use TSX all the way.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Dont overthink it, TSX, A frame, North Forks. All great and will get it done if put in the right place!

 

[grand veneur]

I am taking my 416 Rem for buffalo in Mozambique soon. I plan on using 400 grain TSX for the first shot and I am wondering what you guys think of TSX all the way vs solids for backup shots

In this caliber class stay by the TSX bullets. You will save yourself a lot of trouble with different loads that fire accurate together. In the past when we did not have bullets like the TSX or the A-Frame available, all was a bit different and solids were a good option.

 

[BeeMaa]

TSX all the way. Have some solids in your cartridge belt/slide in the event that the PH says to load them.

 

[Sika98k]

In my limited experience one hunting one buffalo I can vouch for TSX. A one shot kill. He staggered about 30-35 yards and piled up. The bullet was recovered on the offside rib cage having punched a great hole through the heart and expanding perfectly.
Next week I am hunting 3 buffalo cows with @BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS in Madikwe. I will be using 300gr TBBC’s in my 375.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am taking my 416 Rem for buffalo in Mozambique soon. I plan on using 400 grain TSX for the first shot and I am wondering what you guys think of TSX all the way vs solids for backup shots

Solids are old news. Very, very old news. Use the TSX and it will do it all.

 

[Green Chile]

The only thing I use solids for anymore are elephants. I use TSX for almost everything else except for cats.