What calibre would you choose for Buffalo and Bovine hunts

[Tiger2001]

I hope to hunt Buffalo at some point.

My question is at what would be your preferred minimum calibre for any sort of Buffalo or Bovine hunting whether you have it or would choose it for the purpose?

Elaborate on the cartridge , rifle , scope etc if you like I’m interested in what works or what you would choose if selecting something fit for purpose

Good luck on your quest and please DM me if you want some outfitter suggestions. I have been lucky enough to hunt water buff and scrub bull in Oz, feral cattle in Hawaii, and more recently Cape buffalo in South Africa. Used all sorts of calibers and loads and can't say any failed from the 9.3x74, to 300 Mag, 470 NE and the 375 Ruger. Big question for you being where you are is ammo availability/cost. I stopped in a gunshop in Sydney last year and I was impressed with the number of double rifles that were for sale. So large caliber ammo seems readily available (I didn't ask the cost). Then again I killed two scrub bull in 2016 in the NT with a 9.3x74 and it did the job. A 375 Ruger is not something I would have ever considered but after using it in South African this past summer on two buffalo, I have to say I was impressed. Did the job in one shot each and had very mild recoil. Problem is with rifle maker availability and even worse that no one makes the ammo but for Hornady. As for scope, whether a proper scope or red dot reflex sight, the red dot feature is a must for me. Can't go wrong with a Leupold.

 

[Tiger2001]

This answer will surprise many. I am no expert with just two buff to my credit, but an opinion was invited and I will venture one. I would consider a 375 Flanged Magnum in a light frame double rifle not only the minimum, but ideal. As you know I have a 450/400 in a double and I shoot it pretty well, but I would shoot the 375FL even better. Why? Because it would be easier to handle and I would ensure that I would.
As all have said here over and over again, shot placement is everything. On my two buffalo hunts, because we were going for sub trophy we passed up many opportunities, 14 in all if I recall. That included getting right in amongst them, even to 20 metres once, but having the forced discipline to pass up on the shot. Many of those would presented perfect shots.
So I will add to the question posed "what would be your minimum calibre given the perfect shot". A bad first shot with any calibre is a bad shot.
As to legality, the Flanged Magnum at 2400 fps with a 300 grain bullet is shy by just 23fps! Loading it to that would probably not affect regulation at all, and maybe it would be required to regulate anyway.
Why flanged as opposed to 375 H&H? Flanged in a double will be the safest to eject, and according to Dr Kevin Robinson the slightly lower velocity of the 375 Fl vs the H&H is an advantage.

Kevin. I love your posts and will always defer to you as you have much more Africa experience then I will ever have...But I have to take exception to your guidance on the 375 flanged. A decade or more ago this was sound advice. But today with the ammo market as it is, I would not invest in anything chambered in that caliber. Simply because you will not find ammo for it anymore. Champlin Arms has had a Krieghoff in that caliber listed for years and NO ONE touches it. I believe for this reason. It's a pet peeve of mine that I think I have ranted about on this forum before. But I fear that we are headed back into the dark ages on some of these safari rounds after 20 great years; 450 NE, 375 flanged, 404 Jeffrey, 505 Gibbs, etc. I think with rifle makers ceasing production these calibers (amongst others) are headed back into the history books after a 20 year renaissance. CZ and Ruger did us no favors ceasing or changing their production lines. I even have great hesitation investing in the new Iphisi in 450/400. It's an amazing caliber but to depend now on one manufacturer (Hornady) to keep that caliber alive is risky from my view. Just a few years ago Norma and Kynoch also cranked out 450/400 but no more. Long winded way of saying I would steer clear of anything in 375 flanged!

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Kevin. I love your posts and will always defer to you as you have much more Africa experience then I will ever have...But I have to take exception to your guidance on the 375 flanged. A decade or more ago this was sound advice. But today with the ammo market as it is, I would not invest in anything chambered in that caliber. Simply because you will not find ammo for it anymore. Champlin Arms has had a Krieghoff in that caliber listed for years and NO ONE touches it. I believe for this reason. It's a pet peeve of mine that I think I have ranted about on this forum before. But I fear that we are headed back into the dark ages on some of these safari rounds after 20 great years; 450 NE, 375 flanged, 404 Jeffrey, 505 Gibbs, etc. I think with rifle makers ceasing production these calibers (amongst others) are headed back into the history books after a 20 year renaissance. CZ and Ruger did us no favors ceasing or changing their production lines. I even have great hesitation investing in the new Iphisi in 450/400. It's an amazing caliber but to depend now on one manufacturer (Hornady) to keep that caliber alive is risky from my view. Just a few years ago Norma and Kynoch also cranked out 450/400 but no more. Long winded way of saying I would steer clear of anything in 375 flanged!

Thanks for the kind words Tiger. All of my ammo is self loaded and I managed to find 375FL brass when I had one three years ago, not easy, but ok. Likewise I find 450/400 brass ok.

 

[CBH Australia]

Good luck on your quest and please DM me if you want some outfitter suggestions. I have been lucky enough to hunt water buff and scrub bull in Oz, feral cattle in Hawaii, and more recently Cape buffalo in South Africa. Used all sorts of calibers and loads and can't say any failed from the 9.3x74, to 300 Mag, 470 NE and the 375 Ruger. Big question for you being where you are is ammo availability/cost. I stopped in a gunshop in Sydney last year and I was impressed with the number of double rifles that were for sale. So large caliber ammo seems readily available (I didn't ask the cost). Then again I killed two scrub bull in 2016 in the NT with a 9.3x74 and it did the job. A 375 Ruger is not something I would have ever considered but after using it in South African this past summer on two buffalo, I have to say I was impressed. Did the job in one shot each and had very mild recoil. Problem is with rifle maker availability and even worse that no one makes the ammo but for Hornady. As for scope, whether a proper scope or red dot reflex sight, the red dot feature is a must for me. Can't go wrong with a Leupold.

Thanks for the reply and information.

Anything I may buy or consider buying I would probably reload for. It would probably be a common or standard chambering with off the shelf dies and brass because I am tight. But, I have been known to change my mind and I could see me doing nothing or going all in.

If a “Good Deal” came up on a .416 or .458 I would consider it but otherwise if there was something that really took my fancy I would maybe consider it and go on the search for dies and cases.

I envy those who design their own cartridge to have something different of their own design but I don’t think I would go that far.

 

[oscar1975]

Without hesitation I would take my 458 Lott.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I like my 404 Jeffery but have shot two buffalo with 375 H&H. Definitely not interested in anything bigger than 404. I prefer controlled round feed but don't see why a quality push feed wouldn't work. Definitely want snap over if CRF. Capacity of 3+1 is enough. Added expense of 4+1 custom stock and bottom metal isn't worth it. Also makes a good looking rifle ugly. Not interested in synthetic stock. I prefer the heft, balance, and good looks of walnut ... with sufficient reinforcement. I added a Model 70 3-position safety to my 404 98 Mauser but nothing wrong with a quality 2-position safety. Anyone qualified to hold a gun should be able to safely unload it with safety disengaged. Quality adjustable single leaf rear iron sight. I'm not a fan of 3-leaf safari express rear sight on a DGR. They are typically short range so only one leaf is needed. Hi viz glow in the dark front sight beads are fragile. Anyway, I don't see them much if any better than white tipped metal beads. Also I'm no fan of barrel band front sights or sling swivels. Don't want my rifle hanging that low when slung on my shoulder and hitting my leg. Scope is preferable but with quick detach rings for optional iron sights just in case. 1-4x or 1-6x power. I'm not into electronics for hunting but everyone who has lighted reticles for their DGR scopes seems to love them.

 

[Tiger2001]

Thanks for the reply and information.

Anything I may buy or consider buying I would probably reload for. It would probably be a common or standard chambering with off the shelf dies and brass because I am tight. But, I have been known to change my mind and I could see me doing nothing or going all in.

If a “Good Deal” came up on a .416 or .458 I would consider it but otherwise if there was something that really took my fancy I would maybe consider it and go on the search for dies and cases.

I envy those who design their own cartridge to have something different of their own design but I don’t think I would go that far.

If you had to say one large caliber round was readily available in Oz--what would it be?

 

[edward]

this is old info,but i still believe it.scope sighted contender,4 power,45-70,405 gr core bon solid,one shot,death bellows in 90 secs.

 

[BenKK]

If you had to say one large caliber round was readily available in Oz--what would it be?

Gun shops in Darwin have factory ammo in .375H&H, .458WM, .458 Lott, .416 Rigby, .470NE and .500NE. But for hand loaders anything goes.

 

[CBH Australia]

If you had to say one large caliber round was readily available in Oz--what would it be?

Locally it would be limited. I do frequent a lot of Gunshop’s in my travels but haven’t always checked out the Big Bore ammo.

Other than the most common stuff it might depend on on local demand. I have seen something like a 500j in a small shop in Victoria but most of the big stuff would be used up north excepting the few who like the big boomers on Sambar in Victoria to hunt the thick stuff.

BenKK has identified the common ones and I haven’t been that far north yet so I can’t add to that.

 

[R eight]

I hope to hunt Buffalo at some point.

My question is at what would be your preferred minimum calibre for any sort of Buffalo or Bovine hunting whether you have it or would choose it for the purpose?

Elaborate on the cartridge , rifle , scope etc if you like I’m interested in what works or what you would choose if selecting something fit for purpose

My experience is fairly limited. Just scrub bulls and water buffalo. As to a suitable cartridge….the biggest one that you can shoot accurately and use premium projectiles.

I’ve shot most of my scrub bulls with an M14 in 308. But that’s ancient history. Also shot them with 300 win, 9.3x62 and 375 H&H. All worked well.

As to buffalo. I’ve only hunted them twice. Once when I was a young fella. Used a Remington 700 BDL in 300 win with 200 grain Nosler projectiles. With a Leupold 3-9 with parallel adjustment ( oh dear)

Last buffalo hunt was last week ( about 40 years in between) Used my Rigby SSB in 416 Rigby with 400 grain Woodleighs.

I reckon I looked the part carrying the Rigby. And I really loved hunting with her and open sights.

Use whatever makes you smile and remember the bigger the cartridge the bigger the smile.

 

[kurkasi]

A bolt action .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, equipped with a low power telescopic sight (not too high magnification) loaded with 300Gr Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw factory loads.























I recently tried Velvet Spins Casino , and it is one of the best online casinos I’ve used in Australia. The site has a great choice of slot games, smooth gameplay, and exciting bonuses. I’ve already had a few nice wins, and withdrawals were quick and easy. Definitely a site worth checking out! Goodbye!
View attachment 716282View attachment 716283View attachment 716284View attachment 716285View attachment 716286View attachment 716287View attachment 716288View attachment 716289View attachment 716290View attachment 716291View attachment 716292

Awesome option and photos!