Yet another "What guns?" question

[RolandtheHeadless]

Going on two back-to-back safaris next June, and have to make up my mind on which two rifles to take. The first safari, I'll be hunting plains game on the Eastern Cape, and the next I'll be hunting buffalo and sable in Zambia.

The outfitters need to know what firearms I'll be bringing. The candidates are:

- Bolt-action .300 Win Mag with 2.5x8X scope.

- Bolt action, controlled-round feed, .416 Rem Mag, with 1.5x5X scope.

- Bolt-action, push-feed, .375 H&H, 2.5x10X scope.

- I suppose I can also consider a single-shot in either .30-06 or 280AI, but probably won't

Originally I planned to take the .300 Win and the .416, the latter being used only for buff. But in the event of a hardware malfunction, the .300 couldn't back up the .416, but the .375 could. Any advice?

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I would take the 416, more so for the scope you have on it. Also take the 300 Win Mag. Check with your PH ahead of time and see if he rent/loan a back up 375 or larger, in the event your 416 has a hardware malfunction.

 

[petrusg]

Bolt-action, push-feed, .375 H&H, 2.5x10X scope will do the job all round - take the 416 with as backup if you can just incase something happens to the 375.

 

[enysse]

I'd take the 300 Win Mag and 416 Rem Mag.

 

[Custom]

I would take the 416 for buffalo, as long as you shoot it well. The 375 is adequate, but the 416 will make more of an impression. Then it's a toss up and depends on whether you like the 375 or 300 winnie more. It is a remote possibility that the 416 will malfunction and the PH will, in all liklihood, have something to rent/loan. Might want to confirm the latter.

 

[Velo Dog]

Hi RolandtheHeadless,

If you were hunting all of your Buffalo/sable/PG in typical Zambian/South African "bushveld", I'd just say:
Take the .416 and use it on all species ("Beware the man with only one rifle").

However, since you will be hunting the open geography of South Africa's Eastern Cape for your PG leg of the safari, my vote is:
Take the .300 with 180 to 220 grain Swift A-Frames (especially if eland is something you might be looking for) or any premium bonded core bullet, (on the heavy side, since the Winchester shoots even heavy .30 bullets very flat) that shoots well.
And perhaps it goes without saying but, no matter what else you do, definitely do take the .416 for Zambia.

Meanwhile, don't forget the AH pizza party at my place in less than two weeks now (for Saturday Oct-24th, around 4:00 PM).
If you can make it there, I look forward to meeting you in person.

Best regards,
Paul (Velo Dog).

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I would suggest 300 Win Mag or 375 H&H Mag.
Witold

 

[spike.t]

.300 and .416. great combination. even if it is a remington and not a proper one ....... and the bush will be thick in zambia in june so nice to have a bit more power for the buff. where you hunting in zambia?

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

South of Kafue National Park.

Thanks for the replies, folks.

 

[Divernhunter]

416 and 300. The chances of hardware problems are slim. Especially if using Leupold scopes and you take proper care of your rifles before you go. Just practice with them to be sure they are good to go and it will also help your shooting.

 

[dory]

Stuff the guns!!!!!
Just take me !
Sounds like an awesome trip .

 

[bluey]

you are going to love Zambia .....
the 300 and 416 would definitely be my choices........
next time im in Zambia we are doing a buff , too
look foreward to your report when you get back

 

[ActionBob]

Have to agree with the 300 and 416 suggestions. Best of both Worlds, heavy hitter that can do it all if need be, and a long range shooter that still hits plenty hard on everything it is legal on. Of course you can never go wrong with a 375 as the bet all around caliber that can do anything in Africa.

If you are hunting springbok or anything else where to may need to reach out over 300 yards, the 300 will be invaluable. Yet if you take some 250 grain or so hot loads for the 375, it will do fine as well, even on longer shots. Of those 3 calibers, you cannot go to wrong by taking which ever two YOU like best and shoot really well.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I agree with ActionBob.
Witold

 

[BWH]

375 could/would do it all.... Unless you just want to take 2z

 

[spike.t]

South of Kafue National Park.

Thanks for the replies, folks.

hi @RolandtheHeadless dont forget something warm as late june it will be freezing early morning on the vehicle, and cold at night and you will be sat on the in the evening . is it mulobezi or sichifulo you are going to?

 

[bassasdaindia]

300 WM and 416 rem will be perfect .