ZIMBABWE: Hunting In The Save With Roger Whittall Safaris

[fgold767]

I'll be the odd guy here: tell us about the Model 70 in 400 H&H?

 

[ScottG]

Looks like a great adventure and great trophies.

 

[Gsxrmike]

Great report and nice buffalo!

 

[zephyr]

The gun in question has been posted here more than once. It is a Gibbs 450 3.25 NE made in 1905 on a Webley Screw Grip Action sporting 28" barrels, weighing in around 10.5 lbs. I purchased it about 15 years or so from Champlin Arms for what would seem today a paltry sum. It has a 14.5" LOP and a touch of cast on for me as I shoot left handed but it has a right handed top lever. I also straighten out or squared away the triggers so it can be easily shot from both sides of the stock.
This is my second hunt with my double and CEB bullets the first in 2012 where I shot a Buff and Tuskless. I am currently loading the 480gr Solid and 450gr Raptor, both loads are charged with 92grs of H4350. I chose CEB bullets as their bore riding design is very kind to older barrels.
One of the delights of a 450NE is that the barrels near the action are quite thin as the cartridge itself is long and thin. This make carrying the gun while gripping it around the receiver very comfortable. The long barrels have never been a liability in the bush and swing like a fine shotgun.

Thank you for your interest

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

It's a beauty!

 

[Shannon1966]

My son (13) and I Hunted with Butch on Humani in July. What a great person to hunt with and the most game I have ever seen. Great story!

 

[zephyr]

Shannon 1966 ...
If you are the father son team that Butch spoke about, the goats are doing fine...

 

[zephyr]

fgold767
My rifle started life as a new Win mod 70 Safari Express in 375H&H, a Shilen barrel in .411 dia and a twist of 1X14 was chambered, and fitted with NECG see thru rear iron sights and a Z6 1x6 scope. I lengthened the stock to 14.5"s and filled in the cross bolts with ebony. So far it seems to shoot everything I have put through it sub MOA. Brass can be found at Quality Cartridge and re-sized from 375H&H.

 

[Shannon1966]

Shannon 1966 ...
If you are the father son team that Butch spoke about, the goats are doing fine...

Yes we are. So good to hear the goats are surviving. Thanks for update.

 

[edward]

great hunt,double,and story.

 

[billc]

You had a great hunt and I really love that big eland bull.

 

[Scott Slough]

Great trip and report .... I LOVE the eland. Lots of people shot ones that score better... but damn ... that is a mature specimen!!!

 

[Nyati]

Congrats for a great hunt, love the buff and the eland !