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Joined: Aug 2012
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Reading Taylor's :African Rifles and Cartridges" from 1948. Funny- a few things have certainly changed over the years. Longer shots seem more probable now. He said a shot over 200 Yds back then would be RARE. He said sight in for 100 Yards, and aim to hit. Your rifle will hit close enough out to 200, with no need to hold under or over. That certainly won't change with your 7MM. Another thing that hasn't changed, as other have pointed out: Use PREMIUM bullets. Personally, I would opt for a 9.3x62. But thats kinda like noses- everyone has one.
Hope you have a ball. Too bad the news about PH Ian Gibson.... R.I.P. OM.

Have a blast on your hunt, and give a good report upon your return!

Greg in West Mitten


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I used my .338-06 for everything from springbok to eland seemed perfect to me
My PH's rifle that clients use was a suppressed 7 Rem mag


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Went on my first African hunt to Namibia in May 2013.
Took 7 Plains Game animals with my .300 Weatherby Mag. and 180 gr. Barnes TSX Bullets.
Longest shot was 235 yds.
If I remember, two other hunters had 7 mm Mags and they had no trouble taking Plains Game.

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Most excellent choice of caliber and bullet with the Weatherby/TSX combo, sir.


A good principle to guide me through life: “This is all I have come to expect, standard lackluster performance. Trust nothing, believe no one and realize it will only get worse…”
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I've researched this heavily and I can tell you that you usually bring two guns since you always need a backup. 2 guns is the max you can bring to most of Africa and they must be different calibers.

My opinion, .338 is the worst choice because it's overkill for some and not big enough for others.

The classic rifle for accuracy and light recoil on plains game is 7x57. The classic magnum for plains game (and legal minimum for giraffe and eland in some countries) is 300 H&H.

The minimum caliber for dangerous game is 9.3x62 or .375 H&H. If you could bring only one gun and you want to shoot anything, it's 375 H&H.

I'm taking a 7x57 and 300 H&H as I don't intend to hunt big 5. Those will do all the other game effectively.

A 300 win mag is also a good choice for all but big-5. Legally speaking .300 can take big cats in many places but most suggest .375 for best versatility.


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Just a quick point of order:


In most African nations your PH is not allowed to have ammo for you as they can only have ammo for their guns. Supplies can be rare in areas like Zim.

You can bring 100 pieces for each gun max. Your total must weigh less than 5KG.


If you get your ammo lossed or seized, your best hopes of finding ammo in Africa are:

7x57
.270 win
.30-06
.375 H&H
.300 win mag


Deviate from those calibers at your own peril should your ammo not make it to camp.

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Nonsense. The PH I hunted with had ALL kinds of ammo leftover from calibers he never had. 308 is a LOT more available than 06, 270 or 7x57.


A good principle to guide me through life: “This is all I have come to expect, standard lackluster performance. Trust nothing, believe no one and realize it will only get worse…”
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Originally Posted by Rookahawk
Just a quick point of order:


In most African nations your PH is not allowed to have ammo for you as they can only have ammo for their guns. Supplies can be rare in areas like Zim.

You can bring 100 pieces for each gun max. Your total must weigh less than 5KG.


If you get your ammo lossed or seized, your best hopes of finding ammo in Africa are:

7x57
.270 win
.30-06
.375 H&H
.300 win mag


Deviate from those calibers at your own peril should your ammo not make it to camp.


Hilarious, to say the least.


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which cannot be broken by woman.
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The .338WM is the best but a .300 WSM is plenty good . Comes down to what you can kill with. A .22 Longrifle is enough if your sneakie.


NOVIT EMIM DOMINUS QUI SUNT EUIS {Arnauld Amalric} "Kill them all,God will know His." Never trust Horses ,Women and very few Mules.A good rifle will let in lots of AIR AND LIGHT.
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For local hunting here in Africa I use a couple of rifles.

For plains game in Africa a 30-06 works just fine. If you cant down your game over here with a 30-06, the problem is not the gun- it is the hunter.

Having said that, I do most of my hunting with my trusted 308. This rifle has taken anything from a jackal to an Eland.


Last edited by LT_DAN; 05/09/15.

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Originally Posted by donsm70
I went to the RSA in 2009 for plains game and took a .338 Win Mag. I went 10 for 10 on everything from Impala to Kudu to Blue Wildebeest.

Going back again this year and leaning toward the same rifle and using 210 gr Barnes TTSX again. Could go with a 9.3x62, with 250 gr Accubond because of Eland, but not convinced I need it.

donsm70


Now I know why you were wanting my 9.3x62mm.....

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Good luck with your hunt and bring back plenty of memories and pictures to share with us!!!!


Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.

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Well of course a 338 or 375, shot well, will kill plains game. The class of cartridges consisting of the 7-57, 270, 280, 308, and 30-06 will do just as well with good shot placement and a good bullet.
I just returned from 22 days in Namibia. I shot 52 critters ranging in size from springbok to wildebeest, all with one shot from my 270. I used TTSX and bonded core bullets. This was trip 18+. I have used the 270 and 280 mostly. Shoot well and you will find the critter about 25-30 paces away. Easy peesy!
My PH's both used 7-57 and 308 for their hunting.



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