I have taken a handful of Cape and NW Red Buffalo, maybe a dozen in total. I've shot them with .450/00. and the 9.3 x62, I've brained them 8mm Mag, dropped one on the run with a .338, and even used a handgun with the 9.3 JDJ. My hunting mates have used .375, .416, and .458s.
I've found a few things to be true.
- Premium expanding bullets are more effectiv than solids in rendering a quick take down.
- a well placed shot on an undisturbed buffalo takes them without drama or complication. A shoulder/lung shot puts them down usually within yards.
- Botch your first shot and they become near bullet proof and you must hit the central nervous system to bring them down quick.