Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa 338 Federal for Plains Game

Anyone ever used one? I am starting the process of going for Africa Plains Game for my 60th birthday. My 338Fed is by far the most favored rifle I own. I handload and have plenty of properly headstamped brass. I would probably use the Barnes 185gr TSX or a 200gr well-contructed bullet of some type. I do have a 30-06 that I could take as well but really would prefer the 338Fed.

The two primary animals I want to take are a Kudu and a Gemsbok. I would love a chance at a Nyala and a Blue Wildebeest but myabe on the next go around.

Thanks for the information!

Himnelrr: I’d opt for the heavier bullet. I’ve shot 7 Gemsbok and 3 Kudu bulls, mostly with my Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM. Your .338 is plenty of gun for your target animals. You’re in for a treat if you get to eat the tenderloin or backstrap from your Gemsbok. When flame broiled over mopane coals you’ll swear you’re eating Filet Mignon.

Take the 338Fed and use the 185gr TTSX/TSX.

IIRC, member Tedthorn, used this combination to hunt successfully.

I, personally have used my 300WSM Kimber Montana to take most common plains game (including eland) using the Barnes 168gr TTSX.

I do have a good load with the 210 Nosler Partition along with the 185TSX. Maybe I will take both!

Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. If you can afford to add Nyala and BW on this trip, do it. Keep it simple on the ammo- stick to one load you have confidence in.

Enjoy your time in Africa.

+1 on just taking one load. KISS. Either would would work well.

don`t take the 338 Federal my reason is what if your ammo gets lost ? you will not find any of this type ammo over there ,take your 30-06 and you don`t need bullets any heavier than 180 gr., personally if i go back i will use 165 gr. Nosler Partitions and my 30--06 this next time , some shots at game animals might be 300 -400 yds. good luck,Pete53

I would personally take the gun I want regardless of ammo availability. Your PH will most likely have a loaner and back up plan. Six trips and no train wrecks...knock on wood. To each their own. YMMV.

You didn’t mention your destination or the airline you will be using. Both are important factors as well as the number of days you will be hunting.

I would use the 185 TTSX. Also hunt a wildebeest, my personal favorite, and a zebra. The biggest cost is the airline.

Will be pleased to respond.
R

I am just starting to look and plan to go to the DSC convention in January to soak up as much as I can. My first thought is S. Africa but am open to other options as well. I have spent a lot of time in northern and central Africa for work post-military retirement so I am familiar with traveling the continent.

I will be taking the 338Fed and am comfortable out to 300yards with it. I will be practicing out a bit further long before I travel. I will make sure the outfit has a loaner if needed. I used to own an 8lb 375H&H and shot it regularly so as long the loaner is similar, I will be good to go.

Is losing your ammo even really a thing? Sure it’s happened but it seems like for as often as it’s thrown out there as a reason to shoot a common cartridge , hearing about it routinely happening is a different story.

I've never lost anything on flights to Africa except some T-shirts that were stolen out of one of our bags at the Joberg airport.

I don't think it's likely you would lose your ammo, but if it did happen with a .338 Federal you probably wouldn't be able to replace it, and would have to shoot another rifle.

If you really want to use a particular rifle, I say go for it. Trips to hunt Africa are special and you should enjoy it as much as possible.

Some airlines are better than others. On two occasions Delta has misplaced my bag with ammo. However they did manage to get it to me within 24 hours and I mean delivered to the hunting camp.

Such delivery is pretty common in Namibia and RSA. Not so in Zimbabwe or Zambia or Mozambique.

Take what rifle cranks your tractor. NDHunttr is on point with


My first two trips were with a .325WSM and no hassles.

I also strongly agree with RinB about adding the extra game to your “list”. Airfare and travel time are the biggest costs.


I would also suggest adding some “slush” money to your budget for that animal (whatever it is) that gets the PH excited.

I would suggest one of the best ways to reduce the cost of hunting Africa is on the trophy end. Take tons of photos (try for first rate game photos and trophy photos), bring home euro mounts and some tanned hides. Some of your hides tanned into leather can be made into super cool and usable “trophies”. Whatever money is “saved” on taxidermy goes into more trophy fees.

Namibia is also an excellent option for plains game.

Just my thoughts.

I would also suggest adding some “slush” money to your budget for that animal (whatever it is) that gets the PH excited.

Just my thoughts.[/quote]


This! When the PH gets excited, you know he's one you want!

Agree with the no taxidermy suggestion. Take lots of photos instead. Savor each moment. Keep a journal.

Take whichever rifle you like, either will work. It is a big part of the experience for me.


I agree 100%. If investing the time and expense for a trip to Africa. Put all four animals on your wish list. You should also be prepared to take extra animals that may come up too.

Here's a question from a hopeful someday Africa hunter:
Since there is such a long lead time in the planning, once one has his load worked out for the desired rifle, why not just ship a sufficient quantity of ammo to the PH months in advance? Get a confirmation your ammo is in hand and then travel confidently.
Is there something in the "rules" that prohibits that? Figure maybe so or it'd be the preferred option.

Thanks,
Rex

TRex
I would love to be able to ship ammo in advance but don’t know of any way to do so.

Yep