I would appreciate those of you with experience suggesting a third rifle to help me cover the entire range of African hunting, regardless of location. I don't want anything bigger than my 404J and no shotguns or rimfires. Those are taken care of. I know I could probably do it all with my 375H&H, but then I wouldn't need another gun! Your reccomendation on something else for the plains would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
OD
...........I have no personal African hunting experience yet, but picking an additional cartridge that would compliment the two you already have (your 404 Jeff and 375 H&H) isn`t easy, as there are many rounds that would do very well.
Imo, your decision NOT to go any larger than your 404 is a very good one.
The key here imo, is that you mention plains game where killing distances and type of plains game animals do vary a great deal.
If it were me and although the two cartridges you have are well suited, I would look for something which would offer better and flatter longer ranged capability which would have some serious downrange power.
Not taking anything away from the 404 or the 375 H&H as they have their place. But they are not necessarily the best choices beyond 400-450 yards in the longer ranged plains dept where flatter trajectories are concerned.
Although I have not been to Africa yet, I have planned ahead for just such a trip with a 3 rifle battery of my own. Depending on the game, terrains and circumstances, my 300 WSM will have its place, my 375 Ruger will have its place, but for some real serious long range plains work for use on any African plains animal,,,,my 338-378 Wby Accumark will probably get that duty especially when the game is very large.
Going down in caliber from your 375, there is no better an alternative (if assuming you want "alot" of downrange power) than a 338-378 Wby.....The "beast"......
But your final choice of rifle and round should depend on what game you hunt, the presumed distances, what type of downrange power levels you want, rifle fit, feel and comfort etc.
I happen to prefer "a little" more insurance. Yep! It`s overpowered for any African plains game. But what fun to shoot!
