Re: 300Rum.....Africa
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ffl medic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a buddy go to South Africa last year. The ph's recommended: Nosler, Barnes, or Swift. He said the animals weren't that hard to kill. The ph's wanted to break both shoulders and an exit if possible. A frames, Accubonds, or Triple Shocks will do that. Distances where he was at weren't over 250. BC was not a concern, neither was benchrest accuracy. He used a 300 winchester, 180 Barnes TSX's and RL22. The 300 rum is not an issue as long as you can shoot it well and put whatever bullet you choose exactly where the ph tells you (and the ammo arrives with the rifle). He said the ph's prefer a .30-'06 and a 200 grain bullet to anything else (that or the 375 H&H). They said because it is easier to shoot (possibly find ammo for too) and therefore more accurate than some uber magnum that the hunter has nothing but fear of, and can't shoot it worth a shit. They might have bigger critters there with a little different anatomy, but they aren't bullet proof. </div></div>
FFL Medic,
Pretty much mirrors what we were told when we went to Africa. And you are spot on about some fearing the rifle they take but the reason for this is that they are told over and over again about the tenacity of the African Game etc by books,magazines,TV and all sorts of media that they think they need something that is really out of thier comfort zone. This causes them and the PH all kinds of problems in the end and they end up doing the very thing they were afraid of doing and that is wounding and losing game. The PH's we hunted with told us some very unbelievable things that some hunter's did etc thats why they are VERY WARY of any longish types of shooting and try to get you as close as possible even though this may cause many blown stalks theyd rather have that then tracking a wounded animal.
When we first went there we were turned down by the PH because we were using Sierra HPBT bullets and he WOULD NOT guide us so we were given a different PH which was a blessing in diguise. But everyday we went out he'd tell us in the morning have fun tracking today and at the end of the day we had the most animals in the skinning shed. And he just couldnt believe it especially with them all being one shot kills. He ended up guiding a hunter using a 375 H&H with either barnes or A-Frames cant remember which. But almost everyday they were the last back at camp because of having to track animals all day. In the end we had 33 animals in the salt with all being one shot kills he finally gave in and said theres no substitute for accurate bullet placement.
Out of the plains game I feel the Blue Wildebeest is very solidly built as well as the Gemsbok and Zebra.
I must add that if going after giraffe take the heaviest caliber and stoutest bullet you can accurately shoot. They are tough and can take alot of punishment This is the only animal that took more than one shot to bring down on any of our safaris. The first shot was lethal but the PH wanted him on the ground before he reached the thick thornbush. First shot was in the heart second shot was in the neck with my sons back up 338 lapua with 210 barnes TSX. What amazed me was that at less than 50 yds more like 35-40 yds the TSX did not pass thru at all. The giraffes skin was about 2" thick or so and very,very stiff it was crazy.
Just my little more than $.02 worth
Aloha!
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