So, just signed on to a long range safari in South Africa with John X Safarisin 2023.
Have my 338LM and plenty of practice at distance, out to a mile with good DOPE in variable conditions.
Took a public land 330” Bull Elk at 725yds this past October.
Question is Bullet Selection.
I’m going for plains game.
I have boatloads of prime ammunition 300gr SMK.
Thoughts on SMK for plains game. Practical thoughts. I know everyone likes to drag target rounds, but it sure seemed to drop that elk like a rock. Didn’t walk a single step. Just stoned him.
I’m thinking Eland and smaller. No dangerous game, not giraffe (probably).
How much effort would you put into trying to procure or work up loads. Can’t find primers for a damn so I’d be left to start fresh by pulling bullets, seating something else.
Lathe turned solids? See what ELD hunter stuff I can find over time? Or just go with my guy and drop 300gr doing 2740 to anything within 800yds cleanly?
SMK's aren't what most PH's consider ideal so I would e-mail that question to your outfitter specifically.
I wouldn't use lathe turned solids for long range plains game. ELD-X or LRX are preferable to me, but assuming your PH doesn't object; your SMK's should work fine. With the shortage of components there may not be much you can do about it anyways.
That said... 338 won't cut it for some opportunity animals as 375 or larger is required by law, but unless you already have one I wouldn't buy anything that big as PH's almost always have a "protection" rifle with them in a large caliber, you can use that with their ammo (for a fee) which is way to go imo. On the other end 338 is awful big for a lot of plains game, so I would consider bringing a 243/6mm/6.5/308/etc. as well. It's less common for your PH to have a smaller caliber available without prior request.
As an aside to caliber talk:
1: Be sure to fill out your firearm import permits earlier rather than later. Last time I went Johannesburg allowed permits "on the spot", but I've never gone that route as I've heard reports there's a good (over 50%) chance of being denied. There are 3rd party companies that handle all the headaches and paperwork for you, for a fee of course, I personally prefer that route. Your outfitter should have 1 or 2, they work with often and recommend.
2: Creating a list of animals you want unless it's a life long bucket list animal usually doesn't work too well. Causing more frustration than enjoyment. Speaking from experience; set a loose budget and just enjoy the experiences/opportunities nature presents to you.
3. Don't let the PH talk you into game or shots you're not comfortable/interested in taking. Don't know how your specific outfitter will handle it with a long range package, but most of the time you pay the game fee whether it's retrieved or not. Often times that includes "any time" there is "any doubt" of whether the animal was hit or not. Keep in mind game meat is usually the main source of food during the hunt.
4. Monkeys... seem awesome, but they are not... they are real Jerks!
5. Have fun!
