Yeh, I am not into small game like I once was some years ago. I am reconsidering my caliber choice. A .375 H&H Mag might be more prudent, recoil with 300 gr solids fired in a 10 lb. rifle is in the same class as a 12 ga. 2-3/4" 1-1/2 oz. magnum, when shot in your average 7-1/2 lb pump shotgun.
This is his bunny gun.
lion, leopard
Always wanted to hunt Africa, just once, before I die. And when I go, it's going to be dangerous game. Probably lion. Walking, tracking and stalking interests me more than sitting in a blind night after night, over bait, waiting for a leopard to show up.If you meet any dangerous game, you will wish you had the 458 Win.
South Africa and Zimbabwe both require .375 minimum for the Big Five. I'm a little worried about SA politics. The outfitters caliber advice is, use enough gun, but don't over do it, shot placement is more critical than caliber.
The .375 would be a fine choice. I toyed with getting cz then wanted something in .416 Rigby. If I get back to Africa I’m going buffalo hunting. Lions are not really my thing plus the whole 50k to shoot one thing!
Appreciate your input. Price is the same for either caliber. I think $1400 street price new is a bargain for this rifle type.
Also, I want a rifle a rifle I can become proficient with. No one shoots well with a caliber they can't handle, or are afraid of. In this situation a flinch could be fatal. I have a 30-06 I'm bringing along for a 'light' rifle for plains game.
Unfortunately, South Africa does not allow full-auto or semi-auto rifles into the country. Shame, would probably be a dandy jackal rifle.
I agree, Cape Buffalo are not only big but they are very mean. If you get too close they can be relentless pursuers.
What are you trying to kill?
Scroll up, young man
Tigers and lions are HUGE. Not to mention elephants, rhinos, and cape buffalo.
In which case I could afford the trip, or the rifle, but not both. Good thought though.
Now that's cool. They sure did have nerves of steel. There's tales of some using SSg buckshot, and it was said it was so deadly a 'cool shot' could reserve his shot until the cat was 10 yards away and be perfectly safe. I love the hunting tales of colonial India and Africa. Things definitely looked up when progress was made to a good double rifle with double triggers, probably the world's best life insurance for the man that could shoot it. I'm sure a Howdah pistol came in handy on more than one occasion.
Lol. The option is there to use one of the PH's rifles, and his ammo, avg cost to replace $100, which does save money, but I want to bring my own. The permit to possess the rifle in SA is free, but you must have the permit with you at all times. You are also allowed 200 rounds/caliber. This is necessary due to sight in with your PH before you hunt. A .270 is a great choice for plains game, because it's flat shooting. I have a 30-06 for my 'light' rifle, and I will bring 150 gr ammo for flat trajectory. Besides, 30-06 ammo is found in all 4 corners of the globe because it's a damn good cartridge.
So far, the flight round trip is surprisingly cheap, about $1600 from Syracuse to Johannesburg, 2 stops-NYC and Qatar. A PH for dangerous game is a little pricey for daily rate but that includes a native tracker and dressing the animal and of course there's added risk. Trophy fee of approx. $6000 or so. The accommodations include food, lodging, drinks inc alcoholic bvgs. I am working on a package price but figure the whole shot with new rifle will be in the $15,000-$20,000 range. This is a 18-24 month project. They require 6 months minimum advance booking for lion to obtain necessary permits, I have to buy the rifle and ammo, set the money aside for the trip, and get into better physical condition as a lot of daily walking is required. Walk, track, stalk.
