Giraffe question from newbie

Based on that chart, 100 yards is too far for a TSX bullet to expand properly. Perhaps the fast spin does make a difference and allows expansion at less than 1800 fps? It would be interesting to find out.... on an allready dead animal.

However on a giraffe, expansion is not the number one concern, penetration is. Giraffe hide is VERY tough and I will argue much tougher than Cape Buffalo hide. But it's not only the hide. The entire animal is like it's hardened. They have evolved to resist the sharpest and toughest thorns in Africa.... the liver is hard!

I shot mine with a 505 Gibbs and a 525 grain TSX leaving the barrel at 2350 fps. That is well over 6000 ft pounds of energy. That bullet did not exit on a broadside high heart/lung shot.

The bullet was expanded perfectly but looked like it had been worked over by a disk grinder.

Contrast that to a quartering away shot on a cape buffalo and the bullet traveled at least twice as far traversing most of the length of the buffalo and being suck against the inside of the skin in the offside front shoulder. And that bullet was in perfect shape. Giraffe are tough and hard!

You certainly do not need a 505 Gibbs.... but a 9.3x62 would be the minimum I'd use on a body shot.

You will probably be good with a high neck shot at 80 yards or less. It would be interesting to down that giraffe, prop it up. Get your pictures. Then stand back and shoot it in the shoulder at various distance. I'm betting that at 80 yards you will not get past one lung.... an African animal will run a long ways on one lung. Hope you get the opportunity to prove me wrong.

thanks for the reply. that one image I quickly selected to show just beyond the 1000fpe originally mentioned.
all things said, ultimately my PH will have to be comfortable with it.

I've spoken to a PH in SA who has seen 8.6 a lot in action and he said the "penetration with this caliber is incredible" due to the 1:3 fast twist - 3-4x faster than other calibers. The rotational velocity is added in the factor which yes the testing on game animals isn't at scale today.
what I'm not going to do is go buy a 375 for my first hunting rifle and to shoot at the range, so if they are not okay with it, then maybe I will just have to borrow - more to be discussed with them.

I agree with you regarding the last statement on a test factor would be interesting to see. Time will tell :) 2025!
 
Yes, well, that may be true, but obviously your post has brought some attention.

This forum can be described as conservative, but on the other hand on this forum rests experience of hundreds of safaris done from clients and outfitters perspective. That has some weight.

In general, this is new caliber with which most of us dont have any experience with.
Judging simply from ballistic table, and having 3 safaris done, I have some doubts.

For example, a realistic situation of shooting standing from stick, distance about 200 yards, at large animal such as eland, kudu, or similar (name the animal), which is standing at awkward angle, half covered by the bush, with wide intermittent changing side wind, this is not unusual situation and can be expected.

In such situation if a shot is taken with marginal bullet by energy and velocity, it could mean, wounding and tracking.
Wounding also means, full payment of trophy fee, whether the game is recovered or not.
Those are risks involved. And our small forum community does not take this lightly.

Now, some arguable credits.
I hunt everything from fox to deer and boar, or african game.

I was trying hard to understand the terminal ballistics and to find perfect bullet that can do it all. I did not find. Finally I came to conclusion, that bullet must be chosen for specific type of hunt.

So, I have read quite a few books on subject of ballistics, in parallel with my personal hunting experience.

But what I first found out, hunting bullet terminal performance, is not something to find in any scientific approach in the books that i could find.
What you can find are practical manuals, such as Robertsons Perfect shot 2.
It iis based on experience and deep understanding of animal anatomy. This is really informative publication

Then, I turned to forensic ballistics, and took a look, in few books. Those books covered the subject in more details the arguable effect of hydrodynamic shok. But, again, majority of sampling was done on various FMJ bullet wounds, with casualties of war. (this is not hunting, nor hunting bullet performance)

So, although it gave me some idea about velocity as a factor in terminal ballistics (potentially but not always causing hydrodynamic shok), I again did not find the answer (mathematical formula or definition) what a perfect hunting all around bullet would be.

But, in one of the books I remember, there were few lines saying that a bullet that spins faster, has potential to be more lethal when compared to same bullet of slower spin. (or at least. there are indications to support that thesis)

As far as theoretical and scientific approach, it seams that ammunition factories are doing the most thorough research about effectiveness of hunting bullet, but exact findings are not in public domain, except as part of advertising.

From this source and other, what one can conclude, expansion of bullet is the factor of velocity on impact, bullet construction, and materials used. (not the function of bullet spin).
Which brings us to the beginning of this discussion.

Experience teaches us of what works and what works not.

All in all, make thorough research of where you will be hunting, hunting area and country, and make due diligence of outfitter. Discuss all details with PH, follow advice.
Most probably South Africa will be the place first to look for.
@mark-hunter
Another good source of information is:-
Terminal Ballistics Research
By Nathan Foster
His results are based in years of practical experience by himself, his wife and clients using a plethora of CALIBERS and bullets .
I had extensive conversations with Nathan about different bullet performance in my Whelen when getting the velocity I do not the anaemic factory rounds. This helped me decide what to use for my of hunt in Namibia. I ended up using accubonds, Woodleigh and the good old fashioned Hornady round nose. The big Hornady round nose was quite a surprise in its terminal performance and seemed to impart more shock to the animal than Spitzer projectiles.
Field experience can be a steep learning curve in what works and what is marginal as well as what's a waste of time
Just my two cents worth which ain't much
Bob
 
oh, I don't discredit the landowner or outfitters need to charge for them, I just don't want to pay for it :) frankly I don't have any interest in killing a hog, so that's why I don't want to pay for it. Now if I'm doing it for taking out an invasive species to help a land owner, great, but I won't pay for it as that's money I'm taking away from my birddog by going out on a duck hunt in a new state and/or upland hunt.

And that's SUPER sad to hear about the negatives of letting people on their land only to experience things like shot cows. Some people in the world just don't have respect for others or their property and those are def not the kind of ppl I would want on my land either, so I totally get it.

I'm similar with turkeys as well - so many in Texas and it's $1-2k for a Rio, again I just don't want to pay that when I can put that towards another hunt I really want to do. I have hunted twice on Texas land with permission but no dice. I figure over time, if I am lucky enough to get connected to someone that has an abundance of Toms on their property and offers it up, I'd take em up on it.
Now I did pay to go hunt in Mexico for an Oscellated turkey... but that's not something in our TX backyard :)

I'll send you a DM though - I'm based on Central TX, and it may be worth maybe paying one time for a hog to actually do a hunt prior to Africa - so thanks for the offer!
No problem. I’m in central Texas as well. Turkeys are personally my passion I’ve hunted them in a bunch of states and completed a slam. Ocellated and Goulds are next on the list. Include the info on the ocellated hunt you did in the PM.
 
congrats on the 2! if I end up with a giraffe ever, I was thinking bags and purses possibly the right direction or for an ottoman or club chair. With our house, I'm getting my zebra rug soon and I don't think my husband is going to want African hide rugs all over the house lol

any recommendations on good folks to use for gun cases, purses, etc. here in the US from experience?
I use animal artistry in Reno Nevada and they have some one that does the work.

the tanning of the hide is something you need to talk to them about so that they will have it processed to do what you want.

i also have part of one in rugs i have rectangular and circles. A 5 foot one is designated for my Christmas tree to be placed on it. I have 7ft metal tree and about 100 hand blown balls to hang on it.
 
The "Greenies" love to badmouth and leave a lot of negative comments when someone posts or advertises on a giraffe hunt. People don't post, because they're afraid of the negativity. It falls in the same category than elephant and zebra hunts, they think of them as animals not huntable/sacred. They all stare the same fate in the face: extinction, because of no value.
Because of not hunted a lot and trucks driving past them without shooting, they seem to be very tamed, but when hunted on foot, they can be quite a challenge! If you'd like to hunt something big and majestic, it is quite an experience to hunt a giraffe.
If someone thinks it is uneventful, then so is hunting crocodile, hippo and hiena; some people would differ - so would I! It doesn't fall in the same category as hunting buffalo, but it can be quite rewarding! No hunting experience, even on the same animal, is the same, but differs from outfit and the area you hunt. If your PH is not enthusiastic when hunting a specific animal, then the experience is also not so great how much does it cost to kill a giraffe.

Did you know? Giraffe are known for killing lions when attacked and a lot of people have lost their lives due to absence of respect for them.
Giraffe hunting isn't frequently discussed on hunting forums for several reasons. Firstly, giraffes aren't commonly hunted compared to other big game animals. Secondly, there's ethical concern as many see giraffes as iconic creatures deserving protection. Thirdly, legal restrictions often limit or regulate giraffe hunting. These factors collectively contribute to the lack of discussion on the topic.
 
Wow, you need to find some grumpy old gun guys who know about hunting Africa and get into one of those conversations where you keep your mouth closed and ears open;)

I mean this with the best of intentions. Seriously. Do not take that rifle to Africa. Trade it. Sell it. Or put it where it will do some good like in a quick access safe next to your bed for home defense.

DO NOT let @Bob Nelson 35Whelen figure out what this cartridge is... He may have to start defending the 243 as a good hunting cartridge!

BTW, a 35 Whelen would be an outstanding choice. A 30-06 would be good! Heck you would be better off with a 6.5 Creedmoor! (Affectionately and unaffectionally refered to as the Man Bunn)

Seriously a 35 Whelen. 9.3x62 or 9.3x74. 338 Win Mag, 300 Win Mag even, certainly a 375 H&H or Ruger (NOT a 375 Winchester)..... load up with heavy for caliber or at least standard weight BONDED bullets or TSX bullets.

Enjoy your hunt!
@ActionBob I leave for SA in two weeks and a Giraffe is on my list. I'm taking a .35 Whelen, shooting 200 grain TTSX. Do you think that's sufficient, or should I consider stepping up to 225 grain TSX? Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
@Action Bob
I will NEVER EVER say the 243 is a hunting cartridge of any description.
When I was in Namibia our out fitter took a giraffe with a 375 H&H. Seven shots later it was down. He suffered from bullet failure not cartridge failure. One projectile was found with the cup of the projectile sitting on the heart but no sign of the core. All projectiles suffered core separation. In hind sight he said he should have used my Whelen as it had proper bullets load in it.
If the projectiles used in the 375 were better quality it would have been better than the Whelen
Goes to show the importance of matching the bullet to the game. The 8.3 blk aka 338blk would be useless. A 338wm with a bonded 250gn would be fine.
Bob
@Bob Nelson 35Whelen I'll be in SA hunting giraffe with a .35 Whelen in about two weeks. What bullet were you shooting during the above-described hunt?
 
You can bring them home! View attachment 595947

We just brought my giraffe home to Texas from sitting in a shed in Minnesota. It will remain in the crate for the time being as I'm going to need to round up some help to set it up;) BTW, something like 13 critters in that crate. The giraffe causing the nearly 13 foot length.
Collecting Giraffes and Tractors is going to take up some serious space Bob.
Oh, and then I think your wife also has a tendency to collect things as well.
 
@ActionBob I leave for SA in two weeks and a Giraffe is on my list. I'm taking a .35 Whelen, shooting 200 grain TTSX. Do you think that's sufficient, or should I consider stepping up to 225 grain TSX? Thanks!
While I’m sure @ActionBob has suitable experience it’s “The other Bob” that sings praise of the .35Whelen loaded to full potential.

And in case you haven’t heard his other favourite calibre is the . 25, but I’m sure he has mentioned it.

There is one cartridge he despises, now which one was it? I thought it was pretty popular in Australia till I met Bob.
 
@ActionBob I leave for SA in two weeks and a Giraffe is on my list. I'm taking a .35 Whelen, shooting 200 grain TTSX. Do you think that's sufficient, or should I consider stepping up to 225 grain TSX? Thanks!
A .375 works well in my experience. Id imagine a 9.3x62 is about equal. So, a heavier bullet in the whelen should do it.
For sure it will work with a neck shot.
 
@Bob Nelson 35Whelen I'll be in SA hunting giraffe with a .35 Whelen in about two weeks. What bullet were you shooting during the above-described hunt?
@The35Whelen
I sed mainly Woodleigh and accubonds in 225gn.
My oryx was with the good old 250gn Hornady round nose.
For giraffe I personally would opt for the 225gn TTSX but hey thats me.
Bob
 
@ActionBob I leave for SA in two weeks and a Giraffe is on my list. I'm taking a .35 Whelen, shooting 200 grain TTSX. Do you think that's sufficient, or should I consider stepping up to 225 grain TSX? Thanks!
I don't read know. I shot mine with a 525 grain TSX leaving the muzzle at 2350 fps. 505 Gibbs. It had dramatic effect on the beast. A high heart/double lung shot, it reared up and crashed over trees for about 40 yards and collapsed. The bullet was against the skin on the opposite side shoulder. That bullet held together but looked like it had been worked over by a grinding wheel.

So if it works for you. I'd take the 250 grain. But also would not be afraid to use the 200, especially if you take a high neck shot. I think a TSX is an excellent choice.

Giraffe are just built hard. More so than Cape Buffalo. I would not say as hard to kill nor with the stubborn will to live long enough to kill their assailant.... but the skin is thicker and tougher or at least harder. Bones are harder. Liver is harder.... cannot even push a thumb into the liver....
 
I don't read know. I shot mine with a 525 grain TSX leaving the muzzle at 2350 fps. 505 Gibbs. It had dramatic effect on the beast. A high heart/double lung shot, it reared up and crashed over trees for about 40 yards and collapsed. The bullet was against the skin on the opposite side shoulder. That bullet held together but looked like it had been worked over by a grinding wheel.

So if it works for you. I'd take the 250 grain. But also would not be afraid to use the 200, especially if you take a high neck shot. I think a TSX is an excellent choice.

Giraffe are just built hard. More so than Cape Buffalo. I would not say as hard to kill nor with the stubborn will to live long enough to kill their assailant.... but the skin is thicker and tougher or at least harder. Bones are harder. Liver is harder.... cannot even push a thumb into the liver....
@Action Bob
Are you sure you were using enough gun.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob
 
@Action Bob
So is a howitzer
But as we say go big or go home
Bob
No a howitzer would have been really difficult to lug up those hills and especially difficult carrying through the bushes we stalked through to get close to that thing. They always hold the high ground but we were able to get up at the level.

That .505 525 grain TSX made one neat little hole ;)

Screenshot_20240508-074232_Photos.jpg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
54,460
Messages
1,154,926
Members
94,186
Latest member
Robson T Maruza
 

 

 

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Grat wrote on HUNTROMANIA's profile.
Hallo Marius- do you have possibilities for stags in September during the roar? Where are your hunting areas in Romania?
ghay wrote on No Promises's profile.
I'm about ready to pull the trigger on another rifle but would love to see your rifle first, any way you could forward a pic or two?
Thanks,
Gary [redacted]
Heym Express Safari cal .416 Rigby

Finally ready for another unforgettable adventure in Namibia with Arub Safaris.


H2863-L348464314_original.jpg
Unforgettable memories of my first hunting safari with Arub Safaris in Namibia (Khomas Hochland) !!!

Namibia.jpg
Oryx.jpg
Kudu.jpg
ghay wrote on Joel Rouvaldt's profile.
Love your rifle! I'm needing a heavier rifle for Africa. Sold my .375 Dakota Safari several trips ago. Would you have any interest in a trade of some sort involving the custom 338/06 I have listed here on the site ( I have some room on my asking price. I also have a large quantity of the reloading components and new Redding dies as well as a box of A-Square Dead Tough ammo.
 
Top