Ready for Buffalo

Longwalker said:

I tried out some new loads for my Merkel 140 AE double rifle in .450-400 3" Nitro Express today. Quite pleased that I can use Swift A-frames that shoot to the same point of impact with the same regulation as the Hornady DGX that the rifle was regulated with. We will hunt Mozambique, Coutada 9 in the last two weeks of July. Buffalo and a variety plains game are on the license. All arrangements are complete with Mokore Safaris and the airlines and permits etc. I'm so excited, even though this is my sixth African trip. Can't wait!
These test shots were at 50 M, standing with a rest. I'm satisfied.
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Longwalker said:

Red Leg, if all goes well this will be my third buffalo. The rifle is equipped with a scope, which I used to shoot that group. 1-4x Karl Kaps with FFP German #1 Reticle. Very good in low light. The iron sights are good too, but my eyes aren't iron sight compatible any more so I also have a Burris reflex sight that I can pop into the Recknagel QD pivot mount on a moments notice. The rifle remains quite well regulated despite the scope being removed. It's a versatile and capable sighting system.
The rifle is not inexperienced, in an odd twist of fate the three animals I've taken with it were all about 80-90M away, a Buffalo in the Caprivi, and a Moose and an Elk back home. All three were about as far as I care to shoot with this rifle off of sticks.
I'm pretty sure the rifle could shoot a group less than half the size of my target example, but that group looks good to me considering how much my reticle was moving on the target.
I might also use the Merkel for some plains game, but have a scoped bolt action 9.3x62 that will be the main choice for hunting plains game, and is more suited to use for longer shots.

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