First Safari - I’ll hunt plains game - What caliber?

[Dessert_Eagle]

Hi,

I booked my first Safari which will be in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in 2026. I will hunt Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Blesbluk, Springbuk, and Impala.

I might add Sable and Gemsbuk/Oryx. Maybe in the far future I’d look at Zebra, but likely not this trip.

For this trip, I would like to buy a nice bolt action rifle such as the Anchutz 1782 D, which comes in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, and 30-06. What is the lowest recoiling caliber of this bunch that you would find suitable for the trip?

I would like to bring something adequate but not unnecessarily powerful (to the extent there is flexibility).

Thank you!

 

[Scott CWO]

If those are your choices, definitely go with the .30-06. The .308 will also work. I’ve hunted Africa with a 6.5 GAP SAUM and it was a bit underpowered in my opinion.

 

[375Fox]

30/06 as a first choice then 308 as second choice. Every PH would be happy to see those calibers. There are also a lot of good ammo choices with quality hunting bullets available. The 6.5 is light for the bigger plains game like kudu. The ammo selection is also geared much more towards target shooting than hunting with the 6.5 creedmoor.

 

[Workman]

Agreed, stay with the 30 Cal. I used a rented .308 the first time and used my own 300 PRC the second. You should be good, just practice on some sticks before you go! Have a great trip!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Sako S20 Hunter .30-06 Sprg 24" 5/8"-24 Bbl Roughtech Green Rifle JRS20HRG320 For Sale - EuroOptic

Sako S20 Hunter .30-06 Sprg 24" 5/8"-24 Bbl Roughtech Green Rifle JRS20HRG320 For Sale

www.eurooptic.com

1/3-1/2” groups with factory ammo

 

[Puddle]

I'd start by looking at the live weights of your target animals. The largest (bulls/stallions, sometimes cows) will average between 400 - 500 lbs, perhaps up to 600 lbs. Figure out the bullet types and minimum bullet weights you want to be smacking the vitals and bone structures of those size animals. Those consideration will direct you towards a set of calibers and cartridges to choose from.

Oh, yea - and have one heck of a good time!

 

[skydiver386]

Blue Wildebeest are notoriously tough if their adrenaline is up, that and the possibility of Zebra would point me to the 30-06.

 

[khesser]

The 6.5 Creedmoor will kill everything on your list even the Kudu. Good shot placement and you’ll be fine.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

My blue wildebeest bull tipped over instantly with 30-06 165 gr Partition.

Same with this black wildebeest. Both shot at 100 yards.

Pick a gun with a bit of weight, e.g. eight lbs, and you won't notice the recoil.

 

[BryceM]

The first answer is whichever you shoot the best. A .243 in the right place trumps a .375 H&H in the wrong place every day of the week.

That said, I'd favor a .300 something. .30-06 is fine. .308 is fine for most everything but it's a bit light for eland and zebra. .300 Win/Wby is the sweet spot for me. The vast majority of my African PG hunting has been done with a .300 Win. But truthfully, being accurate on the sticks is what really matters. Bullet selection is probably more important than a specific caliber too.

If recoil is a concern, there's nothing wrong with a .308. A good suppressor will make a .300 Win feel like a .243. Muzzle brakes work too, but they're too loud to be in my wheelhouse. Stay away from lightweight rifles. They kick hard and they're too hard to hold steady.

 

[Firebird]

Just a suggestion but get yourself a copy of “The Perfect Shot” and study it like your safari depends on it. The mini edition is great. I’ll add my vote for .30-06 and reiterate to practice shooting Off sticks

 

[Firebird]

Also kill a zebra this trip-make a rug, it will be one of your favorite trophy room items!

 

[Elkeater]

.308 or .30-06 will do the job just fine. We just got back yesterday and 22 animals for our group including Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, impala, steenbok, springbok, warthog, duiker, Nyala. All were shot with a .308 Winchester.

The suggestion of getting yourself a copy of the “the perfect shot” is a great suggestion as well.

 

[Nhoro]

308 or 3006 get my vote. I prefer the 180 gr bullets or heavier for bigger game.

 

[Buffalo1]

30.06 with a Swift A-Frame bullet will get the job done. When the adrenaline kicks in (which it will) recoil will not be an issue.

 

[Andrew62]

I've hunted lots of plains game with my Kimber Mountain Ascent in .308, it's a really nice light gun, a real pleasure to tote around. And if I get to Africa and my luggage is lost, which has happened 3 times, I can always find ammo. In fact just today I was at the range dialing in some 180 grain Swift Aframes for this next trip in September.

 

[dogcat1]

Everything from .243 to 9.3x62 will work for you.

 

[Daisy]

6.5 is my vote.

 

[375Ruger416]

30-06. I’m taking a 300 PRC.

Any of your three would be acceptable, but I think the 30-06 will be better on wildebeest and kudu than the other two.

What’s your PH recommend?

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

30-06. I am in the Eastern Cape now, shots can be far.