270 grain Barnes LRX (375 H&H) for Buffalo??

[BeeMaa]

Yes, they most certainly will !View attachment 301560

I'm guessing a "one shot kill"?

 

[BobT]

Yikes! I think I’ll keep using solids on these tiny antelope!

He was a big Oribi and I was loaded for buffalo, shot was about 80 yards.

I'm guessing a "one shot kill"?

Never even wiggled.

 

[thriller]

The buff I shot did not like the 270 gr tsx. He died from it real quick.

 

[TOBY458]

Here's a 270 gr TSX taken out of a Lioness I shot this year. Muzzle velocity was 2750fps. Shot distance was 30 yards. Would you trust this bullet on a Cape Buffalo, at that velocity? I also took an Eland with the same bullet at 250 yards and the bullet penetrated the whole chest cavity and exited. So, I think the somewhat high velocity of 2750fps would be too much for close range buffalo hunting. Once they slow down a bit, they seem to work fine. But, if you're going to shoot 2500fps or less, why not just use a 300 gr.?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

View attachment 306666

Here's a 270 gr TSX taken out of a Lioness I shot this year. Muzzle velocity was 2750fps. Shot distance was 30 yards. Would you trust this bullet on a Cape Buffalo, at that velocity? I also took an Eland with the same bullet at 250 yards and the bullet penetrated the whole chest cavity and exited. So, I think the somewhat high velocity of 2750fps would be too much for close range buffalo hunting. Once they slow down a bit, they seem to work fine. But, if you're going to shoot 2500fps or less, why not just use a 300 gr.?

Very interesting results, I would not have expected that with the Barnes.

 

[Newboomer]

You might want to factor in buffalo charges and such.........the world can turn to shit in an instant! Best to have and not need than to need and not have.
From what I've read, "normal" buffalo hunting scenarios often have some type of charge involved.

I don't see the need to factor buf charges into normal hunting. That's what PHs and big backup guns are for.

 

[bruce moulds]

is this problem with the lrx or the triple shock as well?
I feel that the current spate of so called long range bullets is a step backward in terminal performance, and absolutely no gain at sensible hunting ranges.
the higher b.c. gains of such bullets only become apparent well past 600 yds, where a much more readily expanding bullet is required due to reduced velocity.
the same bullets at 100 to 200 will often be a problem.
the nosler ballistic tip and berger so called hunting bullets come under this heading as well.
people see the name long range, vld, plastic tip, etc and in ignorance believe there is an edge to be had by purchasing a gimmic.
bruce.

 

[Philip Glass]

This is good feedback and led me to find other discussion on this topic. I had the 270 gr in my head, but I’ve found a few discussions on here of using 200 grain all copper bullets on buffalo with good success. My assumption is that the 235 would work as well. And obviously hammer PG. Thanks

I would be ok trying the 270gr TSX on buff because I’ve had such good luck with Barnes. I am having some loaded for my .375 Ruger for my Cameroon Safari. That said I am always a fan of more gun/heavy bullets. I would not go below 270gr for buff. I took my buff with .416 Ruger FYI.

 

[Philip Glass]

As narrow bodied as a duiker or steenbuck are, will the Aframe even open enough at the closer ranges you usually shoot them to do much damage?

If you show up in Africa with 300 grain Swift A-Frames, your PH will be delighted.
Demonstrate to him that you are capable of shooting it out to 300 yards with accuracy and he will be elated.
I took everything from Blesbuck (200 yards) to Eland (100 yards) with the 300 gr SAF and nothing went very far.

After speaking with my PH, he said that the 375H&H 300 gr SAF's are good for Buffalo as long as you do your part.
I also asked him about taking solids for a follow up shot and he said it would be fine if I wanted to bring them, but it wasn't necessary.
To that end I'm working on solids that will shoot to the same point of impact as my SAF's.

Do your part and make that first shot on the Buff (or any animal for that matter) count to minimize the chances of a charge.
Dealing with a charge is a real thing and being prepared is important.
That being said, the job of a client and the job of a PH are very different.
Sorting out what to do in the event of a possible charge would fall into the hands of the PH, so just do as he asks you to.

I really don’t think there is any need for solids on buff when we have Barnes bullets. That is just my opinion from many Safaris and studying many people’s recommendations.

 

[Philip Glass]

Yes, especially on the preferred broadside shot.

Who knows what it will do @ 2800 Fps...especially if it is the LRX version.

Wrong way to go for buffalo.

Heavy for caliber bullets in 375 have always done what they are supposed to...don't fix it if it ain't broke.

I respect your opinion and experience but why is it that Africans are so skeptical of Barnes bullets? Ive killed everything with them and have so much confidence in them. I agree with you in principal on heavy for caliber bullets and if our discussion was “best buff caliber” I would be one the .416 bandwagon.

 

[Philip Glass]

The buff I shot did not like the 270 gr tax he died from it real quick.

Tell us more of the story.

 

[Philip Glass]

What velocities have y’all been loaded in the Barnes 270g inna .375 Ruger? What would be optimal? I know it can be loaded in a variety of ways. I am going to have some loaded and just looking for experience in the matter. This would be for my trip to Cameroon.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

This is good feedback and led me to find other discussion on this topic. I had the 270 gr in my head, but I’ve found a few discussions on here of using 200 grain all copper bullets on buffalo with good success. My assumption is that the 235 would work as well. And obviously hammer PG. Thanks

I have been shooting 300gr only in my .375 and on the advice of the folks at SAAM (big time .375 Ruger fans) I am considering the 270gr Barnes. I am not and would not recommend going lighter than this. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Scott CWO]

The idea of using the 270gr LRX as an all-around bullet for the .375 H&H seems valid. It is only 30 grains less than the 300gr bullet that a lot of you recommend for buffalo and it is a more updated modern design that does retain it's weight just as good as my beloved Swift AFrame. The 270gr LRX seems to bridge the gap. I can be used for larger big game in North America, such as elk, moose and brown bear with great results and a fairly flat trajectory. It would be wonderful on PG in Africa. It would work for buffalo under most conditions. It is a simple system of only one bullet for everything up to and possibly including cape buffalo. This makes for fewer mistakes when otherwise trying to switch bullets and makes it easier to learn and memorize the trajectory and performance of your rifle/bullet setup at all hunting ranges.

As for this business about shooting into a herd of buffalo and the 270gr bullet exiting and hitting other buffalo, to me that is an unethical situation and the 300 extra fps between the 270gr and the 300gr bullet would likely not be noticed in short-range buffalo hunting. Both would likely exit if either would exit given the same shot angles at close range. I have shot three buffalo and I have never shot at a buffalo when I had knowledge of another buffalo behind it. I would pass that shot and if I don't end up getting a buffalo, so be it. Reminds me of Marco Polo hunting in Tajikistan when the guides tried to get me to shoot at a ram that was directly in front of several other rams. They said it wouldn't be a problem with the outfitter if I killed two sheep or wounded other sheep. I will not do such things and did not there and won't knowingly do it anywhere I hunt.

 

[Jeff Thompson]

As narrow bodied as a duiker or steenbuck are, will the Aframe even open enough at the closer ranges you usually shoot them to do much damage?

Shot a whitetail with a 250 gr. Game king at 20 yards didn’t hit any meat but hydro shock ruined offside front quarter.

 

[bruce moulds]

would the lr x bee better or worse than the std x for an all round bullet in 270 gn 375.
could there be an argument in favour of the latter?
bruce.

 

[bruce moulds]

jeff,
the aframe being pure copper and pure lead might well open fairly quickly, at least enough in a big calibre to kill small game.?
bruce.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

would the lr x bee better or worse than the std x for an all round bullet in 270 gn 375.
could there be an argument in favour of the latter?
bruce.

From my reading, tougher at close range/ high impact velocity.

 

[Scott CWO]

would the lr x bee better or worse than the std x for an all round bullet in 270 gn 375.
could there be an argument in favour of the latter?
bruce.

I think the LRX would be a better all-around choice to include the longer shots.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hey Guys,

Has anyone used the Barnes 270 grain LRX on Buffalo? For a person bringing one rifle to Africa the 375 H&H seems right. The 270 LRX provides a very flat trajectory that should be great for plains game, but also a TKO index of 40.

My assumption is that this would work well for an all around cartridge but wanted to know if anyone has done it. Also I’m not factoring in buffalo charges and the such. Just normal Buffalo hunting scenarios.

Thanks

CH

I just took my Western Savanna Buffalo with 270gr Barnes in my .375 Ruger Blaser R8. It was facing us and one well placed shot ended him just 25 yards from where he was standing. They are smaller than a Cape Buffalo but this one was large for its kind. I am always a proponent of using more gun in Africa so I’d likely use my .470 on my next buffalo.