3 Rifle Battery for full bag Tanzania Hunting Safari

[brettp]

So, exactly a year from now, I will return to Tanzania for a full bag hunt.

Primary species sought are leopard, 3 buffalo, sable, roan, croc and hippo. Beyond that, I have a full 21-day license game list other than lion and elephant and don't plan to turn down any quality trophies.

I am bringing my 500NE double. That's non-negotiable. Trying to decide on the rest of the plan.

I'd appreciate votes below.

 

[CAustin]

You are going to be a very busy man those 21 days!

 

[cpr0312]

Wow! That will be an epic and grand adventure! Of the choices to vote on, I choose #1

 

[JakeH]

Just my opinion....

.30-06 for plains game
.375 Ruger for bigger antelope, croc, leopard, and maybe buffo
.500 NE for buffalo and hippo

Regardless of what you decide, this sounds like an amazing hunt that I'm rather envious of!

 

[jacques smith]

Beware the man with only one gun! Take whatever else you have full confidence in besides your 500 NE. I'm available to be a gunbearer should you require. I work rather cheap and I don't eat much[emoji56][emoji56]

 

[rafaellinne]

If you are after lion, you will need a .375 even because of the law. I've been in three 21 day safaris and always had a double (450 NE) and a 375 H&H. During the last four years I've been just in 10 days safaris and took a double .500 NE and a 375 H&H.

 

[spike.t]

If those are the choices then the first option

 

[dchamp]

For a second rifle I would look at either a 9.3x62 or a .300WM as a all rounder. Both work well. If you want a third rifle and are interested in the small antelope I would look at a 22 Hornet. But thats something you may want to talk to your PH about.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

If I took three guns, I'd need a gun bearer to get to the airport.

Two is more than I want to carry, but I've done it when traveling with my son.

I've shot all my African animals with a 30-06, but there is nothing a 30-06 will do that a 375 won't do. There really is a practical difference between a 500 double with iron sights and a scoped rifle.

I know it isn't what you asked, but I'd vote for the 500 and the 375. And since the 375 is my "light" rifle, I'd probably shoot 235g TSX or 250g TTSX out of it unless I were planning to shoot the buffalo with the 375, in which case 300g bullets. And only one load for it so the ammo gremlins don't pull an ammo switcharoo on you at the last minute.

 

[IdaRam]

I voted for option 1, seems the best mix of the three options offered.
However...
If I could choose ANY three, it would be:
.300 H&H
.404 Jeffery
Early 1900's vintage Double in .450, 470 or .500 NE

 

[IvW]

3 is too much.

I would go with a 375 H&H fitted with a decent scope and the 500 NE double. That would be all you would need. The 375 H&H shoots just as flat as the 30-06 but does so with much more authority.

 

[BenH2016]

Well you've decided the 500NE is going with you, you've clearly got a lovely double that you are very fond of so why wouldn't you take it after buffalo. I would say tho that it's probably more than you need.

I also agree with others that 3 guns is too many. That said when I go hunting later this year I'll take everything I have in the safe (12ga shot gun, 22 hornet, 243, 30-06 and 416 Rigby). You have lion so if you were to go with 2 guns I'd say 500NE and 375.

BUT you have chosen to take 3 so I would suggest option 1, giving you the gun you want to take, the one you need to take and the one I would take!

Have fun.

 

[IvW]

So, exactly a year from now, I will return to Tanzania for a full bag hunt.

Primary species sought are leopard, 3 buffalo, sable, roan, croc and hippo. Beyond that, I have a full 21-day license game list other than lion and elephant and don't plan to turn down any quality trophies.

I am bringing my 500NE double. That's non-negotiable. Trying to decide on the rest of the plan.

I'd appreciate votes below.

For the animals mentioned you need but two rifles/calibers. Your 500 NE and a 375 H&H, if you insist on a third make it a shot gun and enjoy some excellent bird hunting