30-06 or 375 h&h for a leopards

[Bapu]

The bullet you use is more important than the caliber/cartridge you shoot.

I’d stick with a Nosler Partition or Accubond, Trophy Bonded Bearclaw or Terminal Ascent (basically same bullet), Remington CoreLokt, Sierra Game King, Swift Scirocco, Northfork Percussion Point or whatever Hornady offers such as an Interlock. Note that I did not say Swift A Frame or Barnes TSX/TTSX. Both of those bullets will certainly do the job and have many times on leopards, but they won’t expand as quickly or large as the bullets I recommended. And rapid expansion combined with decent penetration are what is most important on leopards. They’ll do the job but the others are better choices.

I’ve shot 3 leopards, all on long multi-species hunts so the rifle I used was more general purpose than leopard specific. I shot one leopard, my biggest, with a .300 Winchester and 180 grain Partition. That cat was dead on the limb before he fell. I’ve shot 2 with my .338 Winchester and 225 grain Bearclaws. One was a Kalahari cat on the ground and he didn’t go far at all; maybe 20 yards at the most and the other also was found about 20 yards from the tree I shot him out of. Leopards are not hard to kill as long as you shoot them in the right spot with any of the bullets I’ve mentioned.

If I was going on a dedicated leopard hunt instead of a general bag hunt that includes a leopard, I’d take a 30-06 shooting a 180 grain Nosler Partition. It’s plenty of gun for any leopard.

DLSJR you are absolutely correct that the bullet is what is important.
Now here in India given the choice is very limited and the only option available as I said is 180grs soft point S&B for 30-06. Which in the past has given me satisfying results to be honest.
Moreover in 375 h&h option available is 300grs silvertips.
Now it's time to decide which out of the two will work better under a given situation.
I was also reading somewhere that 30-06 is a better choice for the leopard than the 375.
Think even Craig Boddington also mentioned it in one of his books.
Thanks and appreciate your advice.
Cheers.

 

[Bapu]

Either caliber would be fine. To me the determining factor is the correct ammunition bullet and bullet placement.
I shot my leopard with a 300 Win Mag. A second piece of advice have a high quality scope for your rifle. You will probably shoot it in very low light.

Manny R the scopes are german on both the rifles. Yes will take them in low light for sure.

 

[mark-hunter]

I shoot equally well 30-06 and 375.
I would use 375, because it makes bigger hole, makes better punch. Soft point bullet.
My choice of optics would be high end European scope, with front lense diameter 56mm for best light gathering quality.

 

[Bapu]

I shoot equally well 30-06 and 375.
I would use 375, because it makes bigger hole, makes better punch. Soft point bullet.
My choice of optics would be high end European scope, with front lense diameter 56mm for best light gathering quality.

Agreed Mark-hunter.

 

[Monski]

I hope you put down this cat safely and soon. I think the scope on your 30 06 should be the deciding factor, 1.5-6x42 will be better in the low light while over the bait. Since your 375 will be on hand maybe use that for follow up while turned down to 1 power.

 

[HUNTROMANIA]

Take the one you are the most confortabile. Are two different calibers, recoil, weight, etc. Personally I would take .30-06 is more than enough to kill a leopard.

 

[Sideshow]

The shot placement on this might be of some help!
Not trying to tell you how to suck eggs. As I said before good luck and I hope that you can sort this out soon.

 

[Bapu]

The shot placement on this might be of some help!
Not trying to tell you how to suck eggs. As I said before good luck and I hope that you can sort this out soon.

Please feel free to advice that's what the forum is all about.

 

[Sideshow]

@Bapu I just thought that Kevins shot placement on may be of great help.

 

[Bapu]

@Bapu I just thought that Kevins shot placement on may be of great help.

Yes it was. Thanks.

 

[maxtheflyinghorse]

I wish I could assist you. I’m from Kerala but settled in the states. It is the same in Kerala now the government have failed in taking care of the wild animals and they are causing a massive issue back in Kerala too. It’s high time government allow hunting in India. But I don’t see it will be happening. Talking about the caliber my choice would be .375 H&H. Again regardless the caliber shot placement is more important.in this scenario I’d say which ever gun you are more comfortable and used with just in case there is a chance for charge and a need for a quick follow up shot you can get back on the leopard soon after your first shot. Again I have no experience with hunting leopard. I’m sure lots of people here have much more valuable knowledge. I’m used with my .375 H&H so that will be my choice for sure. I don’t have much experience with 30.06 yet as I use .308 mainly.

 

[Bapu]

I wish I could assist you. I’m from Kerala but settled in the states. It is the same in Kerala now the government have failed in taking care of the wild animals and they are causing a massive issue back in Kerala too. It’s high time government allow hunting in India. But I don’t see it will be happening. Talking about the caliber my choice would be .375 H&H. Again regardless the caliber shot placement is more important.in this scenario I’d say which ever gun you are more comfortable and used with just in case there is a chance for charge and a need for a quick follow up shot you can get back on the leopard soon after your first shot. Again I have no experience with hunting leopard. I’m sure lots of people here have much more valuable knowledge. I’m used with my .375 H&H so that will be my choice for sure. I don’t have much experience with 30.06 yet as I use .308 mainly.

Yes, unfortunately hunting would never open in india looking at the current situation.
I think even in man-eater cases if the government issues license on time that would be great. Anyway my condolences to the families who lost their dear ones.
Cheers.

 

[Topshots]

My hunting buddy uses his .375 occasionally for whitetail here in Kentucky. I have seen him take a doe with with it at 75 yards or so. The doe was hit a bit high on a broad side shot but she was dead before she hit the ground. The bullet entered her about two inches above her lungs and literally blew a tunnel threw her the size of a $.50 piece. I believe he used Remington 270gr Soft Points which I believe was the lightest he could find.

Is the .375 a bit big for whitetail? Matter of opinion I suppose but I didn't find the damage any worse than some deer I've seen in the back of hunter's trucks. I don't know if you hand load, but I would think you could really dial up some very nice whitetail rounds if you do.

I say if you want to hunt with one and don't mind the recoil, by all means do so. It might leave a bigger exit wound but you certainly won't vaporize half your deer.

 

[Mountaineer]

If I was planning to hunt leopard and had time to plan and product available I would use the 375 with 235 grain cutting edge raptors.

 

[Bapu]

If I was planning to hunt leopard and had time to plan and product available I would use the 375 with 235 grain cutting edge raptors.

Unfortunately 235 grain ammunition not available here in India.
Cheers

 

[Bapu]

A man-eater taken a few years ago with 375 h&h. It was a 300 yards shot at night in the gut. The leopard went 25 yards and was recovered next morning. Shot by a fellow hunter. Amazing damage. Ammunition used - he doesn't remember. But it was a SP he said. What an effect.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

A man-eater taken a few years ago with 375 h&h. It was a 300 yards shot at night in the gut. The leopard went 25 yards and was recovered next morning. Shot by a fellow hunter. Amazing damage. Ammunition used - he doesn't remember. But it was a SP he said. What an effect.

But Bapu, the rifle in the photograph is an Indian Ordinance Factories .315 (8x50mm Mannlicher Rimmed) sporting rifle. See the:distinctive lee Enfield style magazine and "Wrist Band".

 

[IvW]

A man-eater taken a few years ago with 375 h&h. It was a 300 yards shot at night in the gut. The leopard went 25 yards and was recovered next morning. Shot by a fellow hunter. Amazing damage. Ammunition used - he doesn't remember. But it was a SP he said. What an effect.

300 yard shot at night? Rifle looks like a 303....

 

[Bapu]

Ye

300 yard shot at night? Rifle looks like a 303....

Yes the rifle in the photo is a indian 315. The 375 was a borrowed rifle which was probably returned at night. This photo was taken next day morning.

 

[Bapu]

But Bapu, the rifle in the photograph is an Indian Ordinance Factories .315 (8x50mm Mannlicher Rimmed) sporting rifle. See the:distinctive lee Enfield style magazine and "Wrist Band".

Yes it's an 315. Let me ask about the specific 375 or an original un cropped photo.