30-06 Rifle for Plains Game - How Big?

[DLSJR]

As others have said, you’ll be fine with a 30-06 and quality 180 grain bullets on any plains game, including eland. I’ve never used a 30-06 in Africa but my son and I have shot quite a few animals, up to Burchell Zebra with a 270 Winchester and 150 grain Nosler Partitions or Barnes TTSX’s. I never felt undergunned with a 270, and a 30-06 would be every bit as good. Everything that was shot properly died quickly with one shot. I personally would not hesitate to shoot any plains game, including Eland, with a 30-06.

Before you worry about a larger cartridge, I’d just get a great scope like a Leupold VX5HD in 2-10x, CDS turret and Firedot reticle being outstanding for that rifle and the use you intend for it. You’ll have no problem shooting accurately with that cartridge and scope. A quality 180 grain bullet like the ones you’ve mentioned will kill everything you’ve mentioned.

I know Africans who’ve killed Lions and Cape Buffalo with 30-06’s and lesser bullets than the great options we have today. None of them felt like it was inappropriate. While not ideal or legal, it got the job done efficiently for them.

 

[coreydb]

A lot of relevant information in this thread. Be pragmatic in your selection though. If you're going with a PH who says expect long range shots, then practice long range shooting. you can effectively practice at 100 yds if you know the bullet's trajectory, then adjust to achieve your rifle's Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR). Your 30.-06's MPBR with a 180 grain bullet is generally at 300 yds, but practice will allow you to be specific.

Also keep in mind your kill zones are pie plate size and pin-point accuracy is secondary-just hit anywhere in that zone and it's a kill shot.