404 Jeffrey

[Bignut]

I'm new to African hunting, so forgiveness may be in order. I'm wondering if you guys feel a 404 is too much gun for an all around hunt. We are going to South Africa next spring, and I would like to hunt cape buffalo as well as some plains game such as wildebeest, bushbuck, or gemsbok. I like the tradition of the caliber, but don't want to be foolishly over gunned

 

[CTDolan]

You'd be better served with a .375 H&H but if you fancy a .404 Jeffrey, by all means.

 

[Velo Dog]

I'm new to African hunting, so forgiveness may be in order. I'm wondering if you guys feel a 404 is too much gun for an all around hunt. We are going to South Africa next spring, and I would like to hunt cape buffalo as well as some plains game such as wildebeest, bushbuck, or gemsbok. I like the tradition of the caliber, but don't want to be foolishly over gunned

Hi again Bignut,

In Africa, Alaska, Northern Canada and Northern Australia, (sorry if I missed anyone), there is no such thing as “over-gunned”.
This information of course coming from someone who has hunted jack rabbits in Nevada with a .375 H&H and used a .450 No2 NE on so called “African plains game”, hahahaha.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

 

[Ridgewalker]

JMO, but I think it depends on where you’re hunting and the distances. Example 1: Limpopo bushveld where shots are rarely over 200 yards the 404 J should work great assuming the recoil doesn’t bother you. Example 2: Eastern Cape where you might be shooting across a 400+ yard canyon, you might be pushing it a bit unless you have a rangefinder, range card and have practiced the drop of your 404 J. This could also be applicable to Namibia.

That said, if you sit at water holes for your game it’s a non issue.
You might want to discuss it with your PH. He can tell you the ranges and cartridge recommendations.
Best of luck in your decision, but I’ll bet you have a great time what ever you decide!

 

[Opposite Pole]

Hi again Bignut,

In Africa, Alaska, Northern Canada and Northern Australia, (sorry if I missed anyone), there is no such thing as “over-gunned”.
This information of course coming from someone who has hunted jack rabbits in Nevada with a .375 H&H and used a .450 No2 NE on so called “African plains game”, hahahaha.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

375 works great on bunnies