A new plains game rifle

[Cally]

Who told you a 6.5x55 with a 130-grain TSX has limited use overseas?

I understand the minimum calibre for most species in Namibia is 7mm. I am specifically looking at hunting larger plains game.

 

[BeeMaa]

I understand the minimum calibre for most species in Namibia is 7mm. I am specifically looking at hunting larger plains game.

The larger PG animals (like eland) are best had with a mid-bore. You will not be disappointed with the performance of your 375H&H with 300 grain Barnes TSX. Keep it simple. Especially since you shoot it so well.

 

[Safari Dave]

If you shoot your .375 well, then there is no reason to change.

If you would like a rifle chambered in a smaller cartridge, I would recommend a .30/06.

(a .30/06 is never wrong)


A .300 Win Mag would be fine too, and will shoot a little flatter, but there is not quite as much factory ammo available.

 

[Badboymelvin]

If you shoot your .375 well, then there is no reason to change.

If you would like a rifle chambered in a smaller cartridge, I would recommend a .30/06.

(a .30/06 is never wrong)


A .300 Win Mag would be fine too, and will shoot a little flatter, but there is not quite as much factory ammo available.

My answer was also going to be .300 Win Mag, but if that's not allowed in the UK I would go the 7mm Rem Mag

Russ

 

[Bill_D]

30-06 with a 23-24” barrel

With modern hand loadings 175-180 bullets can easily approach 300 H&H factory ammo velocities (2800-2900)

Global ammo availability.

Completely effective on plains game/deer/elk/boar/etc… to 400 yards.

Recoil moderate and it won’t destroy you or your PH’s hearing if you have to shoot without earplugs.

No belt and has a tapered case for very smooth feeding.

Plenty of class and nostalgia.

 

[FlyGuy]

1: Any outfitter that thinks a 375 H&H shooting a 235, 250 or 270gr bullet isn’t capable of 400-500 yard shots, should perhaps find another line of work. Especially if it’s suppressed with a 30% or more reduction in recoil, so the client doesn’t have a flinch and shoots it well.
2: If you’re dead keen to get another rifle to perfectly fill the gap between the Swede and H&H, you’ll be hard pressed to do better than the 7mm Remington Magnum.

 

[Nhoro]

338 win mag is neither fish nor fowl- too small for Buffalo and too big for most plainsgame. 300 win mag would probably be best for what you want but if you cannot swing that, I would say 30-06 if you really want to get a plainsgame only rifle. It is what I have + 458 lott.

But to be honest, 375 h&h will do all you need and you already have all your permissions. Stick with it. And I would stick with 300 gr bullets all the way. Lighter bullets don't offer much better trajectory.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and Kudu this time.

I am planning to go back as and when I can though.

@Cally
What's wrong with a 30-06 or 308..
Either will do the job but I would lean towards the 06 with a good bonded 180gn or a good old fashioned cup and core 220gn.
Bob

 

[shark_za]

People must realise that Africa has many different hunting terrains and a 375 may not be common in the area he is going to hunt.
The owner and PH will suggest what they know.

I would get a 7x64 setup right for longer shots (mainly a good scope).
Load a 140gr mono bullet and you will do fine.

You will probably find they love the 8x68s that kind of replaces the 338/300 magnums in German speaking areas.
But 7mm will be great to supplement a .375 you already have.
Loaded with 175gr bullets its the equal of the .30-06.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Where is Bob when we need him? I don’t know the stats like he does, but, without a doubt 35 Whelen.

@USN
He already has a 375 so the Whelen would be to close to it when loaded properly
Yes I do love my Whelen and it would more than do the job
But for the game the op wants to hunt ( go grab a STRONG DRINK and hang onto something or sit down. You may fall over at my response) I would say a 308 loaded with premium bonded projectiles. You don't need Barnes or other monos because of the the velocity. A TBBC, Woodleigh, accubond or AFrame would be fine.
My son killed ALL his PG just as dead with his 308 as I did with my Whelen.
The Whelen definitely hits harder, has the cool factor and far more class
but the little 08 kills shit just as dead. Not to much gets up after being hit with a 150 gn accubond started at over 2,900 fps out of that little round. If'n y'all want more step up to a 180 grainer at 2,500-2,650 fps.

Don't get me wrong I'll take my Whelen any day but for pure practically the little 308 leaves little to be desired.
Bob
You were told to hang onto something. You can get back up the floor now and have another drink

 

[shark_za]

You don't need Barnes or other monos because of the the velocity.

The only reason I suggested a mono metal bullet is the fact he is getting pressure in future enviromental regulations where he lives.
Poor Californians and UK peeps.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have never personally understood how going out with multiple rifles works. I have always just set off with one rifle and a plan, which sometimes changes! I think taking two rifles would just add complications for me!

I have often admired the Bergstutzens though.

@Cally
Call me old fashioned but before these modern ( post 1955) magnums people were killing things just as dead with cartridges like the 7x57, 30-06 and a bit later the 308.
For some strange reason we need bigger magnums to do the same job nowadays.

Can't figure it out my self ( I'm only a dumb colonial) but game ain't got tougher. Don't overthink it. Choose what suits you. Even the old cartridges when handloaded to their potential will amaze you and leave nothing to be desired.
The humble 308 will kill zebra and big oryx as well as any kudu you come across. Just ask my son. The old 7x57 will do the same and screams take ME to Africa.
I think @ Hunter Habib will agree with me on that.
Bob ( an old fashioned fart)

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

6.5x55, so limited use overseas.

Do you have a view on what you like clients to bring for larger plains game?

@Cally
Your 6.5x55 loaded with 160gn Woodleigh PPSP or round nose would work fine under 200 yards
@Shootist43 and @sgt_zim can tell you how good that cartridge is. They are the knowledgeable ones on that cartridge.
Bob

 

[sgt_zim]

@Cally - your 6.5x55 is fine. @Shootist43 and @Art Lambart II have had great success with the 130 gr monos in theirs, I prefer Woodleigh 160 gr, or Norma or Lapua 156 gr. MV of 2400 to 2500 and they'll strike like Thor's hammer. I limit my shots to no farther than about 200 yards with those, but they're absolute game-getters. 6.5x55 punches way above its weight class, esp. with those high Sectional Density 156 and 160 gr bullets.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

@Cally
Call me old fashioned but before these modern ( post 1955) magnums people were killing things just as dead with cartridges like the 7x57, 30-06 and a bit later the 308.
For some strange reason we need bigger magnums to do the same job nowadays.

Can't figure it out my self ( I'm only a dumb colonial) but game ain't got tougher. Don't overthink it. Choose what suits you. Even the old cartridges when handloaded to their potential will amaze you and leave nothing to be desired.
The humble 308 will kill zebra and big oryx as well as any kudu you come across. Just ask my son. The old 7x57 will do the same and screams take ME to Africa.
I think @ Hunter Habib will agree with me on that.
Bob ( an old fashioned fart)

Technically the .308 Win was used pre 1955 since it was launched in 52’ and that was the first year Winchester started chambering it in Model 70’s that same year.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Technically the .308 Win was used pre 1955 since it was launched in 52’ and that was the first year Winchester started chambering it in Model 70’s that same year.

@Mtn_Infantry
Silly me I thought it was 55 for some reason.
It was introduced in 52 by Winchester and was originally designated the T65.
I get a giggle when I go to a gun shop and ask for some T65 ammo. They say never heard of it so I say just give me some 308 that might fit. I'll give it a go and see what happens, hopefully I don't blow myself up. The usual reply is your a mad bastard for trying it.
Bob

 

[DLSJR]

You’ve gotten tons of good, even if contradictory, information. Your 375 will be fine. If you want to get a new rifle to go with your 375; a 7x57, 308 or 30-06 would all be fine choices with ammo widely available. 300 Win Mag also.

For a future 2-gun safari, any of those would pair nicely with your 375. For a 1-gun hunt, any of them are fine, including the 375.

 

[hoytcanon]

I don't know where you are hunting or what the typical ranges are, but you can go lighter and flatter for PG... personally, I would build a 7mm PRC.