Advice on caliber selection for Zambia trip

[Hunter-Habib]

Thanks for your thoughts based on solid experience. I do have some other rifles and one is a Ruger M77 in .30-06 that was my first big game rifle. It helped me take lots of deer, pronghorn and ten bull elk. I didn’t mention it for this safari because the rifle is currently with my son in Williston, North Dakota where he is an engineer for EXXON Mobil. He took a 174 B&C whitetail with it last November.

That’s one caliber which is timeless in every sense of the word. I’ve always used 180Gr bullets for most of my plains game and 220Gr bullets for kudu, wildebeest and eland. For most of my African Safaris, these have been Remington Core Lokt Soft Points. But I recently switched to Sako Hammerheads on my last two Safaris.

 

[Scott CWO]

I would suggest the 6,5 or the 300wsm, whichever of these you feel better/more comfortable carrying, shooting off sticks and quick snapshots(if required) for the smaller plains game and the 375 for the bigger plains game and the buff.

Thanks. This is what I was thinking originally.

 

[Scott CWO]

.300 & >375

The .300 due to the synthetic stock and stainless barrel. In the swamps things get wet, often. Plus the 6.5 may be great for long shots on Lechwe but it might be light on long shots for Roan / Sable. The .300 will carry enough energy for the Roan / Sable out to 400yds+.

.375 for the buff as well as the long shots on Roan /Sable PLUS any of the tiny ten you might want to add to the list

Thanks for the advice. All good points.

 

[Scott CWO]

6.5 and .375. There is no place for the .338 in Africa when you need a .375 for DG.

Thanks and yes, taking both the .338 and .375 seems a bit repetitive. When buffalo was more of the focus on my previous safaris, I took the .458 Lott for buffalo and the .338 for PG. I don’t really see the need for the Lott on this trip.

 

[AZDAVE]

You seem to be trying to convince yourself to take the 6.5. I like my 6.5's and yours would work for all the small stuff as long as you have the discipline to walk away from a shot when a huge roan is encountered while walking back to the truck from shooting your lechwe. A mountain rifle belongs in the mountains not the swamp in my jumble opinion. I would take the 375, knowing the drops out to 300 and it doubles as your dads DG rifle. Then the 458 Lott so you can back your dad up. either will work for you on your roan.

 

[Scott CWO]

I hunted Lunga Lushwishi GMA in August 2006 which is I believe is GMA just east of where you will be hunting. I’d take 300/375 combo. My Dad and I hunted plains game. I used 300 H&H and he used 300 wby, most shots were 100-200 yards and several pushing 300 but had no need for further shots. He and my brother went back in 2012(?) with the same rifles. The land is much more open than other areas I hunted, huge open areas surrounded by relatively open woods. I would be more concerned about long shot on roan than lechwe. I saw many roan during trip but never close up, they would always be at far end of open area. If they are anything like the roan I just hunted in Zimbabwe, they are most switched on animal I’ve hunted. They are also a big bodied animal and I’d want more than a 6.5. If the lechwe are anything like lechwes in Caprivi, they will not be difficult to stalk. They have a tolerance because they are use to fishermen and other human activities near water. I’ve taken 3 red lechwe in Caprivi shots were 150-220 yards. I unsuccessfully hunted buffalo during the trip for 2 days (remote area in concession required dedicated effort and long drive), I borrowed rifle and we got on buffalo both days, but it’s open woodland and a scoped 375 would have been perfect over open sighted 458 I had to use. I’d take 300/375 combo with you or 338/375 if you think you can shoot 338 better over your 300.

Where will you be hunting red lechwe in Zambia? I know they are there because I shot one of mine very close to border, but didn’t know any operated hunting concessions offered them in Zambia.

I heard back from the PH, Fico Vidale. He says Kansonso has red lechwe and we will hunt Kansonso and Busanga for the first 13 days for red lechwe, sitatunga, roan, sable, puku, buffalo, etc… before chartering to Bangweulu for black lechwe and Kafue Flats for Kafue lechwe on the way back to Lusaka. Discussing all of this reminded me that members of the Cuturi family, who hold the lease on Kasonso, told me that they have red lechwe in Kansonso and that they think it is the only free-range or GMA hunting on quota for red lechwe in Zambia. I had forgotten some of these details due to this safari getting delayed by COVID and other factors. It’s been a long wait. The Cuturi family has Fico conducting the safaris. Fico was born in Zambia.

 

[Scott CWO]

That’s a good point, I doubt the .338 gets much traction with the residents.

I’ve been playing with a .325 at moderately long range. It basically duplicates 8x68 ballistics which begs the question, why? But I must say, that a 200 gr 8mm bullet at 2,900 makes for a very good long range hunting rifle. Perhaps we can help Scott with a new rifle to build out his already impressive armory!

Oh geez don’t tempt me! I have little will power. I have bought three different .375s since joining this site but did recently sell one. No mas! No mas! Lol

 

[PeteG]

I heard back from the PH, Fico Vidale. He says Kansonso has red lechwe and we will hunt Kansonso and Busanga for the first 13 days for red lechwe, sitatunga, roan, sable, puku, buffalo, etc… before chartering to Bangweulu for black lechwe and Kafue Flats for Kafue lechwe on the way back to Lusaka. Discussing all of this reminded me that members of the Cuturi family, who hold the lease on Kasonso, told me that they have red lechwe in Kansonso and that they think it is the only free-range or GMA hunting on quota for red lechwe in Zambia. I had forgotten some of these details due to this safari getting delayed by COVID and other factors. It’s been a long wait. The Cuturi family has Fico conducting the safaris. Fico was born in Zambia.

Fico is a great ph and the Cuturi’s run a top notch operation in Kasonso.
you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Scott CWO]

You seem to be trying to convince yourself to take the 6.5. I like my 6.5's and yours would work for all the small stuff as long as you have the discipline to walk away from a shot when a huge roan is encountered while walking back to the truck from shooting your lechwe. A mountain rifle belongs in the mountains not the swamp in my jumble opinion. I would take the 375, knowing the drops out to 300 and it doubles as your dads DG rifle. Then the 458 Lott so you can back your dad up. either will work for you on your roan.

I was thinking about leaving the Lott at home but it is hard to do. Thanks for your thoughts. There are many options and ways to think about it. Trying to pick the best options are tough decisions.

 

[BRICKBURN]

How many do you want to bet?


The rifles that you shoot most accurately and have the leeway for those not quite perfect opportunities.

375/300, if you have to take two.

 

[Scott CWO]

Fico is a great ph and the Cuturi’s run a top notch operation in Kasonso.
you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks! @spike.t helped me with the initial thoughts, ideas and communications with the Cuturi family.

 

[Scott CWO]

How many do you want to bet?


The rifles that you shoot most accurately and have the leeway for those not quite perfect opportunities.

375/300, if you have to take two.

Thanks for adding your thoughts. I guess I will make the final decisions after shooting some more and before the gun permit details are due.

 

[Tanks]

Oh geez don’t tempt me! I have little will power. I have bought three different .375s since joining this site but did recently sell one. No mas! No mas! Lol

That's like three .375s too many, especially if you like your Lott.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Boy, you’re a lot of help! Lol! The .375 is fairly new. I haven’t hunted with it yet. What else do you suggest I buy? Haha.

Oh, maybe a 275R or a 300H&H. The 6.5 & the 300WSM are fine enough rounds, but they are elk & sheep punchers. You’re hunting sitatunga, might as well go classy.

 

[375Fox]

I heard back from the PH, Fico Vidale. He says Kansonso has red lechwe and we will hunt Kansonso and Busanga for the first 13 days for red lechwe, sitatunga, roan, sable, puku, buffalo, etc… before chartering to Bangweulu for black lechwe and Kafue Flats for Kafue lechwe on the way back to Lusaka. Discussing all of this reminded me that members of the Cuturi family, who hold the lease on Kasonso, told me that they have red lechwe in Kansonso and that they think it is the only free-range or GMA hunting on quota for red lechwe in Zambia. I had forgotten some of these details due to this safari getting delayed by COVID and other factors. It’s been a long wait. The Cuturi family has Fico conducting the safaris. Fico was born in Zambia.

Thanks for the answer. I’m really glad to learn something new. I thought red lechwe were only in SW Zambia. I tried researching last night and found one photo from your outfitter that was definitely a red lechwe and some information about red lechwe in an area called busanga plains in the park, but information was difficult to find. I’m always surprised for how much land is set aside for hunting and high quality outfitters, what a quiet hunting industry Zambia is compared to other countries.

 

[spike.t]

Scott as your 300 wsm is light go buy a nice .300 win mag ...as you should get at least one new rifle for the hunt...and as much as I hate to say it....the .375 as your father will be using it...so
Nice new .300 win mag
And the 375 H&H thing

 

[Nyati]

All good advice, I am just partial to the .338WM, and of course the .375HH for your father.

 

[spike.t]

Thanks for the answer. I’m really glad to learn something new. I thought red lechwe were only in SW Zambia. I tried researching last night and found one photo from your outfitter that was definitely a red lechwe and some information about red lechwe in an area called busanga plains in the park, but information was difficult to find. I’m always surprised for how much land is set aside for hunting and high quality outfitters, what a quiet hunting industry Zambia is compared to other countries.

The whole kafue area around here was originally red lechwe territory...not sure of exact boundaries though....range also used to extend into the Congo...which isn't that far really from us...but don't know if any left there

 

[Happy Myles]

Several decades ago I enjoyed hunting all over Zambia during two wonderful safari totaling ninety days taking pretty much all species of game available legally to hunt. I am sure much has changed since then but we did cover the whole country. I used four calibers hard, 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, 375 H &bH, and 416 Rigby. Never took more than two at a time on either trip. They all worked great. If I were to go today would take a 416 Rigby and a 300 Win Mag. I would be happy taking an 06 and a 375 as they would work fine. I used Nosler Partition 200 grain in my 300, 400 grain bullets in the 416 and 300 grain in the 375. Today would use 180 TTSX in the 300, 300 grain TTX in the 375, and 400 grain TSX in the 416..
as an aside, two years ago I was in Tanzania for my 81st birthday. I had heard so many awesome things about new 6.5 calibers I took a new custom 6.5x284 for plains game, and a 416 Remington for Mbogo. With the 6.5 I took ten animals bushpig up to Roan. Five with 140 grain Swift A Frame and five with 140 grain Berger LR. All were one shot kills animals all hit properly. Killed four buff with the 416 Rem. If I go again will return to my standbys, 300 Win Mag and 416 Rigby. Just feel more confident with them. Just an old hunter rambling. I have been a very lucky man. Kindest Regards

 

[spike.t]

Several decades ago I enjoyed hunting all over Zambia during two wonderful safari totaling ninety days taking pretty much all species of game available legally to hunt. I am sure much has changed since then but we did cover the whole country. I used four calibers hard, 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, 375 H &bH, and 416 Rigby. Never took more than two at a time on either trip. They all worked great. If I were to go today would take a 416 Rigby and a 300 Win Mag. I would be happy taking an 06 and a 416 as they would work fine. I used Nosler Partition 200 grain in my 300, 400 grain bullets in the 416 and 300 grain in the 375. Today would use 180 TTSX in the 300, 300 grain TTX in the 375, and 400 grain TSX in the 416..
as an aside, two years ago I was in Tanzania for my 81st birthday. I had heard so many awesome things about new 6.5 calibers I took a new custom 6.5x284 for plains game, and a 416 Remington for Mbogo. With the 6.5 I took ten animals bushpig up to Roan. Five with 140 grain Swift A Frame and five with 140 grain Berger LR. All were one shot kills animals all hit properly. Killed four buff with the 416 Rem. If I go again will return to my standbys, 300 Win Mag and 416 Rigby. Just feel more confident with them. Just an old hunter rambling. I have been a very lucky man. Kindest Regards

Can't go wrong with that combination..300 win mag and 416 rigby...what I used when I was on other side of the table ....also took along a 22 win mag...Paul reckoned the perfect selection