Buffalo rifle

[C.W. Richter]

I agree with everyone's sentiments recommended above re: the .375 H&H (use an American gun if it makes you feel better-there are Many chambered in it! and it's great for big bear, elk, moose, buffalo and many other species on the Homefront if you use the smaller bullets in the 250+/- gr. range.) You do realize that the .300 Win Mag is made from the .375 HH case, yes (along with all other original belted magnums of the same head diameter-Win/Rem/Wby, etc.-all made from the 375 HH.) Hopefully that makes you feel more comfy w/ the 375 now! Most countries in Africa have a .375" minimum caliber requirement for dangerous game, some have an additional Energy (ft/lbs, joules, etc.) requirement, and some have no caliber restrictions but the energy requirement. The countries with the last requirement (Namibia, Mozambique I believe off the top of my head,) would allow you to consider using a 300+ gr. QUALITY soft (Barnes Original or X, Woodleigh, Swift A-Frame) and same weight solids-in a large case .338 (not a Win Mag! Something on the order of a Lapua, RUM, Wby, or my personal favorite the .338 A-Square-another earlier, pre-338-378 Wby variant. Super accurate and something on the order of 1,000 ft/lbs above the 375 HH. You asked for it! To be a comfortable shooter, that gun will also be Large and Heavy with a greater surface area butt. If you try to make a lightweight sporter with the aforementioned you will either be pummeled or the muzzle brake will be so long you'll be charged for poaching when it sticks over the border of the next state or country. You must also consider that the SD of the largest 6.5-7 mm bullets has exceptional penetrating power (the reason Jamieson and Bell racked up so many elephant and buffalo with it-using old FMJ military bullets. You can still get solids today for both. Some PHs won't like this, but in capable hands they'll get the job done! This would likely NOT be allowed in SA.) Always use heavy-for-caliber bullets on the big stuff. Keep in-mind that a 375 HH is very pleasant to shoot and highly accurate, especially in comparison to its bigger brothers used in the dangerous game realm. I had 2 375s but have graduated to the 416, because if you can shoot it, bigger IS better (in Africa!) Was it Robert Ruark that touted "Use More Gun!?"

Now, my personal favorite American medicine for big game hunting in Africa is the .416 Chatfield-Taylor (or just .416 Taylor.) And, here's why...there's no advantage of trying to stuff more (modern) powder in the larger (old) Rigby and Remington cases, as with 400 gr bullets you still get the magic 2,450 fps (using 75 gr of powder and less recoil!) Super accurate. Double Tap and others now make factory ammo for it if you don't like to handload. The 450 gr bullets will perform even better on big stuff (at 2,250 fps) but I've had no issues using the faster, flatter shooting 400 gr projectiles and found a load that keeps both softs and solids in the bullseye, and still plenty accurate for longer shots at plains game. Simple to make if a handloader: Neck down a 458 Win Mag case to 416 in a neck-sizing die. Pick up a long action Win 70 CRF, Ruger 77, Mauser 98 in 458 Win Mag (or any LA cartridge using the same boltface-300, 338 WM et al) and have it rebarreled for 416 Taylor. (You could use a short action like 350 Rem Mag but the LA allows for the bullets to be seated out farther with no feed/extract issues.) This is a fantastic round and it can be made in a fairly lightweight sporter with a heavier, medium contour barrel. This round was so ingenious it may have snuffed out Taylor's life a bit too early, as he was about to introduce it when another suddenly came on the scene...<ominous conspiracy music> Good Luck!

 

[Foxi]

Listen to @Bullthrower338 , he knows of where he speaks.
I bought my 375H&H and had the same bla bla bla in my head.
Now...I'm a BBA (Big Bore Addict), currently not seeking help for my condition.
I need at least one more 375H&H, a 416Rigby, a 500/416NE double, and probably a 450Rigby to round things out.

375 is the "Gateway Drug" of the African big bore, big game hunter.
Good luck.

 

[Hoss Delgado]

Listen to @Bullthrower338 , he knows of where he speaks.
I bought my 375H&H and had the same bla bla bla in my head.
Now...I'm a BBA (Big Bore Addict), currently not seeking help for my condition.
I need at least one more 375H&H, a 416Rigby, a 500/416NE double, and probably a 450Rigby to round things out.

375 is the "Gateway Drug" of the African big bore, big game hunter.
Good luck.

If you're after a .500/416 , get a Krieghoff Double . A friend of mine brought one today to my farm. You will like it

 

[C.W. Richter]

I think that most would agree...500s/577/600 are fantastic dangerous game stoppers, but that's why PHs use them-to stop game in dangerous situations. They are not the ideal calibers for most hunters. The big 338/375/416 are easier to shoot and have a wider range of applications. That said, a PH once allowed my son to go after a zebra with his (guide's) 500 NE double gun. LOL It was a blast for all to witness!

 

[BeeMaa]

I think that most would agree...500s/577/600 are fantastic dangerous game stoppers, but that's why PHs use them-to stop game in dangerous situations. They are not the ideal calibers for most hunters. The big 338/375/416 are easier to shoot and have a wider range of applications. That said, a PH once allowed my son to go after a zebra with his (guide's) 500 NE double gun. LOL It was a blast for all to witness!

If you are referring to myself and @Hoss Delgado talking about a 500/416 and comparing it to a 500 caliber there is a minor problem.
The 500/416NE is a .416 caliber not a .500.
It's a 500NE necked down to accept .416 bullets.
It is basically duplicates the 416Rigby performance in a cartridge with a flange making it appropriate for use in a double.

Yes, I want one...and yes, the K-gun is on the wish list.
Thanks @Hoss Delgado .

 

[Hoss Delgado]

I think that most would agree...500s/577/600 are fantastic dangerous game stoppers, but that's why PHs use them-to stop game in dangerous situations. They are not the ideal calibers for most hunters. The big 338/375/416 are easier to shoot and have a wider range of applications. That said, a PH once allowed my son to go after a zebra with his (guide's) 500 NE double gun. LOL It was a blast for all to witness!

All this talk of recoil and yet the only two things ironically to faze me in the last 27 years were the 3.5 inch 12 gauge shotgun shell and the .460 Weatherby Magnum with factory loaded Norma ammunition . Monsters , they were !

 

[C.W. Richter]

LOL yes! No one recommends a 460 Wby. The best iteration of it is the 378 Wby, necked down to 338! Even the 378 is a bit much with big bullets...'Gotta love Uncle Roy!

 

[C.W. Richter]

If you are referring to myself and @Hoss Delgado talking about a 500/416 and comparing it to a 500 caliber there is a minor problem.
The 500/416NE is a .416 caliber not a .500.
It's a 500NE necked down to accept .416 bullets.
It is basically duplicates the 416Rigby performance in a cartridge with a flange making it appropriate for use in a double.

Yes, I want one...and yes, the K-gun is on the wish list.
Thanks @Hoss Delgado .

NO, I think I was typing my post before yours was posted... I understand that. Plenty of old 450/400 Army Navy's floating around too!

 

[C.W. Richter]

View attachment 306138

I sold her and got 20 more (guns) and an extra safe. (and that's the short story.)

 

[Hoss Delgado]

LOL yes! No one recommends a 460 Wby. The best iteration of it is the 378 Wby, necked down to 338! Even the 378 is a bit much with big bullets...'Gotta love Uncle Roy!

It's really Sad , man Every now and then , l try that Cartridge thinking that l may finally come to enjoy it . But no Maybe a custom piece built on a ZKK- 602 action loaded with 500 gr Monolithic meplat brass Solids from Cutting Edge ?

 

[C.W. Richter]

My point in the whole 416 ballistics commentary was that, the Rigby came out in what (1911?)….its capacity is ~105 gr. The Rem in the 70s (~90 gr cap.) and at about the same time, the Taylor (~75 gr.) with the exact same results. With modern powders the extra shove (and gun weight) aren't necessary in a 416. I would think a double gun in a 416 NE would be pleasant to shoot as well due to the extra heft (but the gent who initially wrote this post was looking for something he'd use in the US as well-presumably a bolt-action sporter for long carries and shots.) 'Actually worked up other loads with modern powders that yielded 2,550 fps (82 gr TAC) but that's too much for proper performance at big game distances-and it was rough on the shoulder as well! *Note that these are all handloads and that you may not even realize this performance with factory ammo.

 

[K E Johnson]

So what you are saying is you should have just bought a 416 while you were at the store getting the 375? Lol. Funny how that works out. I like my 416 RM’s but the 416 Rigby just makes me so much happier. It is like a good looking girlfriend that actually has a good personality too!

Actually no. I bought my first one on a whim at a gun show back when finding a 416 of any flavor would have been more rare than a hens tooth.

I would not have used any 416 here in the states to the extent I have a 375. Recoil is subjective, but I would rather shoot a 375 H&H than the 300 Win. Mag I bought my dad for his 50th birthday 29 years ago.

I have had a 375 in the cabinet longer than that. The 375 and 416 definitely overlap in my estimation. I still have my preference on what I will use both for.

By the way, I will be doing my firearms deer hunting with a 7 mm08 this year for the first time. Wish me luck! I have high hopes.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Actually no. I bought my first one on a whim at a gun show back when finding a 416 of any flavor would have been more rare than a hens tooth.

I would not have used any 416 here in the states to the extent I have a 375. Recoil is subjective, but I would rather shoot a 375 H&H than the 300 Win. Mag I bought my dad for his 50th birthday 29 years ago.

I have had a 375 in the cabinet longer than that. The 375 and 416 definitely overlap in my estimation. I still have my preference on what I will use both for.

By the way, I will be doing my firearms deer hunting with a 7 mm08 this year for the first time. Wish me luck! I have high hopes.

7-08 is an exceptional deer cartridge, far to underrated. I use a 260 a lot down here in Texas. Damn sure makes quick work of a tejas deer. I’m hoping to break in the 275 R this year on a doe or two for the freezer.

 

[Dawg2019]

When looking for a 375 HH is their a certain brand to consider or avoid? I have looked at other threads and have seen many fans of CZ, I own a CZ75 pistol which I love. On other sites I have read where their 375HH actions are unreliable and need to worked my a gunsmith? Have any of you run into this?

 

[johnnyblues]

375 with Swift A Frame bullets are tough to beat for buffalo. Now just hit him in the right spot otherwise it won’t matter much.

 

[Bullthrower338]

When looking for a 375 HH is their a certain brand to consider or avoid? I have looked at other threads and have seen many fans of CZ, I own a CZ75 pistol which I love. On other sites I have read where their 375HH actions are unreliable and need to worked my a gunsmith? Have any of you run into this?

Search CZ 550 on here and you should get plenty of opinions. My 375 CZ needed no work out of the box, some do. Anytime you have a mass produced anything there will be problems.

 

[C.W. Richter]

There may be a difference between the standard and Safari model in terms of the degree of functionality check prior to sale so consider that

 

[C.W. Richter]

......and an American bullet .Swift A frame or so

The .375 Ruger (I dont have it) is the better .375 H+H ( I have it ).
Thats my opinion.Powerful,accurate and in a short system.
The only thing (for me) is,when you are often in Africa-the .375 H+H is a really beloved currency (USD 20.- one cartridge there)
With the Ruger they can't do anything.
The Ruger is a perfect Cartridge in the upper middleclass.
Foxi

F o x i is onto something here... Sometimes on an African hunt your baggage gets separated-you may initially receive your rifle but not your ammunition so you should always have at least one common caliber where the pH will have or quickly find you ammunition and get you hunting. This happened once on a trip with my son and I and the pH quickly dug up 375 h h and 300 win mag ammo! They would not have found me any ammo had I just brought less common calibers or even wildcats.

 

[Red Leg]

3 7 5

I have only killed four Cape buffalo but that is more than most who will tell you to get a forty something. All were essentially one-shot kills, though two were given insurance shots. None went further than 25 meters or so. I also own a .470, a .404, and a 500-416. I take the .375 because it is a better choice for my hunting. It is also a currently a Blaser R8, but that is another discussion.

Before everything else is first shot placement responsibility. When you sign your contract for a DG hunt, you are committing yourself to an enterprise that can see someone injured or worse - and probably not you. The single most important thing that any client can do to insure a successful safe hunt is to put that first shot exactly where it needs to go. I think most new buffalo hunters transition easiest to a scoped .375, and can more easily insure that critical first shot with one. That is still true of me.

Secondly, my buffalo hunts normally include plains game as well. No caliber is better at taking everything than a .375. Multiple bullet weights are unnecessary. Head out with a magazine full of 300 gr Swift A-Frames or TSX’s and you are ready for nearly anything from up close to as far as any PH is reasonably going to allow you to shoot. Counting bait and culls, my 375’s have accounted for well over a hundred African game animals from 30 feet to nearly 300 yards. The .375 not only does nearly everything, it does nearly everything very well.

Thirdly, I loathe dragging multiple rifles around. Probably too many years and too many airports, but a “battery” seems overkill for our typically short trips today (under two weeks). And when have you known a hunter to take multiple rifles to Asia or Europe? A .416 or .404 can do it all, but a .375 handles that duty just about perfectly.

Finally, most buffalo hunts involve a bit of a hike - particularly in the wilderness areas. My R8 has the weight and handling characteristics of an ‘06. After 15 K’s in the hot sun, that can mean a lot. By the third day. It can mean a real lot.

Best of luck putting together that hunt! Whatever rifle and whatever caliber you get, make sure it and you are utterly dependable when it comes time to make that first shot.

 

[BeeMaa]

When looking for a 375 HH is their a certain brand to consider or avoid? I have looked at other threads and have seen many fans of CZ, I own a CZ75 pistol which I love. On other sites I have read where their 375HH actions are unreliable and need to worked my a gunsmith? Have any of you run into this?

I'm a fan of CZ and have a 550 in 375H&H.
It shot reliably and had consistent groups, but the trigger was crap and I wanted a few things sorted out.
I sent it to Wayne at American Hunting Rifles and he got it slicked up for me.

CZ550 375H&H with AHR #2 Upgrade

• BeeMaa
• Sep 7, 2018
• 4

Balance point is at the middle of the magazine.

It's taken several PG out to 200 yards with a 22" barrel and is easy for my 150# frame to handle.

If you are getting a CZ and you don't want to (or have the skills) to do it yourself, send it to AHR.