Refining Bullet Selection for Croc Hunt

[jstanfor8]

I hope to get a dinosaur at Cahora Bassa next year and I’m currently working up loads for a 378 WM, but I’m going to load it so it’s closer to a 375 H&H to avoid obliterating the head. I would appreciate any thoughts or opinions on using Barnes TSX 300 grain versus Cutting Edge DGS 300 grain

 

[375Fox]

I was impressed with this video. My PH in Zimbabwe had very positive things to say about raptors and the added effect from the petals. I would not use a solid on a croc like in your photo.

 

[IvW]

You dont need solids a premium expanding bullet is a better option....

 

[Scott CWO]

I used Swift A-Frame and worked perfectly for brain shot.

 

[Beck]

I am planning to use a Nosler Accubond in .300 weatherby magnum

 

[Green Chile]

Of your 2 bullets listed, the TSX is the only choice. It just so happens to be one of the best bullets around as well. I used a 300 TSX on this one 2 seasons ago...neck shot with NO exit at 40 yards! They are really dense creatures. Also, don't even wait for the PH to say it...shoot again!

 

[rookhawk]

I hope to get a dinosaur at Cahora Bassa next year and I’m currently working up loads for a 378 WM, but I’m going to load it so it’s closer to a 375 H&H to avoid obliterating the head. I would appreciate any thoughts or opinions on using Barnes TSX 300 grain versus Cutting Edge DGS 300 grain

260gr Nosler Accubond out of a diminished load from a 375HH and it removed a tremendous amount of cranium. (my kid used that setup when he was ten or eleven)

An FMJ of some sort would be advisable, most accurate gun you own too.

 

[375Fox]

I used Swift A-Frame and worked perfectly for brain shot.

I’ve only taken 1 croc but that’s what I used too. I missed the brain slightly. The soft point bought me a few seconds for follow up shots I would not have had with a solid. I don’t think the discussion should be a soft or solid on a croc. If someone is worried about damaging the skull the discussion should be a brain shot or spine shot.

 

[Green Chile]

The soft might gain you just a bit of insurance if you are off the mark to get back on it quickly. You won't have much time if it's off the mark and often they are in the water with one flip of the tail. Mine rocked onto its side with the first shot and when he came back level, I hit him again. Again, do NOT admire the shot...put a 2nd one on it without waiting to see what happens.

As to spine vs brain, the spine is a much larger target that is easier to visualize plus who wants to blow up the trophy that is the skull? Shoot just behind the smile...and repeat. Often, they will lay there for 30 minutes blinking at you afterwards. They are strange creatures.

 

[375Fox]

The soft might gain you just a bit of insurance if you are off the mark to get back on it quickly. You won't have much time if it's off the mark and often they are in the water with one flip of the tail. Mine rocked onto its side with the first shot and when he came back level, I hit him again. Again, do NOT admire the shot...put a 2nd one on it without waiting to see what happens.

As to spine vs brain, the spine is a much larger target that is easier to visualize plus who wants to blow up the trophy that is the skull? Shoot just behind the smile...and repeat. Often, they will lay there for 30 minutes blinking at you afterwards. They are strange creatures.

I actually went with the brain shot because I found it much easier to identify and visualize. The bullet definitely cracked the skull in two though, but I knew that was a high likelihood.

 

[jstanfor8]

Of your 2 bullets listed, the TSX is the only choice. It just so happens to be one of the best bullets around as well. I used a 300 TSX on this one 2 seasons ago...neck shot with NO exit at 40 yards! They are really dense creatures. Also, don't even wait for the PH to say it...shoot again!

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375 HH?

 

[jstanfor8]

I was impressed with this video. My PH in Zimbabwe had very positive things to say about raptors and the added effect from the petals. I would not use a solid on a croc like in your photo.

That’s very impressive. Sounds like I need to decide between the Raptor and the TSX based on all the responses on this thread.

 

[Green Chile]

375 HH?

Yes. Perfect load for a one gun safari, big to small.

 

[375Fox]

That’s very impressive. Sounds like I need to decide between the Raptor and the TSX based on all the responses on this thread.

Swift A Frame would do very well also or Northfork SS. Pick a well constructed bullet that shoots most accurately in your rifle. I wouldn’t use an accubond on a large croc. They are a bit on the soft side.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Barnes TSX 300 grain:

 

[MarkB]

I hope to get a dinosaur at Cahora Bassa next year and I’m currently working up loads for a 378 WM, but I’m going to load it so it’s closer to a 375 H&H to avoid obliterating the head. I would appreciate any thoughts or opinions on using Barnes TSX 300 grain versus Cutting Edge DGS 300 grain

No experience with either of your bullets in question. Do read both good and bad reports on both, the TSX is used lots, not sure how many used on crocs. Hit mine in neck with 260 gr accubond from a 375 H&H, his tail wagging allowed a behind the front leg follow up. I like the intact skull with others in collection. So no brain shots for me.

MB