Cape Buffalo With a Magnum Revolver??

[Raccoon357]

I am planning a Cape buffalo hunt for 2027. My amazing wife just purchased me a Magnum Research BFR in 475 Linebaugh. I’m looking for bullet recommendations from hunters and PHs who have experience taking Cape buffalo class game with a revolver.

I already have a Ruger SuperRedhawk in 454 Casull 7.5 inch (ported). I have a load using Lehigh Defense 300gr wide flatnose copper solids.

I am planning to take both to the range soon to see what I group better with. However, I would like to have input from firsthand sources.

In 2023, I killed my first 2 Cape buffalo. One with a 416 Rigby and the other with a 375 H&H. I’m just looking for a challenge and justification to the wife for obtaining such beasts of handguns.

 

[TOBY458]

I would think that a copper solid would be the way to go with a 475 as well. Probably something like 400gr if you can find them. Thanks to Ross Seyfried, I used to dream of hunting a buffalo with a revolver as well. He used a hot loaded 45LC back in those days, so I’m sure your 475 would do the trick even better. The biggest challenge would be getting to within shooting distance. Are you going use iron sights? Or a scope/red dot?

 

[YancyW]

Buffalo Bore makes a mono-solid dangerous game load in 475 Linebaugh. I haven't shot it, but I have shot their 440gr version in a lead solid, it was an absolute beast to shoot.

 

[Raccoon357]

I would think that a copper solid would be the way to go with a 475 as well. Probably something like 400gr if you can find them. Thanks to Ross Seyfried, I used to dream of hunting a buffalo with a revolver as well. He used a hot loaded 45LC back in those days, so I’m sure your 475 would do the trick even better. The biggest challenge would be getting to within shooting distance. Are you going use iron sights? Or a scope/red dot?

My PH has said an optic is required. I’m thinking of going the SRO route or a standard 2 power scope. I found Lehigh 330 gr solids for the 475, but that is the best mono bullet I have found.
There was barely a car length between me and both buff I shot, so distance should not be an issue.

 

[Certus]

My PH has said an optic is required. I’m thinking of going the SRO route or a standard 2 power scope. I found Lehigh 330 gr solids for the 475, but that is the best mono bullet I have found.
There was barely a car length between me and both buff I shot, so distance should not be an issue.

Now that’s the way to do it! Looking forward to this trip report. Dare to be different, love it.

 

[275r7x57]

Here is some recommend reading. Enjoy!

If you want an expanding bullet, copper or Swift A-Frame. If you want penetration, brass. I personally would use the latter.

https://americanhandgunner.com/discover/handloading/true-custom-bullets/

Belt Mountain Enterprises' New "Punch Bullets"

Belt Mountain Enterprises
Box 353
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 388-1396
beltmountain.com
information@beltmountain.com

Unfortunately Belt Mountain may be out of business. Not sure.

 

[BryceM]

Please tell us the story when you're done. Sounds fun.

 

[baxterb]

Man i grew up just enthralled by handgun hunting - Bob Milek, JD Jones, Larry Kelly, Bill Wilson - I thought that was such an adventurous thing to do. Keep us in the loop on your progress.

 

[275r7x57]

Magnum Research and Ruger both make fine revolvers. I prefer Ruger SBH old model (non converted) 3 screw 44 magnum and then the Ruger SRH.

H-110 for powder.

I have never been a lead shooter in the magnums and don’t intend to start.

Shoot heavy for caliber on bullet selection.

On revolvers or pistols I am open sights only and can push 100 yards but prefer not.

 

[275r7x57]

Thread 'Garrett's 44 Mag plus p Hammerhead Ammo'

Dec 8, 2016

I came to the conclusion to use this particular ammo after a lot of research and after talking with Randy Garrett while I was making my decision on what to carry. I scouted and hunted for Mule Deer and Elk in a Grizzly use area south of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. I was considering the .44 Magnum and the .454 Casual and Mr. Garrett after talking with me recommended I go with the .44 Magnum as his 330 grain "hammerehead" ammo came quite near the power of the .454 Casual but was more controllable for those such as myself who did not have a lot of experience shooting heavy recoiling...

• Paparock94
• Replies: 32
• Forum: Handguns

• 

 

[ldmay375]

Cutting Edge Bullets offers a .475 340 grain copper flat point.

The CEB 340 or the 330 grain Lehigh are the only two of copper type that I am aware of. I have some of both, but have not loaded them.

 

[steve white]

What are the velocities on those hand cannons?

 

[Scott CWO]

My buddy, Jim, with his Tanzania buffalo shot with 500 S&W with Buffalo Bore bullet. Jim has been handgun hunting for decades. If you want to talk to him, send me a DM.

 

[Pondoro]

That .500S&W is a nice setup..a real challenge this..!

 

[Altitude sickness]

I was hoping Scott would weigh in. I knew his friend had just done this. And what a bull.

 

[BeeMaa]

Are you going use iron sights? Or a scope/red dot?

I thought that handguns were required to have some type of scope or RDO in order for it to be classified as a "sporting" firearm, and not just a pistol. I'm sure this varies with the country and jurisdiction.

 

[TOBY458]

I thought that handguns were required to have some type of scope or RDO in order for it to be classified as a "sporting" firearm, and not just a pistol. I'm sure this varies with the country and jurisdiction.

I wasn’t aware of that. But I don’t doubt you. No telling what kind of crazy rules some countries have thought up.

 

[steve white]

I support all hunters' methods, but it is funny how a 45-70 isn't legal for buff but a pistol with possibly less velocity is legal.

 

[HankBuck]

I support all hunters' methods, but it is funny how a 45-70 isn't legal for buff but a pistol with possibly less velocity is legal.

@steve white —- agree, a long and lively thread was posted on the negatives of using a .45-70 for Buffalo in Africa but comments here focus on how “powerful” the .500 S&W is….and it is ridiculously powerful for a handgun but far short of most DG rifles.

 

[Bonk]

Some folks might question hunting dangerous game with a handgun but IMO it’s considerably safer and more humane than bowhunting.