Cartridge for dangerous first game

[Buffmen]

In response to all the comments I have to say that perhaps I have not expressed myself completely well because English is not my mother tongue.
It's not the first time I've traveled to Africa, I've already had successful antelope hunting, on a fenced-in ranch in South Africa.

The next trip is going to be my first DG experience, so I was wondering if the behavior between fenced and free buffaloes in northern Botswana, for example, which is where it would seem more appropriate to do it.

My idea is to continue hunting buffalo afterwards and also go for elephants in this northern area of Botswana.

Regarding the calibers, I have not said that only these calibers are available, but that they are the ones that interest me the most for the future dangerous hunting that I want to carry out in Africa.
What I have said is that I cannot have 20 rifles (hopefully, because I would love to have one of each caliber and different manufacturers), because the legislation of my country does not allow it, that is why I want one, maximum 2 that is worth everything. without being short for some animals even in the worst situations.

Looking at ammunition of the calibers mentioned by me above (.404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 505 Gibbs), since my idea is to buy it from the factory (not reload at least for now), the caliber with the most variety of ammunition available without count the 375 H&H, it's the .450 Rigby.

I might look into owning 2 rifles, one in 375 H&H and a 450 Rigby.

The most available ammunition for 450 Rigby caliber would be:
-Standard 500gr FMJ and Standard Woodlight 550gr RNSN
-Hornady DGS 480gr and the Hornady DGX 480gr.
-Nosler 500gr Partition.
-Sack 450gr SP.

For thick elephant-like skin, hippo always FMJ, right?
For the rest, buffalo, lion, leopard would be better, for example, the 550gr Norma Woodleight or the 480gr Hornady DGX, right?

I am a guy who is 1.88 meters tall and weighs 105kg, so I think that the recoil will be manageable by me, without any kind of problem, with the necessary practice.

 

[GuttormG]

375hh, rifles and ammunition available off the shelf just about everywhere.
When/if you (and I) want to hunt elephant the cost of a bigger calliber gun is peanuts compared to the other cost..

 

[mark-hunter]

because the legislation of my country does not allow it, that is why I want one, maximum 2 that is worth everything.

Thank you for all your clarifications!

As for legislation, maybe rifle like Blaser R8 will be for you?

This is if the law in your country will allow to have one rifle with multiple calibers, with blaser r8 you can change barrels as per need, and blaser r8 have all calibers from 22 till elephant calibers.

 

[spike.t]

404 or the 416 rigby....both are more usable and Will take anything from elephant down ....if you want bigger go for the 450 rigby...

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Congrats on planning your first Dangerous Game hunt. You should do so whenever the opportunity presents itself and not wait for some arbitrary time frame before you feel you have paid your dues. I own all the calibers except the 450 Rigby so I cannot speak to that one. Of these the 375 H&H is the most common and easiest to get Ammunition. Personally while I love my 505 Gibbs she can be a bit stout unless you truly plan on practicing with it. I would opt for a bolt action 458 Lott as the recoil is much more manageable and its devastating on Buff/Rhino/Elephant.

HH

 

[Rafiki]

My first African hunt took place only 10 months ago; I went only for buffalo. The rifle I took was a single shot 500 Sharps 2 1/2" loaded to 500 NE performance specs. It is not for the faint of heart as the rifle is relatively light, however I shoot it often so the recoil is not an issue for me when it comes to managing the rifle.

This thread started with a basic question about suitable calibers and some of the important points have been made; manageable recoil, confidence with the rifle, etc. I would like to add to the list: shot placement and bullet construction. It's pretty obvious that buffalo are big, tough, heavily constructed brutes. The right bullet to the right spot will take it down. It is very important to know the anatomy or things could go south very quickly.

I'm in the early stages of planning my second trip to Africa, again exclusively for buffalo. For this hunt I'm taking a 375 H&H being built as I write this. Why take a 375 when I have a 500? Lets just say it's a different sort of challenge. As already said by others, the 375 H&H will cleanly handle the job with the right bullet and the right placement and it won't kick your pants off.

I hope this helps a little. have a wonderful hunt.

 

[steve white]

Better hunt what you really want like you will never have another chance to return....because for multiple reasons you just might not! Early safaris often started very inexperienced sportsmen on plains game so that they could raise their shooting competence to address DG. If someone has never fired a rifle, yet appears on safari so be it. But for a once in a lifetime hunt by a life long hunter, I would not squander my money on a hunt for less than what I have dreamed about. My first two hunts were buffalo.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the OP wants ONE rifle to do all of the big 5, starting with, as he suggested buffalo. That means elephant for sure. 375 may be stretched a bit. I therefore give my suggestion as any of the 416's, since in his country he can only have one choice, not several. 416 will provide more ammo options compared to 404 IMHO. (and I love the 404)

 

[Beck]

I do not understand this.

My first African hunt was for buffalo. Why wait? I would rather shoot another buffalo than hunt PG, it is just not the same type of hunting.

As far as what chambering to get in your new rifle. I would not overlook the 458Lott. The 404J is a old well respected round. It is not a soft recoiling round like many will have you believe. It is just physics. If a rifle weight is 9 pound and you have one chambered in 404J, 416Rigby, and 416REM. All shooting a 400gr bullet at 2400fps. The recoil is going to be pretty similar. Yes you can play with some powders to make the perceived recoil less than it is by a small margin.

For myself having shot animals with a 375h&h, 416REM, and a 458Lott. The reaction is noticeable between the 3. If today you said pick one now and hunt your buffalo, it would be my 458Lott. I would not feel underguned with any of them. As long as the bullet goes where you put it, the job will get done. Just remember, if you need ammo in Africa which one are you most likely to find, that's the one I would pick.

I believe you can also shoot .458 win mag out of a .458 lott - A nice contingency plan if your ammo doesn't make the trip, as .458 win ammo is more common in Africa. All that's been said about the .375 is true, but if you must select from .404, .416, .450 and .505 my thoughts are below:

.404 Jeff - Moderate recoil, larger diameter bullet than the .416 (believe it or not), same muzzle energy as a .416, and it's just fucking cool
.416 Rigby - Moderate recoil, better ammo availability in Africa than the .404, larger variety of bullets, and better brass availability for the hand loader.
.450 Rigby - Much more powerful, and a large variety of bullets as it shoots .458 diameter bullets. I'd feel more comfortable with this kind of muzzle energy on say a land based hippo hunt.
.505 Gibbs - Would be awesome for Elephants, but feels like overkill for everything else. I own a .404, a .416, and a .450 Rigby - but I do not own a .505, only shot a friend's - so you might get better advice from someone else on this one.

Personally I would go with a .450 Rigby, but recoil doesn't bother me much. I'd recommend a .416 Rigby for someone sensitive to recoil, and looking for a practical choice. If you're looking for a more unique, classic caliber the .404 Jeff is great, and the performance is basically identical to a .416.

Also, 30-06 over .308. Plains game in Africa are big and tough - I'd feel under gunned with a .308, and frankly I'd prefer a .300 win/wby or an 8x68S (again cool factor).

Finally, I did my first Safari in Mozambique, killed hippo/buff . It was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever, and I am dying to go back. That said, for your first Safari I would recommend South Africa - Travel outside of South Africa can be long, difficult, and stressful - You can always explore alternative countries on later Safaris, and you're guaranteed to have a blast in SA.

 

[Buffmen]

The problem with the R8 blaser rifle, let me tell you, that although I can change the barrel, it's a rifle that I don't like its aesthetics at all.
I'm looking at the Heym Express which is available in these calibers or any custom made rifle from a good UK company like John Rigby "Big Game" rifle.

- 404 Jeffery and 416 Rigby ammunition, I can't find the ammunition available anywhere.

- 450 Lott and 450 Rigby ammunition, are the ones with the most variety.

-500 Jeffery and 505 Gibbs ammunition, also not available anywhere.

My main idea was to look at a rifle that had more magazine capacity and a manageable recoil and that was capable of everything including frontal shots at elephants.
But the 404 Jeffery and the 416 Rigby, I can't find ammunition available anywhere in my country and out of curiosity I've looked in South Africa and I can't find much variety either.
I repeat, the cartridges that I have seen that are most available are the 458 Lott and 450 Rigby (Not counting the 375 H&H that is available everywhere.).

I have read from a page the following; "Despite this colossal difference, the .450 Rigby is surprisingly manageable. I remember being stunned on squeezing off the first round at just how easy it was to handle this large caliber. I wouldn't describe the recoil as severe – more like exhilarating. Unlike some big calibers that kick you abruptly with head-snatching violence, this was more of a long, hard push. Needless to say, I had already become a fan at this point."

I have seen that for example in the Normal 500gr FMJ in both calibers (Norma is the most accessible ammunition), the .450 Rigby comes out at 2,500 fps and a power of 6,941 ft/lb which is considerably more power than the 458 Lott.

I think that at the time of the hunt, you don't really feel any kind of kickback with the adrenaline in your body. But anyone who has or has shot the 450 Rigby and the 458 Lott is there that much of a difference in recoil or is it not too noticeable?

Thank you very much for all your answers and help.

 

[Beck]

I have been successfully hunting the African Big 5 with .375 Holland & Holland Magnum caliber rifles ever since my first African safari in 1974, as you can see below.

It's merits are as follows:
- Easy availability of factory loaded ammunition/reloading components
- Wide range of available bullet weights (although the 300Gr is the only one you need)
- Flat trajectory
- Extreme accuracy
- Immense penetration
- Low recoil

The only place where it falls short, is for body shots on bull elephant. If you plan on hunting just the occasional elephant, then .375 Holland & Holland Magnum is perfectly okay. If I were to hunt a lot of elephant, then I would opt for a .505 Gibbs. But any decent caliber above .450 bore (such as .458 Lott or .450 Rigby) would be perfectly adequate assuming that you are using strongly constructed solid bullets (reasonably flattened at the point) of 500Gr or above at a velocity of above 2100 fps.

Herein, I must add that the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum is an excellent choice for brain shots on even the largest of bull elephant from ANY angle whatsoever (even frontal brain shots).

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Those pictures are epic

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

My proposition: 9,3 x 62Mauser or 404Jeffery, munition from Hornady, Norma, RWS.

 

[Andrew62]

I support whichever caliber you choose to go with! You do what makes you happy! For me, I have taken several cape buffalo and 3 elephants with my .375H&H. It is all the gun you need. You can buy a quality .375H&H for under 2,000.00. If you have 8-10,000 and want a 404, then I would get a 404. Another thing to consider is if you want to buy a 404, I believe you pretty much need to do your own hand loading or buy ammo from Hendershots or some such custom made ammo site. Good luck in your future hunting endeavors!!

 

[Beck]

The problem with the R8 blaser rifle, let me tell you, that although I can change the barrel, it's a rifle that I don't like its aesthetics at all.
I'm looking at the Heym Express which is available in these calibers or any custom made rifle from a good UK company like John Rigby "Big Game" rifle.

- 404 Jeffery and 416 Rigby ammunition, I can't find the ammunition available anywhere.

- 450 Lott and 450 Rigby ammunition, are the ones with the most variety.

-500 Jeffery and 505 Gibbs ammunition, also not available anywhere.

My main idea was to look at a rifle that had more magazine capacity and a manageable recoil and that was capable of everything including frontal shots at elephants.
But the 404 Jeffery and the 416 Rigby, I can't find ammunition available anywhere in my country and out of curiosity I've looked in South Africa and I can't find much variety either.
I repeat, the cartridges that I have seen that are most available are the 458 Lott and 450 Rigby (Not counting the 375 H&H that is available everywhere.).

I have read from a page the following; "Despite this colossal difference, the .450 Rigby is surprisingly manageable. I remember being stunned on squeezing off the first round at just how easy it was to handle this large caliber. I wouldn't describe the recoil as severe – more like exhilarating. Unlike some big calibers that kick you abruptly with head-snatching violence, this was more of a long, hard push. Needless to say, I had already become a fan at this point."

I have seen that for example in the Normal 500gr FMJ in both calibers (Norma is the most accessible ammunition), the .450 Rigby comes out at 2,500 fps and a power of 6,941 ft/lb which is considerably more power than the 458 Lott.

I think that at the time of the hunt, you don't really feel any kind of kickback with the adrenaline in your body. But anyone who has or has shot the 450 Rigby and the 458 Lott is there that much of a difference in recoil or is it not too noticeable?

Thank you very much for all your answers and help.

I just bought a .458 lott last week, and picked it up yesterday - never shot one before. I have shot my .450 rigby hundreds of times though. I don't load mine up to the Norma African PH specs (500 gr x 2500 FPS) - I load 500 grain TSX's at 2350 which is just over 6100 ft lbs, which is plenty. I killed a buff on my second trip from 110 yards, one frontal shot, dead center of the chest - boom dead.

I'll say this there is a noticeable, but manageable difference in recoil between my .416 and my .450 Rigby - they are both Sako Brown Bears - so perfect comparison.

Also keep in mind while you may not feel the recoil while hunting, you do NEED TO PRACTICE before you going running off into the woods chasing after something they call black death. I practice on plastic water bottles, the massive explosions of water seem to take my mind off of the recoil.

PS - Practice off of sticks, the bench is for zeroing the rifle, and that's about it.

 

[Beck]

In response to all the comments I have to say that perhaps I have not expressed myself completely well because English is not my mother tongue.
It's not the first time I've traveled to Africa, I've already had successful antelope hunting, on a fenced-in ranch in South Africa.

The next trip is going to be my first DG experience, so I was wondering if the behavior between fenced and free buffaloes in northern Botswana, for example, which is where it would seem more appropriate to do it.

My idea is to continue hunting buffalo afterwards and also go for elephants in this northern area of Botswana.

Regarding the calibers, I have not said that only these calibers are available, but that they are the ones that interest me the most for the future dangerous hunting that I want to carry out in Africa.
What I have said is that I cannot have 20 rifles (hopefully, because I would love to have one of each caliber and different manufacturers), because the legislation of my country does not allow it, that is why I want one, maximum 2 that is worth everything. without being short for some animals even in the worst situations.

Looking at ammunition of the calibers mentioned by me above (.404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 505 Gibbs), since my idea is to buy it from the factory (not reload at least for now), the caliber with the most variety of ammunition available without count the 375 H&H, it's the .450 Rigby.

I might look into owning 2 rifles, one in 375 H&H and a 450 Rigby.

The most available ammunition for 450 Rigby caliber would be:
-Standard 500gr FMJ and Standard Woodlight 550gr RNSN
-Hornady DGS 480gr and the Hornady DGX 480gr.
-Nosler 500gr Partition.
-Sack 450gr SP.

For thick elephant-like skin, hippo always FMJ, right?
For the rest, buffalo, lion, leopard would be better, for example, the 550gr Norma Woodleight or the 480gr Hornady DGX, right?

I am a guy who is 1.88 meters tall and weighs 105kg, so I think that the recoil will be manageable by me, without any kind of problem, with the necessary practice.

.375 and .450 rigby is a perfect selection. I'd try to find TSX's for all of the thick skinned dangerous game, but elephant - never hunted elephant and would ask my PH - or listen to people on the forum. I look for nosler accubonds for the cats.

 

[Velo Dog]

I’ve only bagged one buffalo so, my opinion is only worth a small bit.
That said, the .375 H&H, with today’s extra tough bullets (Swift A-Frame comes to mind) is by reputation, (and global ammunition availability) pretty much the best choice for traveling hunters).
I love the .375 very very much but, being a serious rifle grump, my personal preference for buffalo begins at .40 Caliber.

Again, mostly due to ammunition availability, for hunting buffaloes, I recommend the .458 Lott.
If however the world was a perfect place = ammunition of all calibers was widely available, in regards to bolt actioned rifles, I would choose either the .404 Jeffery or, the .416 Rigby.

At the end of the day, whatever caliber we choose, all of us (especially myself) owe it to the buffaloes to practice, practice, practice and then practice some more, especially over the shooting sticks and off hand as well.

Stay safe and stay on that front sight.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

In response to all the comments I have to say that perhaps I have not expressed myself completely well because English is not my mother tongue.
It's not the first time I've traveled to Africa, I've already had successful antelope hunting, on a fenced-in ranch in South Africa.

The next trip is going to be my first DG experience, so I was wondering if the behavior between fenced and free buffaloes in northern Botswana, for example, which is where it would seem more appropriate to do it.

My idea is to continue hunting buffalo afterwards and also go for elephants in this northern area of Botswana.

Regarding the calibers, I have not said that only these calibers are available, but that they are the ones that interest me the most for the future dangerous hunting that I want to carry out in Africa.
What I have said is that I cannot have 20 rifles (hopefully, because I would love to have one of each caliber and different manufacturers), because the legislation of my country does not allow it, that is why I want one, maximum 2 that is worth everything. without being short for some animals even in the worst situations.

Looking at ammunition of the calibers mentioned by me above (.404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 505 Gibbs), since my idea is to buy it from the factory (not reload at least for now), the caliber with the most variety of ammunition available without count the 375 H&H, it's the .450 Rigby.

I might look into owning 2 rifles, one in 375 H&H and a 450 Rigby.

The most available ammunition for 450 Rigby caliber would be:
-Standard 500gr FMJ and Standard Woodlight 550gr RNSN
-Hornady DGS 480gr and the Hornady DGX 480gr.
-Nosler 500gr Partition.
-Sack 450gr SP.

For thick elephant-like skin, hippo always FMJ, right?
For the rest, buffalo, lion, leopard would be better, for example, the 550gr Norma Woodleight or the 480gr Hornady DGX, right?

I am a guy who is 1.88 meters tall and weighs 105kg, so I think that the recoil will be manageable by me, without any kind of problem, with the necessary practice.

Hippopotamus (on water)
Premium grade expanding bullets

Hippopotamus (on land)
Flat nosed Monolithic brass solids or steel jacketed FMJ solids (although I’ve recently shot one very successfully with the Barnes TSX bullet)

Cape Buffalo
Premium grade expanding bullets

Lion/Leopard
Lead cored expanding bullets

Example of flat nosed monolithic brass solid- Cutting Edge Bullets Safari Solid (left)
Example of premium grade expanding bullet- Barnes TSX (right)

Example of lead cored expanding bullet- Nosler Partition (very, very difficult to find nowadays)

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Those pictures are epic

Why thank you, Beck

 

[RR 314]

In response to all the comments I have to say that perhaps I have not expressed myself completely well because English is not my mother tongue.
It's not the first time I've traveled to Africa, I've already had successful antelope hunting, on a fenced-in ranch in South Africa.

The next trip is going to be my first DG experience, so I was wondering if the behavior between fenced and free buffaloes in northern Botswana, for example, which is where it would seem more appropriate to do it.

My idea is to continue hunting buffalo afterwards and also go for elephants in this northern area of Botswana.

Regarding the calibers, I have not said that only these calibers are available, but that they are the ones that interest me the most for the future dangerous hunting that I want to carry out in Africa.
What I have said is that I cannot have 20 rifles (hopefully, because I would love to have one of each caliber and different manufacturers), because the legislation of my country does not allow it, that is why I want one, maximum 2 that is worth everything. without being short for some animals even in the worst situations.

Looking at ammunition of the calibers mentioned by me above (.404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 505 Gibbs), since my idea is to buy it from the factory (not reload at least for now), the caliber with the most variety of ammunition available without count the 375 H&H, it's the .450 Rigby.

I might look into owning 2 rifles, one in 375 H&H and a 450 Rigby.

The most available ammunition for 450 Rigby caliber would be:
-Standard 500gr FMJ and Standard Woodlight 550gr RNSN
-Hornady DGS 480gr and the Hornady DGX 480gr.
-Nosler 500gr Partition.
-Sack 450gr SP.

For thick elephant-like skin, hippo always FMJ, right?
For the rest, buffalo, lion, leopard would be better, for example, the 550gr Norma Woodleight or the 480gr Hornady DGX, right?

I am a guy who is 1.88 meters tall and weighs 105kg, so I think that the recoil will be manageable by me, without any kind of problem, with the necessary practice.

You international guys always throw me off. How many stones is 105 kilos? . If 450 Rigby is readily available, and you can secure a quality rifle, that would be a great choice.

 

[Buffmen]

You international guys always throw me off. How many stones is 105 kilos? . If 450 Rigby is readily available, and you can secure a quality rifle, that would be a great choice.

105 kilos = 231,48 lb
1,88 meters = 6ft 2.015in

 

[RR 314]

Or 16.53 stones. .