Favorite caliber for cape buffalo?

[africahunter]

Just wanting to see what everyone's favorite caliber is for cape buffalo!

 

[RR 314]

.458 Lott is magical. Taking .450 Rigby next trip. I anticipate same results with a little more pixie dust.

 

[Nyati]

With proper bullet placement, a .375HH will be fine.

 

[IvW]

376, 404, 416 and up..
400 being the sweet spot.....

 

[Kevin375]

My only experience was with the .458 Lott and it did the job ! It was a one shot kill, but I'm sure with the same placement, my .375 H&H magnum would have killed it with the same efficiency !

 

[Doug3006]

My only experience was with the .458 Lott and it did the job ! It was a one shot kill, but I'm sure with the same placement, my .375 H&H magnum would have killed it with the same efficiency !

What @Kevin375 said! My 2nd buffalo died where he stood after the 1st shot from my 458 Lott. However, I find the recoil of the Lott to be obnoxious. I’ll probably use a 416 or 375 in the future.

 

[grand veneur]

Just wanting to see what everyone's favorite caliber is for cape buffalo!

For your first posting you have chosen the right topic. Congratulation !

 

[FlyGuy]

In order…
.30
.375
Archery tackle
.458

 

[SETH RINGER]

45/70

 

[africahunter]

In order…
.30
.375
Archery tackle
.458

Think a .300 WSM is enough? Scope or iron sights?

 

[TTundra]

45/70

 

[TTundra]

Took mine with a 460 wby. Next may be a 375 if rifle is ready in time.

 

[RR 314]

Think a .300 WSM is enough? Scope or iron sights?

I’m out. .

 

[Uintaelkhunter]

450/400 in a double or any of the 416s in a both gun.
I have shot three buffalo one with a 375 H&H one with a 470 nitro and one with a 500 nitro. I can tell you the nitros have a noticeable affect more one buffalo that the 375 did. I plan to take my next Buffalo with a 450/400 double.
I do think anything in the 40cal is perfect Buffalo medicine and has a noticeable increase over a 375. In shock to the animals.

 

[uplander01]

Nothing quite like hitting them with a 500 Jeffery, but I just sold it. It will be a 416 Rigby, 458 Lott, or 470 double on the next one...first world choices for sure

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I have only shot two, the first with a 375 H&H Magnum Ruger No1 and the second with a Heym double 450/400. They both are well up to it, but the 450/400 just felt so right, especially in a double.

 

[uplander01]

I agree with Mr Peacocke, a double at close range (only way to hunt buff IMO),...very appropriate

 

[BryceM]

I like a .416 Rigby in CZ 550. One 400 gr TSX is all it took for my one and only buffalo. Stone cold dead about 50 yards away. No insurance needed. That combo hit the sweet spot for me in terms of reliability, cost, and effectiveness.

I tolerate the recoil of the 416 OK. I don’t think I’d care to move up any in that department. The .416 has just a touch more horsepower than the .375, which is nice when it comes to tickling things that can hurt you.

 

[Rare Breed]

Just wanting to see what everyone's favorite caliber is for cape buffalo!

404 Jeffery

 

[ftrovato]

I've only taken one (going back in 2026).

The 500 NE was simply overwhelming and he still carried on for a bit. I'll use the same rifle next year.