MarkB
AH elite
I have added night critters and members of the tiny ten on every safari. In Namibia I used the outfitters 22 to shoot dik dik and it worked perfect. No damage, then my 308 and 150 gr solid got me an antbear, again no damage. First time In Zim I used my 375 and solids, duiker, steenbuck and jackals. It worked well, just DONT hit the shoulder, on a broadside shot just behind being perfect. Second time in Zim I had my 308 and 150 gr solids and 375 and solids. I found it hard to have the right load in the gun or the right gun in hand. After a jackal exploded at 40 yds PH said "I said solid" obviously I used an accubond in the 308. Did mount him but 300 stitches does not make a good rug mount. On last trip to SA we had a large list of night stuff. Used a 223 and ball to shoot genet, and serval, both were ripped open more than I expected. Same 223 shot duiker and reed buck well, no damage. 308 and solid put a large male civet down immediately with no damage. Bullet traveled full length of him, exiting neck.
I think a 22 hornet with a solid at modest velocity is best. Puts them down humanly without adding mess for taxidermist. For a strict genet hunt in the trees a shotgun and light open choke load of #5 would be a good choice. PH's only wanted solid or soft in 308 for honey badger, tough animals that can soak up light bullets.
I do not think there is the "perfect" gun or load. Africa is too target rich and species size, distance and opportunity are too varied for a one gun/bullet fits all.
My choices, 22 hornet and a solid slowed down for tiny ten and small night stuff. Good night scope and can on barrel. Illegal at home here so use outfitters gun. Shotgun and load above when in trees looking for genets and finally a 308 type caliber with mid weight grain solid. That's still many guns and many choices, most outfits have the ones you did not take over.
Lastly night critter hunting ranks right up there above PG hunting and just below DG for me. Man I enjoy it.
MB
I think a 22 hornet with a solid at modest velocity is best. Puts them down humanly without adding mess for taxidermist. For a strict genet hunt in the trees a shotgun and light open choke load of #5 would be a good choice. PH's only wanted solid or soft in 308 for honey badger, tough animals that can soak up light bullets.
I do not think there is the "perfect" gun or load. Africa is too target rich and species size, distance and opportunity are too varied for a one gun/bullet fits all.
My choices, 22 hornet and a solid slowed down for tiny ten and small night stuff. Good night scope and can on barrel. Illegal at home here so use outfitters gun. Shotgun and load above when in trees looking for genets and finally a 308 type caliber with mid weight grain solid. That's still many guns and many choices, most outfits have the ones you did not take over.
Lastly night critter hunting ranks right up there above PG hunting and just below DG for me. Man I enjoy it.
MB