LVD923
New member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2025
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 2
Hi there folks,
Been following these threads for about 5 years, and finally decided to join you all. Getting my plans set for a safari in 2026, and was hoping to get some perspectives on a first timer's South Africa run. My apologies if this is a bit long winded, and feel free to redirect me to a more appropriate spot for my question. The specifics of the hunt is a 5 species quota. Eland, Warthog, Impala, Hippo and Cape buffalo. I've already been recommended to drop hippo and Buff, in exchange for a Plains game plan.
All said and done I have about 18 months to figure out what I'm doing. The next big topic is rifle/cartridge selection. I have options luckily, albeit unsure what would be my go to. Hoping to try for a one gun does all kinda deal. Plus I can get some practice in with a "DG style" rifle, in the chance I decide to just go for the hippo and Buff. This rifle will also get to see some trail time this coming season in NM, assuming I finely get to draw... but I digress.. My main option is Re-chambering my Ruger M77 MkII in 338 Win Mag to either 416 or 375 Ruger. With the runner-ups being a new Ruger Hawkeye African in either of the prior mentioned Rugers, or an X-bolt in 375 h&h. The Dark horses are a pair of older rifles at a local shop. First being an Eddystone 1917 conversion in 458 Win Mag, then a CZ 550 in the daunting 505 Gibbs. Even if I dont shoot it, that would honestly would be a cool piece of history to have in the safe.
with a bit a little warming up I'm perfectly confident in my shot placement inside of 300 yds. Dropped plenty of bison, and pronghorn with high percentage shots from my 300 Win Mag and 308 win. Plus never really had any issues inside of 150 with my irons. Just have never had the opportunity to shoot anything with much more recoil then my 300 or 338 with the brake off. Thanks again, and hoping to start making some new stories soon.
Been following these threads for about 5 years, and finally decided to join you all. Getting my plans set for a safari in 2026, and was hoping to get some perspectives on a first timer's South Africa run. My apologies if this is a bit long winded, and feel free to redirect me to a more appropriate spot for my question. The specifics of the hunt is a 5 species quota. Eland, Warthog, Impala, Hippo and Cape buffalo. I've already been recommended to drop hippo and Buff, in exchange for a Plains game plan.
All said and done I have about 18 months to figure out what I'm doing. The next big topic is rifle/cartridge selection. I have options luckily, albeit unsure what would be my go to. Hoping to try for a one gun does all kinda deal. Plus I can get some practice in with a "DG style" rifle, in the chance I decide to just go for the hippo and Buff. This rifle will also get to see some trail time this coming season in NM, assuming I finely get to draw... but I digress.. My main option is Re-chambering my Ruger M77 MkII in 338 Win Mag to either 416 or 375 Ruger. With the runner-ups being a new Ruger Hawkeye African in either of the prior mentioned Rugers, or an X-bolt in 375 h&h. The Dark horses are a pair of older rifles at a local shop. First being an Eddystone 1917 conversion in 458 Win Mag, then a CZ 550 in the daunting 505 Gibbs. Even if I dont shoot it, that would honestly would be a cool piece of history to have in the safe.
with a bit a little warming up I'm perfectly confident in my shot placement inside of 300 yds. Dropped plenty of bison, and pronghorn with high percentage shots from my 300 Win Mag and 308 win. Plus never really had any issues inside of 150 with my irons. Just have never had the opportunity to shoot anything with much more recoil then my 300 or 338 with the brake off. Thanks again, and hoping to start making some new stories soon.
