Hello from New Mexico

[LVD923]

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.

 

[Hunt anything]

My advice would be hunt what YOU want, take advice from others but if you really want a buff and hippo hunt them. You never know what curves life may throw at you. My opinion only.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Welcome Aboard!

HH

 

[Clifford Johnson]

I am also in NM. Good luck drawing any tags. Haven't seen a deer tag in 3 years, or an elk tag in 6 years.

 

[krish]

Welcome yo AH.
KRISH

 

[BRICKBURN]

Welcome to the posting side.

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[EXECUTIVE HUNT AFRICA]

Good day! Welcome to AH and enjoy all the planning for your safari!

 

[BryceM]

The formula is reasonably simple. For daily carry when pursuing plains game, something in the .308, .30-06, .300 Magnum neighborhood is good. One size up or down is fine (.284 or .338). There's a few oddballs in-between, but they all work. Use heavy for caliber bullets, and something along the lines of Barnes TSX, A-frames, or similar.

If you like your .338, leave it alone and just take it. If you are unsure about the buff/hippo possibility, there will undoubtedly be a scoped DG camp gun that you can use. If you just want one, that's even more awesome. Anything from .375 H&H to the neighborhood of the .416s is a good place to start. I'd definitely get some time and experience with those before moving up in size. The .458 can be a handful, and a bit more than I'd recommend for most DG beginners. There are some reasonably good arguments that whatever the .375 H&H gives up in horsepower is more than made up for by better shot placement.

Shot placement is about 10X more important than the next variable. Practice a lot! Practice working the bolt quickly, and while moving. Practice reloading on the move. Shoot well, from sticks, in field conditions and you'll have a lot of fun. Shoot poorly, and you'll have a little less fun, and a lot more exercise. Shoot poorly on DG, and someone could get hurt.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to the forum.

I'd keep the 338 for the Plains Game.

How are you planning to hunt hippo: in water or on land? In water you may want a 375, whereas on land you may want to opt for something starting with .4 and use it for both your buff and hippo.

For a one gun battery, with your list of animals, you can't go wrong with a 375.

Unless you are hunting in the Limpopo or other areas to the north in RSA most likely you won't encounter hippo.

Just my 2 cents.

Happy hunting.