If the 9.3x62 became the new legal minimum?

[Rick HOlbert]

If the 9.3x62 became the new legal minimum caliber for dangerous game in all of Africa:
- Would you consider replacing your 375 with a 9.3 (If you did not currently own a 9.3x62)?
- For a one rifle safari, which included plains game and Cape buffalo, would you feel comfortable with only the 9.3x62?
- For someone who owns neither, but plans on hunting Africa (someday), asks you to help them choose between the 9.3x62 and 375?

I realize this has probably been kicked around in one form or another but, was hoping to get everyone’s thoughts.
Thanks...

Good day Randy, as Mr. Peacocke has said, a very interesting question indeed! I shoot both a 375 H&H and a 9.3X62. Love them both. 9.3X62 for buffalo? I would take the shot with complete confidence. I respect Dr. Robertson's experience and recommendations. I also know several clients and PH's who have used the 9.3 with telling results. Personally,I would use a 286grn Swift A-Frame or North Fork Semi Spitzer for my softs and follow up with either Woodleigh Hydro solids or NF cup point solids. Just me but I would use my 9.3 where legal. It's been doing the job since 1905. Of course the bullet has to be placed in the right spot. gut shoot him then things get hairy real quick.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

This subject has gone round and round so many times that there is now a reasonable picture of what the general consensus looks like, and to me the takeaways are:
1. The first shot matters enormously.
2. If you can't pull off a good first shot because of recoil, gun fear or whatever, shoot something you can handle, provided of course that it is above a sensible threshold.
3. For buffalo that practical minimum does indeed include the 9.3, and thr 375 Flanged Magnum. Legality is another concern, but we are looking rather at whether they should be made legal.
4. Knowing shot placement and only taking decisive shots is the secret. Heart and both lungs and it is over.
5. Once you have a wounded animal the light calibre is no longer optimal. But starting off with the heavy calibre and ending up at this point is not optimal either, and a shooter who couldn't take the first shot properly sure as heck won't manage a proper followup shot either.

CONCLUSION
The lighter calibre will probably wound less animals.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi,

Once you have a wounded animal the light calibre is no longer optimal. Must say NO CALIBRE per se IS OPTIMAL for a full adrenaline stocked buffalo. The only STOPPER calibres are the ones that hit the central nervous system.
If the hunter in charge can use a big caliber=heavy rifle with ease, go for it.
The late "ganyana" - Don Heat had many stories of angry wounded buffalos that couldn't be stopped with four 577 750 grs bullets. In those cases, there are no other than a brain or spine shot.
The same for our very wild cattle, big bulls or cows, born in the wild for some generations...

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

By the way, "ganyana" opted for the 9,3x62 as his stopper rifle.

 

[foxtrot1]

The problem is that that person might not have a shot due to obstruction, a person in his way etc., etc.. Then, it is up to you. That happened to me when an elephant charged out of the bushes at us and his tracker was in the way and I stopped the elephant with a .500 MDM. We were on the sand and he came barreling through the bushes from our left. I didn't even have to pay for him as it was self-defence.

View attachment 712416

Awesome experience. Glad you were prepared and it turned out well.

I completely understand your logic. Using it, you'll skip over the .375, .416s, and start at the .45s.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

The problem is that that person might not have a shot due to obstruction, a person in his way etc., etc.. Then, it is up to you. That happened to me when an elephant charged out of the bushes at us and his tracker was in the way and I stopped the elephant with a .500 MDM. We were on the sand and he came barreling through the bushes from our left. I didn't even have to pay for him as it was self-defence.

View attachment 712416

Hi Tanks,

Where did you hit the elephant? Was a brain shot?

 

[grand veneur]

Awesome experience. Glad you were prepared and it turned out well.

I completely understand your logic. Using it, you'll skip over the .375, .416s, and start at the .45s.

It is not the topic, but a decent elephant caliber starts at 45. It has happened several times that clients have had to shot an elephant alone without backup for various reasons. It is always better to be prepared for all eventualities. Also applies to buffalo hunting.

 

[Tanks]

Hi Tanks,

Where did you hit the elephant? Was a brain shot?

Yes. Could have had some consequences if I had missed by much.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Thank you Tanks.