Plains Game Ammo

[375Fox]

It seems the Hornady 200 grain ELDX loaded by my outfitter to be a wide "coverall" bullet and effective on game from Springbuck up to Sable/Cape Kudu, from around 100 yards to over 400 yards. I've used this bullet on 50 plus animals in three trips to the Eastern Cape. I wonder what issues an outfitter would have experienced with the ELDX. 100 yards and less, rarely saw a bullet exit though.

No exits under 100 yards is very concerning. Unless you found the bullet on skin on opposite side it means the bullet fragmented at 300 win velocity and penetration is questionable on larger PG species. I believe energy really assists in putting game down but you need to choose a bullet that consistently performs and achieves full penetration through the vitals.

 

[375Fox]

@WASHED-UP-VET i didn’t see it written anywhere on thread and not sure if you are aware, but the vitals on African game are further forward than North American game. The correct shot placement is on the shoulder not behind. This is reason for tougher bonded bullets or monolithic bullets like TTSX. The bullet has to withstand a lot more heavy bone to reach the vitals than a shot behind the shoulder.

 

[Ryan]

While I have had great success with the 168 grain TTSX in my 30-06 for plains game, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 180 grain Scirocco 2 if it was more accurate out of my 30-06 or 300 WM. They're bonded and have a great reputation for weight retention. Heck, my eland was taken with a rental 300 WM using Jacketed Soft Point (cup and core) 180 grain PMP factory ammo. One shot put it to the ground, a second anchored it. I'm sure the Scirocco would work even better, so use it with confidence.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have used Barnes 180 TTSX in my 300 win on two safaris with good results on bigger game like Kudu and Blue wildebeest. This year I switched to 200gr Aframe factory Swift ammo. It was awesome with one shot kills on 5 blue wildebeest , zebra and other culls. I will continue with the Aframes for future safaris.

 

[Ryan]

And now that I think about it. Before dropping down to the 150 grain, try 165 grain Vor-TX ammo in your 300 WM. The 168 grain is a go-to for plains game in 30-06. So the 165 in the 300 WM ought to deliver just as well. And I agree with someone earlier, clean the heck out of the barrel before going to TTSX bullets if you've been testing those and other copper and lead bullets. It makes a difference.

 

[Datchew]

If you're going to try ttsx in 165, I recommend the 168's.
Slightly more bc

My 300 wm spurs them at a bit over 2900 and they group well and penetration is excellent

 

[Ryan]

If you're going to try ttsx in 165, I recommend the 168's.
Slightly more bc

My 300 wm spurs them at a bit over 2900 and they group well and penetration is excellent

Interesting, but Barnes actually states on their website the 165's ogive is meant for the 300 WM and the 168 is more for the 308 and 30-06. I suggest the 165 more for preliminary testing since they have it in boxes ammo. Does it shoot well? If so, then handload and fine tune between it and the 168. The BC to me isn't worth losing sleep over at PG hunting ranges.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

@WASHED-UP-VET i didn’t see it written anywhere on thread and not sure if you are aware, but the vitals on African game are further forward than North American game. The correct shot placement is on the shoulder not behind. This is reason for tougher bonded bullets or monolithic bullets like TTSX. The bullet has to withstand a lot more heavy bone to reach the vitals than a shot behind the shoulder.

I'm sure this has been debated before but I really don't see a significant difference in vitals location of North American big game vs African plains game. I have gutted more than a hundred of the former and closely observed trackers dressing out more than thirty of the latter. Searching the web I see scores of shot placement diagrams for both elk and kudu. Seems the center of target for both is as often as not just behind the shoulder. I have shot everything from Cape buffalo bull to springbuck just behind the shoulder and they all seem to transpire as efficiently as elk, moose, and deer shot the same way.

 

[Datchew]

Interesting, but Barnes actually states on their website the 165's ogive is meant for the 300 WM and the 168 is more for the 308 and 30-06. I suggest the 165 more for preliminary testing since they have it in boxes ammo. Does it shoot well? If so, then handload and fine tune between it and the 168. The BC to me isn't worth losing sleep over at PG hunting ranges.

I setup my load for up to 600m
So I'll take all the bc carry I can get.

Your point on factory ammo is very important for people that don't handload. Great starting point

 

[375Fox]

I'm sure this has been debated before but I really don't see a significant difference in vitals location of North American big game vs African plains game. I have gutted more than a hundred of the former and closely observed trackers dressing out more than thirty of the latter. Searching the web I see scores of shot placement diagrams for both elk and kudu. Seems the center of target for both is as often as not just behind the shoulder. I have shot everything from Cape buffalo bull to springbuck just behind the shoulder and they all seem to transpire as efficiently as elk, moose, and deer shot the same way.

You can reference Kevin Robertson’s perfect shot. That is the standard and the individual who has done the research that can’t be questioned. If you aim behind the shoulder you are aiming for the back of the lungs and has more room for error. The correct shot placement on African game is on the shoulder because vitals are further forward. It is a fact.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

My 700 300WM shoots the TTSX to similar groups as yours. It however loves the Federal Terminal Ascent bullets. I shoot them in my .308 Win, .280AI, 7PRC, and 300WM. All with absolutely amazing results.

I took the .308 shooting the Terminal Ascents to RSA and Zim last year, and had great success on PG out to 400+ yards.

 

[Ryan]

You can reference Kevin Robertson’s perfect shot. That is the standard and the individual who has done the research that can’t be questioned. If you aim behind the shoulder you are aiming for the back of the lungs and has more room for error. The correct shot placement on African game is on the shoulder because vitals are further forward. It is a fact.

The OP is asking about ammo.

Gents, whadya say we don't take this on a tangent about shot placement. The best answer there is African animals have a more compact vital area than North American animals, with less margin for error. For most species regardless of continent the heart is still in the same approximate spot. Aim just above it for best results. This website has a very great Shot Placement Gallery to assist there. Please review it prior to heading to the field.

 

[375Fox]

The OP is asking about ammo.

Gents, whadya say we don't take this on a tangent about shot placement. The best answer there is African animals have a more compact vital area than North American animals, with less margin for error. For most species regardless of continent the heart is still in the same approximate spot. Aim just above it for best results. This website has a very great Shot Placement Gallery to assist there. Please review it prior to heading to the field.

It’s relevant because a bullet that works well on elk might not be as effective on a kudu in Africa because the shot placement is different. A new hunter to Africa doesn’t always know that.