PLAINS GAME CALIBER

[Tom Leoni]

I've killed most of my plains game up to eland with a cheap Speer .270gr .375 boat-tail spitzer. Except for a blesbuck that I originally hit too high (entirely my fault), all animals fell at the first shot and stayed down.

Any adequately heavy-for caliber bullet at moderate velocities will kill plains game reliably. I know this may sound like blasphemy, but to me the usefulness of premium bullets is more relevant 1) with very high velocities and/or 2) on heavy, dangerous game.

 

[Daisy]

When I went to Africa for the first time (June '24) I knew I would be renting a rifle from PH. I was amazed at the caliber choice. .308. I knew the .308 was a great North American deer round, but I thought pursuing much heavier animals (Kudu, Zebra, Wildebeest etc) would require a heavier round. The .308 worked flawlessly. Nothing traveled over 50 yards after being hit and only 1 animal required a second shot. I was amazed by that little Marlin X7 .308 with a 180 Grain Federal Fusion.

Exactly what I used and had lots of bang flops

 

[JG26Irish_2]

My first Safari was a PG practice run for a later Safari for more challenging game. On the first trip, I took a 308 loaded with 180g Fed Fusion ammo and a 375HH loaded with Barnes TSX. I had planned on using the 375 for most of the game on my list but ended up doing just the opposite. The 308 worked so well that I took five animals with it and ALL were one shot kills and most dropped DRT. I had tried to use 180g A-frames but my rifle would not shoot them to acceptable accuracy out past 100y.

Both rifles were vintage FN Belgian Browning pieces from the 1960's and both performed very well. I also took a nice Blue Wildebeest with the 375HH. It did take three shots but only to end it quickly. The first shot was terminal. Ran 60y and piled up.

For PG use this next trip, I plan to return with a 375HH for PG and DG and also bring either a 30-06 with 180g Sciroccos, or a 7mm Mag with 175g Fusions, or a 7mm/08 loaded with 150g Sciroccos. I am blessed with options and think all three highly capable.

 

[Andrew62]

.308 with 168 grain Barnes TTSX or 180 Swift Aframes