Practice Exercises- How do you prepare?

[Mark Biggerstaff]

My PH told me to leave the sling at home. So I haven't even tried using one.

I used a sling for 2 days on my first Safari. Took it off on day 3 and have never used one again on Safari. It was always hanging on brush and limbs as bush was so thick I couldn’t keep on shoulder with out it hanging up. Also when carrying the swivels made that eeek eeek squeak noise. Will never use one again on Safari.

 

[Forrest Halley]

So I have always been deadliest afield without a sling mounted on my rifle or shotgun. However I can't understand why you would not want one mounted at certain times. The thought of not having one period seems a little bit extreme. I feel like I'd find myself caught short somehow without it.

 

[VertigoBE]

Why do so many people use snap caps? I will be 40 next month, and I've never seen a firearm break from dry fire. So I'm asking genuinely.

For practicing chambering, I use the bullet I'm going to be hunting with. That way the bolt feel is identical. I loaded three rounds with used primers, with 77 grains of sand in them, and the 300gr VRG-3 seated and crimped.

Aren't those three rounds with used primers, sand inside, not the exact same thing as a SnapCap?

 

[Ike85123]

Aren't those three rounds with used primers, sand inside, not the exact same thing as a SnapCap?

Idk the specifics. But i was told when i bought my dr , to use the spring loaded caps or atleast the rubber filled caps. They explained to me that I needed resistance when dry firing.

 

[Forrest Halley]

Aren't those three rounds with used primers, sand inside, not the exact same thing as a SnapCap?

A snap cap deadens the firing pin strike, usually with a spring or a rubber piece so the pin doesn't break at the base. Dummy rounds with spent primers don't accomplish this function more than two or three times maybe before they are completely deformed out of the way. You'd almost be better off putting some caulk, rubber, or something soft into the primer pocket.

 

[Fabnosh]

I'd work on stamina/CV fitness as well. Little point is being able to shoot micro groups from the bench if walking up a flight of stairs leaves you puffing and pounding. If you're not used to walking get some practice in......especially up hill as Africa doesn't seem to do down hill lol.

FN

 

[VertigoBE]

A snap cap deadens the firing pin strike, usually with a spring or a rubber piece so the pin doesn't break at the base. Dummy rounds with spent primers don't accomplish this function more than two or three times maybe before they are completely deformed out of the way. You'd almost be better off putting some caulk, rubber, or something soft into the primer pocket.

Indeed that is how I would understand SnapCaps as well. I was merely replying to @Viral_SIGness who did not understand why people use SnapCaps so much, yet then goes on to state his use of his own SnapCap lookalike (which is actually worse than the original as you pointed out)

 

[Ridgewalker]

I would highly recommend memorizing the pictures on AH under “Shot Placement” of cape buffalo. Excellent info.
Also in my limited, as only one buffalo, experience you very likely will take your first shot off of sticks. So I highly recommend practicing that. Example: set up your sticks as if they were placed by your PH. Then practice getting on them for the first shot. Come off the sticks for a follow up shot. Try to give yourself no more than 5 seconds to get on the sticks and fire an accurate shot.
On my buff, I was on and off the sticks numerous times stalking before I got to pull the trigger.
JME
Best of luck on what I’m certain will be an exciting hunt!

 

[Viral_SIGness]

Aren't those three rounds with used primers, sand inside, not the exact same thing as a SnapCap?

The used primers are to keep sand out of my gun. Never seen that description on a snap cap package lol

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I'd work on stamina/CV fitness as well. Little point is being able to shoot micro groups from the bench if walking up a flight of stairs leaves you puffing and pounding. If you're not used to walking get some practice in......especially up hill as Africa doesn't seem to do down hill lol.

FN

I have no choice there. Our 17 year old son is going to the Army next year, and he's got it in his head that I should run with him in the evenings.