Scope or red dot as primary for Buffalo in Eastern Cape terrain

[Letzhunt]

Have a future Buffalo hunt planned for 2026. I have a 458 wm+ loaded equal to 458 Lott. Trying to decide if I want to use the Swaro Z8i 1-8x24 or just go with the Holosun Comp red dot. I can mount either and have just thinking of what the primary should be. I have talked to the PH a bit but not in detail. Haven't been to the Eastern Cape so not sure what the likely/typical terrain and shot distance will be. Assuming <100. Going in Mid April if that matters on the vegetation.

 

[ThinusS]

Speak to your PH, the Eastern Cape is quite a large place with terrain that varies from thick bush to wide open plains.

 

[ActionBob]

Have a future Buffalo hunt planned for 2026. I have a 458 wm+ loaded equal to 458 Lott. Trying to decide if I want to use the Swaro Z8i 1-8x24 or just go with the Holosun Comp red dot. I can mount either and have just thinking of what the primary should be. I have talked to the PH a bit but not in detail. Haven't been to the Eastern Cape so not sure what the likely/typical terrain and shot distance will be. Assuming <100. Going in Mid April if that matters on the vegetation.

I would use the scope. Illuminated on 1x it functions much like a red dot, just bulkier.

But the scope. Especially that scope, gives you the option of zooming in to see details like a branch in the way (don't worry about small stuff) and to focus the scope to see a bull in the shadows... and certainly if a longer range.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

Either will work well and your choice should be which fits your needs the best. The rifle cannot tell which fixture you aim it with and will shoot the same eithe way. The Z8i is a fantastic optic and when dialed down to 1x with the red dot illuminated will work just like a red dot if you train yourself to shoot with both eyes open. And it can be zoomed out for longer shots. In my case I put the Z6i on my 375 and got a red dot for my 458 simply because I was concerned that the scope might be a issue hitting my brow with the recoil. That would only be worse with hot loads. With Buff you are not going to want to shoot longer than about 80y anyway, IMO.

 

[festuscat]

Either will work well and your choice should be which fits your needs the best. The rifle cannot tell which fixture you aim it with and will shoot the same eithe way. The Z8i is a fantastic optic and when dialed down to 1x with the red dot illuminated will work just like a red dot if you train yourself to shoot with both eyes open. And it can be zoomed out for longer shots. In my case I put the Z6i on my 375 and got a red dot for my 458 simply because I was concerned that the scope might be an issue hitting my brow with the recoil. That would only be worse with hot loads. With Buff you are not going to want to shoot longer than about 80y anyway, IMO.

Iron sights always an option.