The Ideal African "Light Rifle", that is the Question?

[Green Chile]

I was just running some recoil calculations on a 10# 338-378 KT project (similar to Elmer Keith's elk rifle)...250 gr bullet at 3k fps...right at 50 ft lbs of recoil for a top end load, which is more than a 340 Wby. Playing with different reloads you can get it down around 40 lbs of recoil and that's not bad.

 

[The Shootist]

That’s interesting. Mine weighs 11.0 pounds empty.

 

[The Shootist]

Do you have an app you are using fo do the calculations?

 

[Green Chile]

ShootersCalculator.com | Recoil Calculator

An online calculator that calculates the recoil energy, impulse, and velocity of a firearm according to the firearm's weight, powder charge, bullet weight, and bullet muzzle velocity.

shooterscalculator.com

 

[Saul]

I agree. For some reason people expect that it’s a recoil beast but I find it more of a shove than a punch.

Probably the rifle weights, but I find it much better then the 338 win

 

[RR 314]

I agree. For some reason people expect that it’s a recoil beast but I find it more of a shove than a punch.

My daughter started shooting my Ed Brown .340 when she was twelve years old . . . and is deadly.

 

[The Shootist]

Cool pictures. Tough little Gal. Proof that if one has the right mindset and desire they can handle a lot more than they might otherwise.

 

[grand veneur]

I agree. For some reason people expect that it’s a recoil beast but I find it more of a shove than a punch.

The recoil depends on the rifle that you use. I own a custom rifle caliber 340 Weatherby Magnum built on a FN Mauser action and with a 26" heavy barrel. The rifle is therefore heavy, but despite the 250gr bullet and the maximum load, the recoil remains very tolerable.

In use here, sure, it has nothing to do with hunting in Africa, but what kills a Ibex in the high mountains also kills antelopes in Africa.

 

[Luvthunt]

Well, I do not have a pic but my 12 year old grandson was shooting my 340 off the bench at 12 years of age. Semi custom with a 1966 Rem. 700 action sako ext. Brown Precision stock and I do not remember whose barrel.
With 225 Partitions it is a force.
Just like the young lady after reach shot I would enjoy a very large grin.

 

[The Shootist]

The recoil depends on the rifle that you use. I own a custom rifle caliber 340 Weatherby Magnum built on a FN Mauser action and with a 26" heavy barrel. The rifle is therefore heavy, but despite the 250gr bullet and the maximum load, the recoil remains very tolerable.

In use here, sure, it has nothing to do with hunting in Africa, but what kills a Ibex in the high mountains also kills antelopes in Africa.

View attachment 603400

What a great photo. Great adventure.

 

[WAB]

After my buddy’s close brush with an unprovoked charge by a cow ele, I personally set my minimum carry in DG country to 9.3x62 or .375. Sure grateful he was carrying his .375, as he stoned that cow after she took out his PH.

 

[WAB]

Oh and here’s my idea of a perfect African light rifle, Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3x62.