ZIMBABWE: Hunting The BVC In Zimbabwe For Buffalo, John Sharp Safaris Exceeding Expectations

[Bullthrower338]

I'm just glad Cody didn't have to run after that buffalo like he did in Australia last year

This is roughly what he looked like after tripping on a rock, almost face planting, but recovering mid-fall as he was holding his rifle and covering ground as he slowly regained from almost horizontal to fully vertical status

View attachment 304579

I still don’t know how I didn’t face plant myself on that one. Must be the ninja in me! Lol

 

[ActionBob]

I still don’t know how I didn’t face plant myself on that one. Must be the ninja in me! Lol

It was really something incredible to witness!

 

[Royal27]

Damn right on both accounts! But I’m thinking 577 as the 600 may be a little excessive!

Compromise Cody and get this 585 Hubel.

It will make a great little impala truck gun.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/585-hubel-for-sale.53089/#post-575146

 

[Bullthrower338]

Compromise Cody and get this 585 Hubel.

It will make a great little impala truck gun.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/585-hubel-for-sale.53089/#post-575146

Royal,
You have no idea how frigging bad I want to play with that thing!

 

[Royal27]

Royal,
You have no idea how frigging bad I want to play with that thing!

I even thought about it just because of the price. If it was left handed. ...

 

[Lmcquin]

Awesome stories. Man those are some nice buffalo. Very jealous

Green with envy.

 

[tarbe]

Damn right on both accounts! But I’m thinking 577 as the 600 may be a little excessive!

Yeah, it isn't like you are Mark Sullivan!

 

[tarbe]

Awesome stories. Man those are some nice buffalo. Very jealous

Green with envy.

We were both very blessed.

And yes, it helps to hunt with pros in a good area!

 

[tarbe]

So Cody has definitively answered the question, is the .470 Nitro adequate for Impala?

The answer is a definite maybe!

More test are needed.

 

[sestoppelman]

Great looking buffalo Tim, I would only say this about the "lousy" bullet performance, its pretty hard to argue with a one shot buffalo kill. It did the job.

 

[harden]

There in no PLACE in Zim like BVC. I hunted it in the early 80's when it was getting off the ground. Was still called LEMCO and still had cattle and cannery. Was being totally phased out about then.

 

[Tra3]

Excellent report! Thank you both for posting.

 

[WAB]

I had trouble with a wooodleigh on a buff. I was above their recommended impact velocity so figured it was on me. This report is disturbing as you should have been right in their sweet spot. I’ll stick to the A-Frames and TB Bearclaws.

 

[gizmo]

Only partially through this and am loving it. Man what a trip so far and I’m so happy for y’all.

Instant wood envy set in!

Not the first time you’ve drooled over some dudes wood I’m guessing

Honestly, I want to do a full body mount (it really does have nice fur) but...gulp! The pricing on a full body mount is YIKES!

Buddy I’m going to make you a Hellava deal on him just because 1) you and he deserve it and 2) I want to do a full body on him so bad I can’t stand it.

 

[tarbe]

Great looking buffalo Tim, I would only say this about the "lousy" bullet performance, its pretty hard to argue with a one shot buffalo kill. It did the job.

Well Scott, the truth is, the bonding on this bullet failed.

The manufacturer admitted as much. And the truth is, the problem was known, and the bullets were not recalled.

This has me a little disturbed.

I have agonized over whether to go public with this. I just realized keeping my mouth shut only potentially lets someone else fall into the same trap I did.

 

[sestoppelman]

I hear ya. It did not perform as advertised, that's for sure.

 

[tarbe]

I hear ya. It did not perform as advertised, that's for sure.

I really was hoping this would be a positive report on the Woodleigh.

I ran into a fellow in the Bulawayo airport who, after hearing I was hunting with the Woodleigh, began to tell me his horror stories of 50% weight retention last year with his 400gr Woodleigh in 450-400. He said the bullets "shredded".

I discounted his story. I figured he pushed them too hard...so I asked his muzzle velocity and he stated 2,150.

Sounds like he got some bullets with failed bonding, as well.

I wonder how many other of those un-bonded Woodleighs will be fired at dangerous game by unsuspecting hunters?

 

[sestoppelman]

Well, look at it this a ways. The bullet did kill the critter with aplomb despite not doing it in the way it was designed to do, and lots of buffalo have been taken with un bonded bullets. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Give the guys a call and tell them their bullets aint makin' it!

 

[huntinlabs]

And I passed to hunt grizzly, got my bear but still not sure I made the right choice

Congrats on your bear!! I had an interesting run in with one a week or so ago!

 

[ActionBob]

Well Scott, the truth is, the bonding on this bullet failed.

The manufacturer admitted as much. And the truth is, the problem was known, and the bullets were not recalled.

This has me a little disturbed.

I have agonized over whether to go public with this. I just realized keeping my mouth shut only potentially lets someone else fall into the same trap I did.

The way I see it there are 3 separate issues here.
1. Great shot placement will usually kill most animals with almost any bullet. (Not that cape buffalo fall into the same category as most other critters
2. Hunters get lucky (and unlucky) all the time. Good luck should never be confused with good bullet performance.
3. Good bullet performance, or at least performing as advertised. And how a company reacts and stands behind their products.

Tim thank you for the honest straight up report. At least this manufacturer admitted they have an issue. But disappointing they did not issue a recall or at least a warning. Still way better than the flat out denial that Hornady practiced for years....