RIPP:

Haven't you faced a couple charging buffalo? What do you think of the theory that inquistive Af buffs pseudo-charge with their heads pointed more-or-less down, whereas one really committed to contact comes with its head pointed straight out? Thus a shot "right between the eyes" of an inquisitive critter will turn or kill whereas such a shot on one that is really coming full-bore likely will pass above the brain?

Also, I have no experience with buffalo, but based on the butcher steer heads I've dug around in, it seems to me that a shot "at the tip of the nose" might go far too low to kill. In fact, one mobile butcher has told me that very thing, stating very specifically that the shot should land "2-inches" low of the line. Obviously that is at times impossible to do, but "aim close, miss close" says try anyway.

Also, did you recover that 200 grain Swift? I didn't remember you used that rifle. I thought you used the .416 on your hippo. VERY interesting and very nice shooting!!

And...sorry about your desk...

{FWIW, I know three mobile butchers. One uses a .22LR for normal kill shots, the other a .22 Magnum, and third I'm not sure about, but do know he uses a .338 for trouble critters; bulls, cows and steers. I've been in on the killing of some number of steers with the .22 Magnum, and placed correctly it is a light-switch flipped "Off" for the critter. Steers...but I've seen mutton sheep take a full clip from a Ruger 10/22 in the side of the head and not go down, among other bullet-proof antics among sheep. They are positively annoying. One butcher I know refuses to shoot them anymore, and requires them penned so he can kill them with a knife.}