I would pass on the shot - I hope - since, imo, I would be depriving myself of the thrill of getting close. For buff, 25yds is close. 40, maybe 50yds is the outside. Of the four I have killed, the distances were 20yds, 50yds, 20yds, 35yds. I have passed on longer shots but it has yet to "cost" me the buff since persistence has resulted in finally getting the closer shot.

But then I haven't seen a 48" buff standing there begging me to shoot him either. One of the trackers has had my 375H&H in case I've wanted to make the switch, but it has never come to that and I hope it never will.

For elephants, 30yds is a long shot. 15yds is great. Ranges for me with elephants:
25yds, 23yds, 20yds, 20yds, 12yds, 15yds, 20yds, 11yds, 10yds, 25yds, 7yds.

I don't think I'd go over 50yds, even on the phantasy 100lber.

Savouti-One-Shot is right, and the PH is also watching to see how you handle your rifle, with familiarity or not, safely or not...

JPK