Certainly interesting to hear differant points of view on whether to use a soft or solid first on buffalo. I must admit when hunting the Aussie buffalo I tended to have a solid first up in the magazine although I did use some softs as well. I was not so knowledgable at that earlier age as to what I "should" use. I have always liked a high chest or shoulder shot on any animal as a good one to anchor on the spot so probably chose the solid to make sure of enough grunt when hitting bone. Generally found the bulls out on their own so did not have to consider over penetration.

The link I posted in Mauser photo forum to some photos of my 404 and a shot on a bull buffalo show the effect of a 400 gr solid high in the chest. The advantage of the double is you do have an instant choice provided you don't double of course.