bipbigbore
.224 member
Reged: 06/10/05
Posts: 42
Loc: USA
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Hello all,
I am currently planning my second trip to Africa. I hunted plains game in Zimbabwe in '96. This time, I am headed to Zambia for Buffalo and Plains Game. I will be hunting the Luangwa valley (up near the parks). I will likely add Hippo and/ or Croc as well.
I am quite settle on a .338 win mag for my medium rifle. I am a firm believer in .338 and don't think anything has it beat in that category.
Where I am less certain is in my heavy rifle. Choice one is a model 70 (Classic Super Express) in .416 Rem. It is topped with a Nightforce 1-4 x 24. Choice two is a Brno 602 in .458 Lott. As of now, it doesnt have a scope, but i could easily move the nightforce over. I would shoot the 416 with 400gr bullets at 2400fps or the Lott with 500gr at 2250fps or so.
I shoot both pretty well, though the slim lines of the .416 make it a little easier to hanlde.
I would really appreciete any counsel available.
Thanks and Shoot Striaght!
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Bramble
.375 member
Reged: 29/07/06
Posts: 950
Loc: England
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Depends if your going to shoot the Hippo in he water or on land. In the water a 22 Hornet will do nicley. On land I'd take the Lott.
Regards
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bipbigbore
.224 member
Reged: 06/10/05
Posts: 42
Loc: USA
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I plan to shoot the hippo on land if at all possible.
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ozhunter
.400 member
Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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A scoped 416 would be my choice.
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alexbeer
.333 member
Reged: 10/04/08
Posts: 389
Loc: Tasmania, Australia
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Hello Ozhunter
Wouldn't you take your DR?
Laura alexbeercustomrifles
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Details matter!
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bipbigbore
.224 member
Reged: 06/10/05
Posts: 42
Loc: USA
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So, now I am thinking a scoped 375 H&H for the medium and the 458 Lott for the heavy.
Mostly, I am thinking this, so that i can use the 375 with Solids for croc and, if i have to take it in the water, hippo.
Do people typically shoot the croc and hippo with solids? If so, would 250gr solids from my .338 be legal and sufficient? I don't know if I can get them to pattern with my softs, but it might be worth trying.
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bigmaxx
.375 member
Reged: 13/06/07
Posts: 660
Loc: Bowling Green KY U.S.A.
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I am taking a Ruger M77 .458 lott to Zimbabwe for buffalo. I have been shooting Hornady factory 500 grainers in solid and soft point, and have found no difference in the point of impact. Dont know if that will help or not...
-------------------- One day at a time...
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Ripp
.577 member
Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
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Quote:
So, now I am thinking a scoped 375 H&H for the medium and the 458 Lott for the heavy.
Mostly, I am thinking this, so that i can use the 375 with Solids for croc and, if i have to take it in the water, hippo.
Do people typically shoot the croc and hippo with solids? If so, would 250gr solids from my .338 be legal and sufficient? I don't know if I can get them to pattern with my softs, but it might be worth trying.
Do what you will--personally both would work fine--as to solids--I am hunting hippo next week in Zim and will be using a custom in .416 Remington--I am taking a 300 Ultra-mag I loaded with 200 gr A-Frames--out of my HS Precision--went out yesterday and proofed the load a final time--first 3 shots--just a tad under 1/2" at 100 yards--so went home and loaded 60 for the trip--which, if I shoot the hippo in the water will probably use that gun and will also use it on croc...your 338 loaded with 225 or my choice 250 gr bullets will work fine on anything over there including buffalo however because of legal requirements you would be restricted in most countries to a .375 or larger on dangerous game..--if the hippo is on land--solids out of the .416 is what I will use..
The one advantage you have with the .375 and 416 battery is that if one went upside down on you -you would have another at your disposal that can be used for either plains or dangerous....
Fortunately no matter the choice --you'll do fine..and you are going to AFRICA...
-------------------- ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..
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