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If I remember whom the author was and I think it was Bell (I may be wrong, if needed I will check), he once recommended the .318 Westley Richards as a good choice for penetration and a .450 double as an elephant rifle. Though he took only a .318 WR and a lighter rifle.

His "Karamojo" hunting was influenced in my opinion by a number of factors (IMO):

1. He was hunting fairly undisturbed game. The game was not familiar with modern firearms and a rifle report, especially from a smaller rifle did not scare them much. Allowing more elephants (and presumably buffalo) to be taken.

2. He was hunting in high grass. He tried shooting big bores off a tripod or a black's shoulders but the recoil knocked him off.

3. The bullets he used had high sectional densities and great penetration abilities.

4. He studied the anatomy of the game and the precise angle of shot needed to reach the brain or vitals.

5. If an elephant (or buffalo) ran away he lost the ivory (or meat) and it did NOT cost him an expensive trophy fee like it would be us today.

So the historical irony I feel is very apt. Using an appropriate bullet with good penetrating ability, a very careful and closely stalked shot, the buffalo will die.

The 6.5x54 mm M-S can be MADE to be adequate IMO. Except in the 1-5% of occasions when a buffalo might get "touchy" and come for you. Then the 6.5mm shooter had better hope for a good brain shot, he would probably only get one chance.

My opinion is the 6.5 mm (.264) calibre is the absolute minimum anyone would even comtemplate using, but there are always exceptions.

Would I recommend it? NO! My recomendation is always "Most PHs and Guides recommend a client brings a .375 H&H Magnum or similar or larger calibre, one that they are comfortable with shooting."

Especially if NOT hunting with a guide who may have a larger rifle (ie in the .375 to .458 class).

Also many clients main objective is to hunt a good buffalo bull, perhaps a very nice trophy. The hunting is the main objective.

Occasionally a client or hunter has a different main objective. Like Orion he has a new 'vintage' rifle and wanted to use it. Some guys (or girls) think a stick, some string and a twig with feathers on it is "adequate". And would rather bow hunt than use a more certain method. I'm still waiting for some guys to carry through with their bragging and spear hunt a water buffalo. Still waiting!

Good luck to everyone with their buffalo hunting. Myself I will probably stick to my 9.3mm and .450.

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John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"