Hello gentlemen, I've been weighing pros and cons of both the 35 Whelen and 338 A-Square and was wondering if I could get some outside advice from you chaps on both calibers. Thank you in advance for your help.

Both are good rounds, but neither can better the 9.3x62 and if you hunt in Africa the 9.3 is a much better choice as ammo will be available to you should you need it and the performance exceeds either the 35 or 338.

I have used several calibers on plains game and my favorite is the .338 Win. Mag. with premium 225 grain bullets.

But either of the calibers you mention would be excellent, IMO. I know people who've used both of them and I'd be happy with either one.

But I think that the .338 Win. Mag. will reach out a bit flatter a bit farther, so I would choose it because long shots are sometimes necessary.

In elephant country, however, I have used a .375 H&H Mag. for plains game because of the possibility of bumping into something big and nasty.

I have taken three rifles on safari (21 days), with a lighter rifle for the smaller game and the .375 as my medium, but any time we had to walk off into the bush after eland, kudu, warthog, etc., I took my .375 or made sure one of the trackers was carrying it.

The .375 with 270 grain bullets (and with a couple of 300 grain solids in the magazine) is a great plains game caliber, and provides a margin of comfort in case you run into the unexpected.

If you are hunting in an area where dangerous game is present (ele, buff, lion, hippo, etc.) then I would want my light rifle to be a minimum of 9.3x62. A 375H&H is about right.

Hunting in an area with dense cover (Chewore, Zim for example) vs. an open area (Namibia) would also have an influence on caliber selection. Also, what is the largest animal on your wish list.

Tim

If dangerous game is on your list, then you will need something bigger (375 in most countries). If you take a 375 or 416 class rifle, then take a real flat shooter (not the Whelan)for the longer shots on plains game.

Back in the 60's when I worked for my Uncles over there we used the 300 H&H. I reccon it would still work well. The 375 would be an excellent choice as well. Good Luck.

That is why God made the 375 H&H.

CXL
Give us a little more info.

What country ar you hunting in?
How many days?
Are you hunting only plains game or some DG too?
Are you taking another rifle?

If it PG only territory, I think either of your choices would be great, along with a 270 or 30-06 or so.

If it DG country, especially elephant country - then I go mrlexma's route and agree with Will - "that is why God made the 375H&H".

JPK

I just got back from Tanzania and my light rifle was a 375H&H and heavy a 450#2..
I have come to the opinion for a two gun safari a 375 and a 416 Rem or a 458 Lott..
Common rifle and easy access to ammo if need be...

Mike

Hey pardners,sorry for taking so long to respond and for bringing this topic back to the top,I got busy with family.Thanks for all your advice,it was very helpful.
NE450- I have never been to Africa and know very little about hunting there or even traveling there for that matter.My wife and I are planning a vacation slash safari when she graduates medical school in a few years,so I haven't contacted any travel agents or guides yet-I figured it was a bit premature. I'm buying a new rifle this year and want something that will serve well in Africa and Alaska. As far as game goes,I don't have a clue what Africa will cost,but I'll be after plains game for sure and if we can afford it,I'd really like a cape buffalo.I have a Rem 700 '06 already that I thought might work for plains animals,if it would I could use this money for a stopping rifle instead of a Whelen,not trying to be a trouble maker but I don't want a 375, I'm looking at the 458 Lott, 416 Rem Mag and 6.3x62 Mauser.I was also wondering if the Ruger No.1 would be adequate or suicide- it's about half the $$ of the Ruger magnum rifle. I looked at Remington's ABG rifle too, very nice but push feed.Sorry for all my rambling, just needing some advice. Thank you for help.- Chris

CXL,

Just a side note:
Looks like you've got some time to do some planning and reading before you make your trip. I don't know how much reading you've done on the subject, but I'd like to suggest the following books if you haven't read them.

AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
A Guide to Modern Safaris
by Craig Boddington
http://www.safaripress.com/product.php?productid=6153&cat=0&page=1

RIFLES FOR AFRICA
Practical Advice on Rifles and Ammunition for an African Safari
by Gregor Woods
http://www.safaripress.com/product.php?productid=6271&cat=0&page=1

SAFARI RIFLES
Doubles, Magazine Rifles, and Cartridges for African Hunting
by Craig Boddington
http://www.safaripress.com/product.php?productid=6085&cat=0&page=1

Click on the links for more detailed descriptions of each book. Some are listed as not currently being avaialble on the Safari Press web site (as of the date of this post). Some gun stores and book shops may have them in stock. A good place to look for used copies is http://www.abebooks.com/

-Bob F.