I am in the process of starting to plan my first trip to Africa. I currently have a Model 70 Classic SM (blue/synthetic stock/BOSS) in 7mm Rem. Mag. I don't really like the BOSS, but it shoots so well (3/8" with 175 grn. Barnes X, off the bench) that I can't bring myself to get rid of it.

First trip will be for plains game only, but at this point, I haven't decided exactly what animals I want to hunt. My reading tells me that the 7mm will probably be just fine, especially with the 175 grn. X bullet (maybe a bit light for Eland?). However, I will probably take my son with me, and if so, he will shoot my 7mm and we will need another rifle.

I am currently leaning towards a .375 H&H for a variety of reasons. It should be perfect for any plains game we decide on, as well as being a great Elk rifle for back home. If (when?) I decide to hunt dangerous game, I won't have to buy another rifle.

A local shop has a Model 70, Classic Stainless (synthetic stock) in .375 for about $750. The Safari Express goes for about $200 more. While I love blued steel and wood, stainless/synthetic makes a lot of sense for a lot of different reasons.

Will my son and I, with the two rifles described, be OK for plains game, or should I look at something else?

Thanks!




Scott

Scott, I own the Winchester in .375 you are referring to (the exact rifle you are discussing) and have taken it to Africa 3 times, Alaska 3 time and on various elk hunts. I love it and hunt anything with it. I think the price you are seeing is a little high as I just saw one yesterday at the Tanner show in Denver for $550. If you are interested in shooting one before buying let me know and we can get together and you can try mine out - I'm in Longmont.

Mike

Tphd,

The combination will knock down any animal you are going after...If you decide to take an eland with the7mm just take him behind the shoulder and not on it...The X bullet in the 175 will rip his insides up with vengence...As for the 375 it is the African rifle of rifles..It will crush all of the animals you will take and have enough for DG..The only advice I would give is shoot some prarie dogs for practice...shoot small miss small...
I used my 375 in RSA in 02 and six shots six animals from zebra to kudu, 2bushbuck, wildebeaste, warthog...

Mike

Thanks for the info., guys.

Mike, I appreciate the offer to shoot your rifle, and I'd like to take you up on it. I'll send you a PM.



Scott

That will be an excellent choice of guns, and the 7 Magnum is plenty of gun for Eland if you stick that good Nolser 175 gr. bullet in the right spot...

Unless you intend to hunt dangerous game, I would sooner opt for a 338 Win. for your stated purpose, the 210 Nosler at 3000 FPS is an awsome rifle for about anything...and with a 300 gr. Woodleigh its right up there with the .375 H&H...I would however prefer the .375 for Buffalo, Lion, Hippo, and elephant.

Ray,

My thinking on the .375 is this - If I go once, I will most certainly go back. And probably for DG. The .375 would save me from having to buy another rifle (not that it would be a bad thing . . .). Besides, a .375 just screams AFRICA!

Ray, you sent me some info. a couple of years ago on some plains games hunts, but due to circumstances, I wasn't able to proceed at the time. Could you get me some info. on what you have for plains game hunts, suitable for a first timer (and my son)?

Thanks!



Scott

Scott,

This is H&Hhunter from THR. You are welcome to shoot my Mod 70 SS .375 as well just give a call and bullets will fall..

Greg

Greg,

Thanks for the offer. Sent you an e-mail.



Scott

TAXphd, Listen to Ray and shoot Nosler Partitions in your 7mm. Leave the BarnesXs in the advertisements.

150 grain Barnes X in a .270 Winchester at around 2800 fps works fine too, so you will be solid with the 7 mag and 175 gr Barnes X. Bullet placement is the biggest concern no matter what the caliber.

Pancho,

You seem to be one of the few detractors of the X bullet. What has your experience been?



Scott

Yeah, I hate 'em too. They are just way too predictable.

This one was recovered from my Namibian lion last July:



It was an XLC coated 225 grain X in .338 before it erupted to the diameter you see and killed the cat.

I also think you are looking at a near perfect two gun safari combination. I highly recommend a father and son African adventure. My son and I have done it twice and will repeat it again if the creeks don't rise. The memories of those trips are among the most important things for me. Get the best price you can and buy the mod 70. Have it slicked up a bit and use it on everything you can prior to going to Africa so you know about any little problems and get them delt with early on. Elmer Keith once said and I totally agree,"The 375 H&H makes a pretty fair deer rifle" Good hunting. "D"