What would you consider the minimum calibre and projectile needed for Eland ?

What have you used ?

Any advice on hunting Eland in NW Limpopo appreciated.

I know a farmer in South Africa who regularly uses 53 grain bullets in the Swift.

Personally, I would consider the 6.5x55 Swede as a practical minimum caliber for eland.


I have shot several with a 270, 30/404, 375H&H and 375/404, and I cannot tell you which one kills them faster.

So use whatever reasonable rifle you have, use good quality bullets, and hit them in the right place.

Code4, you have to stop and think who is telling you the information above!

Saeed is allowed to shoot them with a Daisey BB gun, because Roy knows how he shoots! All us mear mortals, use 375 H&H with 300 gr bullets!

I've heard about Saeed's shooting on an Eland from a PH who was still amazed at the shot!

I shot my Cape Eland with a 358STA and a 225Barnes X in 1995. One shot, on the run, through the lungs. The bull ran 150 yards and collapsed.

A mate of mine has shot 3. He shot them all with a 300WM and 200 Partitions.

I'd say that is your minimum...........338 with 230-250 grainers would be better.....they are big, but not as tough as some other PG species.

I have taken only one eland, but it was with a 7 mm Rem Mag with a 175-grain Nosler Partition at 125 yards. One shot, one dead eland.

Saeed's advice for using a reasonable rifle with good bullets and hitting them in the right place works for me. It should be repeated frequently.

IMHO, too many of us choose calibers we don't shoot well when we're in Africa. If you can shoot a heavy-recoiling rifle as well as your favorite deer rifle, fine.

I will be the first to admit I am a wimp. The recoil of a .300 Win Mag is the maximum I find bearable. With anything that kicks more than that, I will get close (50 yards or less) and do everything possible to make certain I will have to fire only one shot out of that darned thing.

Bill Quimby

620 grains at 250 fps-------will get r' done