Dr B

Would I use a smaller cal9iber if legal...How much smaller??? A .270 fine, a 6.5 with the right bullets...if I didn't really have a choice. The government "minimums" may not make much sencethe way they are written but they are based on alot of hard experience. 7x57 just scrapes in as legal (both in terms of muzzle energy and bullet diamiter) for class "C" game - It was the "minimum" round used to draft the legislation Class C game is leopard, Kudu, Wildebeest etc.

I have used a 7mm since I was a kid, and shot one elephant, one eland, a couple of leopard and a whole pile of Kudu with it, and yes, it is adequate for Kudu and leopard but not with room to spare. I would not willingly shoot another eleand with such a small round. That is what my 9,3 is for.

Ganyana
Tell us about the elephant you killed with the 7x57
Dr B

The elephant was a simple story - published in Magnum a short while back- but basically, followed an elephant (the first I ever shot) into some thick bush after it had killed a local. (it had an old 20l (5 gallon) drum stuck round one foot). I was armed with an issue .458 but had given my own 7mm loaded with kynock solids to Mlausi, the one scout (who had been sent along to keep an eye on me) Two other game scouts were also along.

Ele got our wind and charged. I planted 4 shots into the midddle of his forehead which certainly spoiled his day, stopped the charge and left him unsteady on his feet, but he soon got his act together and came on. I had run out of faith in the .458 (and ammo in the rifle) and grabed the 7mm from Mlausi. The seargent had run off on the flank and was fireing with his S.L.R. and Tsababla had run away. I fired one shot at about 8 yards with the 7mm and that was the end of the matter. My first two shots with the .458 had been well placed but had failed to penetrate adequately and two (which, of course had penetrated just fine) had been a little off and been turned by the tusk bases.

I think I grew up quite quickly in those few seconds Got pounded by the .458 a few days later on a buffalo cull, and after a brief flirtation with a lightweight .375 managed to draw a 9,3x62 Bruno, and a little later bought my own Obendorf Mauser in 9,3x62. Experience with both lion and buffalo had convinced me not to play with small bores. (the Eland I shot a few days before the elephant.)

A couple of years ago I realised I hadn't even taken my 7mm out of its case, let alone fired it in more than a decade and it ended up as birthday present to a friends' son who was just starting hunting. I still like that caliber and those 1950's Bruno's are a real joy to use (along with the F.N. Mausers I rate them as the pinical of Mauser development)- light, lively, a bolt pull to rival a Krag or 1903 M-S, Safety on the left and perfect for very fast use. Hmmm- I am starting to miss that rifle

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
...
I am a far from being a leopard expert

I will give you the credit that you used the right rifle on the leopard.

As most come to realize, eventually, there is no point in screwing with DG with little guns.

When I worked up loads for my 375 - North Fork 300 gr. solid and softs - I also loaded 300 gr. sierra game king . Same velocity [2550 fps.] - same POI and smaller groups . I used them for practice on shooting sticks and off hand . AT 2500 fps. I believe the game king might work on lepord !???