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For 2015 I was planning to hunt in Namibia . However the people I was planning to hunt with were a bit restricted on what I planned to hunt . As a result I will now go to South Africa to hunt bushbuck , nyala and greater kudu . I will be taking my 30.06 and have a choice of 180gn Nosler partition , 200gn Nosler partition and 200gn Swift A-frames .I am aware of the diminutive size of bushbuck and nyala so was wondering if the 180gn would be a better choice but still adequate for kudu . Mark | ||
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I wouldn't call Nyala "diminutive". The nyala body length is 135–195 cm (53–77 in), and it weighs 55–140 kg (121–309 lb). A 30.06 with the 180 grain Partition should work fine on kudu. More important than the bullet weight is shot placement, IMHO. But, I shoot everything with a 375 H&H. Frank "I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953 NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite | |||
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Only thing I ever used in Africa in my 30-06 was Nosler 220gr Partitions. Bushbuck,Kudu and Black Wildebeest was what I took with it. A very potent combination but my 06 particularly likes 220gr Partitions. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
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I would not pick any bullet heavier than 165 in the 30-06. I personally prefer to have some speed, and 180 I would only use in a bigger case. From your choice above, the 180 Nosler would be the one I would pick. I have shot literally hundreds of African plains game - all the way to eland - with 130 and 140 grain bullets out of a 270 Ackley. | |||
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Thank YOU Saeed !, Most won't believe my .270 Winchester with 140 grain bullets have taken down over 80 african plains game with me. From Kudu's and Wildebeest, Zebra , Waterbuck, Sable and Yes Eland. On my last safari I finally lost one with it. First one. So that little 270 is 80 for 81 in Africa. Had never let me down before this. My fault, neck shot on a Impala for bait. Off hand,no rest 220 yards... got a piece of him but not enough, Just a few specks of blood. | |||
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The 180 will be fine for all you intend to hunt. As mentioned the main factor will always be shot placement. | |||
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Mark, I use the 180gr Nosler Partitions for all of the plains game you listed plus a few. '06 and 180 will do you well. Carl Exercise makes you look good naked, so does bourbon.....You decide | |||
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Lots of variables at play here and as someone said on a recent thread, guys will always argue about calibres, loads and vehicles.  One variable is that Namibian hunting varies from thick bushvelt where most shots will be less than 100 yards to very open/desert where a lot of shots can be many hundreds of yards. Another variable is projectile design/weight and yet another will be load. Yet another variable will be the marksmanship of the guy behind the rifle but assuming correct bullet placement, most animals in most circumstances won't be able to tell the difference between a lighter and/or slightly heavier bullet. Personally, I've always liked the 180 grain Winchester Silvertip handloaded to moderate velocity in a 30.06 (especially for shots out to about 200 - 250 yards) but I'm sure that many here would argue with that.  As a second choice, I'd probably opt for the A Frames which are a pretty good all rounder for PG. I've also always disliked the Rhino bullets but in fairness that was because of what might have been a dodgy (earlyish production) batch but having had a problem with one lot, I'd never even consider using them again and I'm sure that many here will also argue with that as well. | |||
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My first choice for the critters you mentioned would be the 165 Gr. Nosler partition. Partitions in various calibers have never let me down on PG from Mt. Reedbuck to Eland. If restricted to the bullet weights you mentioned, I'd go with the 180 Gr. partition. As previously mentioned, shot placement is the single most important factor. Tom Z NRA Life Member | |||
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I don't have near the experience most here have, but on my 1st pg safari I used 200gr partitions at 2900fps from a 300wm. Worked great when I put them where they belonged. LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show. Not all who wander are lost. NEVER TRUST A FART!!! Cecil Leonard | |||
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My first safari: 300 H&H with a 180gr. TSX at 2950 fps. I took 2 kudu, impala, blesbok and springer. On the kudu, the first took three solid shots to bring him down. The last shot traveled through about 32" of kudu of stopped in the joint of the far shoulder, breaking two ribs on the way in and shattering the far shoulder. The TSX did lose two petals on that hit. That was the only bullet I recovered. My buddy shot a Zebra with a 30-06 180gr. TSX Federal load (I chromo'ed it at 2650). The zebra stopped the bullet in the off-side skin. On my second safari I used a 7mm RM with a 150gr. Nosler E-Tip. I had full broadside penetration on three beest (black, blue and red), 30"+ angling penetration on a zebra (stopped in the far shoulder and was the only bullet recovered), and Eland (*took two shots, no exits but never did find the bullets). The only time I've felt like I needed more bullet was on the Eland. It worked but I could have used more penetration. My first shot on him shattered the big shoulder (*dead centered the big bone and shattered it plus two ribs going in) and ran out of steam just short of the heart. The second shot was a high shoulder-spine that finished him. A bullet with a bit more penetration would have done the job without the need for a follow up. Regardless, that was a huge animal. In retrospect a .338WM, 9.3x62 or .375 would have better. It was the only time I felt a bit under gunned. Anything smaller than the Eland and I felt just fine with the 150gr. 3,000 fps 7mm RM load. If I hit the critter right, it went down quickly. If I didn't, it made for a very long day. Regards, Robert ****************************** H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer! | |||
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Of the bullets you listed, I would go with the 180 gr Partition. I used the old Partition Gold in my 300 Win Mag on my first trip and had zero issues with the bullet performance. OTOH, I would personally look at either the 165 or 168 gr TSX or TTSX in a '06, which ever my rifle liked best. You'll get the benefit of deep penetration in these bullets and flatter trajectory in the open plains of Namibia for those longer shots. Good luck! Graybird "Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning." | |||
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One of the longest shots I have made on a game animal was on an eland. He was over 500 yards away, my first bullet hit him, and ran a few yards and stopped with his head down. I fired another shot at him, he ran another few yards and dropped. The bullets were Jensen, 150 grains from a 270 wildcat we developed. They were constructed like the Bear Claws. That is they have a front HP that has lead, while the shank and rear of the bullet were solid copper. We found both bullets hit him about 4-5 inches apart on the shoulder. One went completely through. The other we have recovered from under the skin on the other side. Use the right bullet, put it in the right place. Nothing more needs to be done. | |||
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For the animals mentioned I would happily go with the Barnes TTSX in 150gr My Musgrave 3006 loved them and traveling at 3000fps is flat shooting and hard hitting. I have taken upto Waterbuck bull wih this combination and would not hessitate to use it on an eland either. If you want to use any of the bullets mentioned in your 1st post I would reccomend the 180gr nosler partition... Gerhard FFF Safaris Capture Your African Moments Hunting Outfitter (MP&LP) Proffesional Hunter (MP&LP) History guide Wildlife Photographer www.fffsafaris.co.za | |||
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gerhard.Delport: For the animals mentioned I would happily go with the Barnes TTSX in 150gr My Musgrave 3006 loved them and traveling at 3000fps is flat shooting and hard hitting... [QUOTE] If I were to take a .30-06 on the hunt the OP described, that is the bullet that I would use. On my first African hunt, I shot 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips for one shot kills on a Kudu bull and a Limpopo Bushbuck. On my next African hunt I used 300 grain Barnes TSX bullets from my .375 RUM for a Chobe Bushbucks and a Nyala. I used 270 grain TSX bullets from my .375 RUM on my 3rd African hunt for a Cape Kudu, Cape Eland, and a Cape Bushbucks. For other African animals, I've also shot 160 grain Accubond bullets from a 7mm Rem mag, and 168 grain TTSX bullets from my .300 Weatherby. All of these bullets and calibers worked great when I shot the bullets in the right place. NRA Endowment Life Member | |||
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Mark, Your 30-06 with the 180 NP will work just fine for the game you mentioned. The NP is still one of the most effective bullets for thin skinned game and the old '06 and the 180 NP are an excellent combinations that I have used to good effect for many years. Good luck on your hunt. Mark MARK H. YOUNG MARK'S EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURES 7094 Oakleigh Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89110 Office 702-848-1693 Cell, Whats App, Signal 307-250-1156 PREFERRED E-mail markttc@msn.com Website: myexclusiveadventures.com Skype: markhyhunter Check us out on https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 | |||
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Nosler 180 Partition. The heavier bullets will just limit your range and provide a bit less expansion. In your .30-06 you can expect to find a good load with an appropriately slow powder which will generate between 2750 and 2800 fps, depending on barrel length, which is plenty of velocity for an adequately flat trajectory for shots up to 300 yards. My son took kudu, gemsbok, springbok, warthog, and zebra with his '06 using 180 Partitions at 2780 fps. That worked as well as my .338 or our partner's .300 Win. | |||
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Of your choices, take the one that is most accurate. | |||
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Thank you for all he replies . I chose those 3 projectiles as I have large numbers of them and the last thing I need is more projectiles ! The interesting thing to me about your answers is the consistency , he 180gn partition is favoured . My next step will be to load 2 batches using H4350 and Reloder 17 to check for accuracy . Then lots of practice with shooting sticks . Mark | |||
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Mark, Enjoy it as this is already part of your upcoming hunt. The 180gr Nosler will give you great performance. Gerhard FFF Safaris Capture Your African Moments Hunting Outfitter (MP&LP) Proffesional Hunter (MP&LP) History guide Wildlife Photographer www.fffsafaris.co.za | |||
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Any of the 3 you mentioned will work fine. Kudu are not really that big, anything that works on elk will work on them. They are not usually shot at very long range, either... Usually with thicker stuff and shorter ranges, if I was hunting SA without DG on the ticket, a .30-06 would be ideal for anything short of eland, and would work fine on them if used right. Go forth and have fun!!! | |||
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I've killed a bunch of kudu with a 257Wby. And a Nyala too. Both are soft compared to an elk. The 180 will do the job. | |||
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I have taken kudu, nyala and eland with a bow. All of them seemed to be much less tough than elk. I would not hesitate using a 165 grain accubond or similar stout bullet in the 3006, for these animals. NRA Patron member | |||
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I agree with you. I've used the 270 Winchester on Kudu and Zebra with solid success. Eland would be the same. It's all about shot placement and bullet construction. Allenday also felt the same way. Too bad he did not have the chance to go back to Africa with his .270 Winchester.
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Buy 500 165 or 180 grain nosler accubonds and shoot all but 100 of them before you get to Africa. Take 100 perfect functioning rounds you have tested in your rifle with you. Shoot tons of positions, off the sticks, prone, sitting, standing, kneeling you name it. Next time I'll do exactly that, and for ever major hunt in my life from now on. | |||
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I wish everyone coming out this way would spend quality time at the shooting range before the hunt commences. It is always most evident who did not have enough time practicing shooting from the sticks. Your bushbuck and nyala will quite likely be found in rather dense thickets limiting your shot range to 80 yards at most. I have a particular liking for the Nossler ammunition and 180 gr for the game you want to hunt will give the desired results if your shot placement is where it should be. Just love the caliber rifle also. Enjoy your hunt! | |||
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Pieter, I am not sure why all hunters don't practice. The majority of hunters I know use the same box of ammo for 3 or 4 years. I try and shoot 40 rounds a week out of my hunting rifles. And I shoot hundreds of rounds a month out of my competition rifles. They'll pay $10,000-18,000 for a safari and won't spend $400 on ammunition. | |||
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Thank you for the ongoing helpful advice . I am planning to practice , not sure if it will be 400 rounds but at least 200 . A few weeks from now I will meet the outfitter at the SCI convention . One of my questions is about the shooting sticks so I can practice using the set-up they have eg. do they use a tripod or bipod . Mark | |||
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Just a thought: Your hunting outfitter should really provide you - as their client - with your preferred type of shooting support. You may want to test bipod vs tripod (and single stick) to experiment which you prefer? Best of luck and do enjoy your hunt! Andrew McLaren Professional Hunter and Hunting Outfitter since 1974. http://www.mclarensafaris.com The home page to go to for custom planning of ethical and affordable hunting of plains game in South Africa! Enquire about any South African hunting directly from andrew@mclarensafaris.com After a few years of participation on forums, I have learned that: One can cure: Lack of knowledge – by instruction. Lack of skills – by practice. Lack of experience – by time doing it. One cannot cure: Stupidity – nothing helps! Anti hunting sentiments – nothing helps! Put-‘n-Take Outfitters – money rules! My very long ago ancestors needed and loved to eat meat. Today I still hunt! | |||
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Mark, If your PH uses sticks as most do; I would make up a set and practise with them at home. You will find that they take some getting used to...they are solid for elevation but bad for lateral movement. I took 5 Aussies to Namibia in 2013 and asked them all to practise off sticks prior........none did, and they shot very badly. | |||
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Or better still buy a bog pod at the show, use it and take it with you. I never have got on with the bamboo sticks, and given I hunt with mine all the time here I like to take what I know The collapse down and are very easy to travel with. K | |||
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Practice! The more you practice the better you shoot. Practice with sticks and field positions. 30/06? 180grains! . | |||
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