The Accurate Reloading Forums
plains game in RSA
04 June 2010, 19:39
Michael Wilkersonplains game in RSA
I am planning a hunt to the Free State in the RSA in September for plains game. I plan to bring two rifles for this first time trip to Africa. Rifle number one is a .30/06 loaded with Barnes triple X 180 grs. and rifle number two is a .280 Rem with 160 Nosler Accubonds. I had thought of bringing my .338 Win. mag, however decided it was bigger than needed.
Any thoughts or suggestions on this choice would be appreciated.
04 June 2010, 19:59
Nitro ExpressI'd suggest you take EITHER the 280 OR the 30-06, AND the 338 as your second rifle.
My preference would be the 30-06 simply because I've had better luck accuracy-wise with it than with a 280, but that's just a personal choice.
The 338 is a great all-around caliber and you can take anything you encounter in RSA with it.
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04 June 2010, 20:03
Adrian ParhamEither of the two rifles, 06 or 280 will do what you are likely to require of them.(what one will do the other will also) Why not take the 338 if eland, gemsbok, or wildebeest are on the menu and the one you shoot best of the other two for everything else. JMO
Regards,
Adrian
04 June 2010, 20:26
David CulpepperWhatever rifles you take make sure you are comfortable with on long distance shots. It is very open in the Free State and you will see a lot of animals but getting close will be a problem.
Good Hunting,
04 June 2010, 20:30
L. David KeithMichael, I take a .280 w/160 gr Accubonds on every trip to Africa. It will handle any plains game on the continent if you make the shot. I must stress that my .280s are very accurate and shot placement of course is paramount to success. If you have any intention of hunting smaller PG (Bushbuck down to Steenbok) I'd take a small centerfire (I use a .223) or ask if your PH has a .22 Hornet etc. However, I'd only take one of the calibers you mention: the most accurate of the two. If you have any questions or concerns, just give me a call.
David
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05 June 2010, 01:47
Use Enough GunTake the 06 and the 338.
quote:
Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Take the 06 and the 338.
ditto, it's my plainsgame battery
If you are hunting wildebeest and/or eland definitely take the .338 and for your second rifle, whichever of the other two you shoot best.
Eland are just plain large and wildebeests are a tougher animal than some give them credit.
Besides Eland and Wildebeest, I also used my .338 on Sable, Kudu and Zebra.
I have hunted the free state twice. Long ranges and cold, windy conditions are the norm. I would take the 30-06 loaded with an aerodynamic projectile like a 165. .280's are rare in the Free State.
I am a beleiver in the one gun, one load phylosophy. Additional rifles just add weight to your luggage which would be better used for comfortable warm clothing. Leave your excess .30-06 ammo for the locals who will appreciate it.
What animals will you be hunting ? Eland can be found in the Karoo where ranges are xtra long. Gemsbok and Black Wildebeast are about the largest native animals to the region and can be handled by a .308 and 150's.
The Free State has a certain appeal and I loved hunting there.