Have any of you buffalo hunters ever tried either the scapula/spine shot or where the neck meets the shoulder spine shot? Is it hard to identify the right aiming point?

I never had the confidence to try either one. I am told that if you get it right you won't need a tracker. I am very keen to hear your opinions. Thanks, Brian

I have not purposely tried to hit the spine on an initial shot.
 
When you take a look at a "shot placement" image for buffalo (with the vitals shown), a high shoulder shot that doesn't go right has a real chance of hitting nothing vital. Maybe he drops to the shot, then gets back up and runs off.

I stick with the shoulder/heart/lung shot, and I like to hit them multiple times if at all possible.

I did hit one in the neck with a first shot... He was in very thick bush/shade and I hit forward of where I meant to. Dropped spectacularly, but I moved forward and followed up with two more shots.
 

Yep, It could easily go wrong.

I've had three buffalo drop to the shot in their tracks, two were running -- not the first shot. One was hit in the neck right in front of the shoulder and I overswung on the other and the bullet went right into the base of the skull, just nicked the back of the boss. Results were spectacular with each bull skidding to a stop on his belly.

The other one was the second of two bulls and he ran after the first one was shot and turned broadside about 160 yards away. I tried to shoot him in the shoulder. I pulled the shot and when he dropped, I told the PH I pulled it and hit him in the neck. It worked but wasn't on purpose.

I wouldn't do it on a first shot unless it was so close it was a sure thing or there wasn't another option. Except I would definitely take a neck shot on a true totally head on facing shot with the head up -- right under the chin.

Lavaca, Thanks. That makes sense to me.

On the first one that you mentioned, "...neck shot right in from of the shoulder", was the vertical placement of the bullet right in the middle of the neck? Brian

No, wish I could call it planned. It was a buffalo I messed up on. First shot was head on and right of center, only got one lung. Second shot was up his backside, but missed the base of the spine. Can't remember the third shot, but it connected and he ran by from my left to right and the shot hit the brachial plexus and folded him. Wasn't actually a spine shot but still turned out the lights.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Canada:
Have any of you buffalo hunters ever tried either the scapula/spine shot or where the neck meets the shoulder spine shot? Is it hard to identify the right aiming point?

I never had the confidence to try either one. I am told that if you get it right you won't need a tracker. I am very keen to hear your opinions. Thanks, Brian

It is probably the most effective shot if you want it to "drop right there" albeit very much alive but going nowhere. Hitting it anywhere in the neck will not produce the desired result other than badly wounded irate buffalo which will very likely die a long and agonizing death.

Shot placement is the key and you would be astounded at how easily they drop to a 7 Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag.

The shooter must however be very knowledgeable of the Buffalo's anatomy; how the spine drops from the base of the skull and rises to where the spine forms the backbone at the top of the shoulders.

This particularly vulnerable section of the vertebra is embedded/protected within the neck section of the animal where there is proportionately more meat than on any other part of the body except the hindquarters.

fulvio, Can you tell me how to identify where to put the bulletin a broad side shot? Thanks, Brian

Yes.

Many times and a it’s a great shot!

Reading books always advise against it and against head shots.

I always try to disable and drop the buffalo in its tracks if it is close enough.

Never had it fail.

In fact, I don’t think there is any part of the buffalo anatomy that I have not shot!

Most important part is placing the bullet in the right place.

And the bullet must have enough penetration.

Following buffalo all day, and get a shot just before sundown, that is what you want to do.

Anchor him right where he stands!

There have been several occasions where we followed bulls, and when caught up with them, we wanted to shoot 3 or 4.

Dropping them where they stood is the only way to do it.

And a spine or head shot is the only way to do it.

Of course, they have to be close to do that.

This also has the advantage of keeping them close, as when one drops, the others don’t run far.

Giving you a good chance at a shot.

This is all good news to me. I want to have more shooting options for all situations on buffalo.

So far, I have usually been spoiled with clear heart/lungs shot at different angles because I have aways hunted buffalo in Limpopo short grass country and in dry seasons.

Thanks to you guys for the comments, I hope there are more coming. Brian

Lots of shooters mess this up by shooting too high.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Canada:
fulvio, Can you tell me how to identify where to put the bulletin a broad side shot? Thanks, Brian

How about consulting "The Perfect Shot" by K. Robertson and see the curve of the neck vertebra as I tried to best describe.
However, standing looking ahead full broadside is the recommended position as with the head down feeding can be misleading.

Looking at drawings is fine.

Trying to put that into effect in the field is different.

Imagine an 8 inch ball smack in the center of the chest.

Aim for it.

No matter how the buffalo is standing.

fulvio, Yes, "The Perfect Shot" book has been very helpful to me.

I also appreciate yours and others tips from the field, very much. Brian

Saeed raises a good point on last light. In 2021, light was fading and I took a usual chest shot on a bull that was in a group of five. He ran as would be expected. I should have tried to put him down instantly. Because of fading light, we followed immediately. He separated from the rest of the group and when we came up on him, he couldn't make up his mind whether he wanted to come or run.
Every time he got hit, he seemed to change his mind, but I heard the loudest sound I've ever heard hunting buffalo, a click -- when I emptied the magazine. Right before he collapsed.

A spine shot would have avoided a lot of drama.

Lavaca, Thanks, That makes the point. The spine shot can be the best shot sometimes. What about a buffalo standing where I can't see the bottom half of is body and he is fixin' to bug out? The spine shot would be a nice shot to be good at.

I agree, that click on an empty chamber would be deafening! I hunt with a single shot and sometimes that empty chamber thing haunts me. Chuckle.

Brian

Brian,

That was precisely what happened on that first shot. I couldn't see the bottom of the chest and the shot was a bit high. Not bad, but a bit high.
I wouldn't have done the first shot different. I was talking about the follow ups, which were really close. I should have brained him, or gone for the neck.

Last August, out of necessity. I was hunting with Guy Whittall in the Save Conservancy. We'd been tracking a very nice bull in a group of dagga boys. We were about 100 yards away and he was in a stand of mopane and we were in a second stand, but with a long grassy dip between us and no practical way to get closer. The bull was facing us and there was enough vegetation that if he turned the "shooting window" was no better.

Brush obscured the bottom of his chest so I held as low as I could clearly see, figuring this would either be high heart/great vessels or catch the cervical spine (Kudos to "The Perfect Shot"). Broke the shot and the bull immediately dropped. We ran up to about 15 yards away from the downed bull where I could see the chest, and Guy had me pay the insurance. Happy ending!

Good example of having several different shot options in your experience.

The "Perfect Shot" manual is a great resource. Thanks, Brian

PS. I appreciate these examples/stories, I read them and feel like I am there. b

In Tanzania we followed some buffalo.

The tracks went down a dry river.

As we were walking along, we see this big old bull walking towards!!?

We stopped under a tree at the edge of the river.

The bull carried coming towards us.

We stopped as he was making a beeline towards us.

About 10 yards, his head became clear.

A 300 grain at the to- of his nose dropped him.

We left him and after the others.

Found standing looking back at us.

Another 300 grain and drops in his tracks!

We found that my bullet went through an 8 inch tree, hit the bull sideways, still penetrated enough to break his spine!

Man!
Cape buffalo and good bullets never cease to intrigue me.

Good story, Saeed.
Thanks,
Brian

Another great spine shot is in the chest, as a bull is looking at you with his head high!

Followed some bulls in Chete in the morning.

Never caught up with them as we kept getting conflicting tracks.

Just before lunch, we decided to turn back.

Half way back, we found them!!

Again, within minutes, we had 3 down within a 100 yards of each other.

All dropped where they stood!

Walter wanted a buf.

But sadly due to health reasons he walk far.

Early one morning we went looking for a buffalo for him.

Soon we came across fresh droppings of a lone bull.

I stayed with Walter in the truck, Roy and Alan went for the bull.

They found him quite close.

Off we went with Walter.

We managed to get very close, and Walter drop-him where he stood.

Roy “shoot him again!”

Walter “why shoot him again? He is DEAD!”

“No he isn’t! Shoot him AGAIN!”

Walter shoots again!

While they were getting ready to shoot, Walter was poking Roy in the ribs.

I asked what was that all about.

Then an argument started.

Walter was saying he shot the bug where Roy said to shoot.

Roy was saying Walter didn’t.

He missed that completely and hit it too high.

Walter was saying but the buffalo was dead.

Roy kept telling it happened by mistake!

And inch higher and the buffalo would still be running.

That the big buffalo you at the head of AR with Walter behind it.

Keep shooting and spending money and eventually you’ll get it right

Its not that difficult just center it up where the neck meets the shoulder and pull the trigger, Ive used that shot a number of times.

Lot of guess and by gosh posted here..the spine is huge and has short ribs and if you miss the spine You will probably hit a short rib connected to the spine you will paralyze the bull and have time for a follow up shot. Try it before you pass judgement on a good option.

Saeed, It's a pleasure/privilege to read the hunting stories and anecdotes from you seasoned hunters on AR. There is always something to learn from them, they are just plain fun, my morning tonic. Brian

Ray, That's it, thanks. I can count on you to make it simple. I though that was the place to aim and it's nice to hear it confirmed precisely. I will try it on my next buffalo hunt.
Another thing that I like about cape buffalo hunting is that at the close range of 40-50 yds, on a good day, I can usually put the bullet in the right spot. (Famous last words.) Brian

I've used a spine shot a couple times.

The first two worked like magic. The third I lost the buffalo. Near as I can tell I jerked the shot high and while we found some blood the buffalo made the concession boundary and was lost.

I agree its a usable shot, but is is not something I would plan on doing, rather be aware of it, its limitations, and the risks of screwing it up. I guess my limitations need to be higher than most of the rest here...

crbutler, Thanks for the post. That's the deal with the spine shot, isn't it. Gotta get it perfect.

I plan/hope/pray to wait for a shot where all the conditions are right, see the spot to shoot perfectly and if I am not real steady just go for the old lung/heart shot.

Did you go for the neck/spine shot or the scapula/high shoulder spine shot? Thanks, Brian

Ray was hunting with us and Pierre von Tonder.

One afternoon we were driving along a dry river bank when we came across some bulls feeding.

Of the truck we jumped, and soon could see one bull through the brush.

I remember Pierre sitting down, and grabbing my rifle barrel and putting it over his shoulder.

I shit off his shoulder.

The bull dropped right there.

We ran after the others as they ran across the dry river.

The bull I shot was lying down but kicking.

I shot him again as we passed him.

Two bulls were running to the other side of the wide sandy river.

I fired a shot at one as they were running, and could hear the bullet hit.

He ran a few yards and dropped.

As we got to him, Pierre burst out laughing.

We could see Ray’s truck parked on our side of the river.

Apparently they were following those bulls, and we shot them!

Pierre was absolutely crying with laughter.

A few days later.

Same thing happened .

We saw some buffalo about 500 yards away.

Off we went after them

Again, dropped one, and soon Ray and his party arrive!

They were them.

A few years later, a similar thing happened again.

Hunting with Alan and Roy.

Saw a herd feeding down in a valley in the afternoon.

Off we went after them.

Got down and were trying to get a shot at a bull.

Late afternoon.

Suddenly we hear a shot to our left, very close!!

Roy said “what the hell??”

The buffalo ran a bit and stopped.

Saw a good old bull and shot him.

Then we went to see who fired the first shot.

Turned out Maktoum and Pete were following this herd.

And they never saw us.

We had two bulls down with 200 meters and sun was down.

Saeed,

Good story well told!

Thanks, Brian

Neck.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Canada:
crbutler, Thanks for the post. That's the deal with the spine shot, isn't it. Gotta get it perfect.

I plan/hope/pray to wait for a shot where all the conditions are right, see the spot to shoot perfectly and if I am not real steady just go for the old lung/heart shot.

Did you go for the neck/spine shot or the scapula/high shoulder spine shot? Thanks, Brian

I have done this shot often when following up on wounded buffalo and it works great on a frontal charge with solids if you concentrate on the anatomy

I have stopped using solids on buffalo years ago.

Hollpoint mono are very good at penetration.

I had to change the design of my Walterhog bullets to reduce penetration!

They penetrate buffalo lengthways.

I increased the diameter of the hollow point and made it deeper.

They still reach the vitals from any angle.

Same with Barnes TSX bullets.

Never used TSX.

Have used the original X extensively in many calibers.

Worked extremely well.

My own Walterhogs were designed and made to duplicate the performance of the X bullets.

And they do.

Frankly, I do not see any of the hollow point mono bullets having any advantage over another.

Some might shoot better in a particular rifle.

That is it.

No supply chain problems, either, right?

The past several years have shown all of us hunters and shooters how vulnerable we are on that front.

I buy my copper rods from a wholesale merchant who supplies the building industry.

They are used for earthing.

They come in 4 meter length.

We used to cut them to 60 cm, to fit into the CNC lathe we use, as you remember.

Now the dealer is kind enough to cut them for us.

And he delivers too.

He asked one day what do we use those varied diameter rods for.

Told him we made bullets out of them.

He asked if he could come see.

He delivered a stock one day and stayed to watch.

He calls me Arbab Rasasi.

Arbab means sir or master.

Rasasi means bullets!!

Saeed, good one. Brian

Arbab Rasasi!

I love it.

As they say, if the shoe fits, wear it!