Due to the number of good bullet bad bullet posts I have seen here I am quite certainly over thinking this, but still hope to get some advice. I have a handload for my 300 WM that I truly enjoy using, 150 Barnes TTSX running ~3250FPS, works like a charm on mule deer, antelope, and elk so I had planned on taking this to Africa for PG. Now I have read too many posts about bullets and have almost convinced myself I must come up with a new load with a heavier bullet, 168 or 180 being the two options I had considered as my rifle does seem to like the barnes. Bearing in mind that this is a a miniscule amount of the actual experience I am spending too damn much time thinking on it, so can I get a concensus on whether or not this load is adequate?

Largest game sought will be Zebra, Wildebeest, and Kudu

Question:
For PG in RSA which bullet would you recommend?

Choices:
Barnes 150 gr TTSX
Barnes 168 gr TTSX
Barnes 180 gr TTSX

 

jcarr

I personally like the 200 gr Nosler Partition for plains game in a 300 WM but the TSX has served me well also. The ranges will unlikely be extreme on your hunt so the lighter bullets advantage of a flatter trajectory will be nil. I'd recommend the 180 TSX as you may get some extra penetration over the lighter bullets that may be needed on that going away 60" kudu. I shot 14 animals in '07 with the 180 TSX in a 30-06 at 2740 FPS with complete satisfaction. At 300 WM velocities it just has to work even better.

Mark

The 180 grain bullet without a doubt.

I use a lighter bullet, the 165gr interbond. Never had any problems with it and have taken up to Kudu which dropped with one shot. Did have to put three into a blue wildebeest thou, man those animals are tough.

It probably doesn't really matter which one you choose. All three weights will most likely fully penetrate most plains game.

I used the 168 gr TSX in my 300 Winnie for almost all of the plains game I've shot up to the size of Kudu and Wildebeest. Out of 20 or so animals, I've only recovered two of them, and those were raking shots. Running at 3200 FPS, it was plenty of bullet. If you're planning on shooting eland, than the 180 may be a better choice, or better yet use a .375!

Pete

I voted for the 180, but would use a 200 grain bullet in any of the 30 cal magnums. Many people just dont get it that bullet weight is VERY IMPORTANT. For best results in any caliber always select from the heavier bullet weight available, without going overboard either.

On my hunt in Namibia last year, the other client was shooting a 300WM in an Encore with 180 gr. Tipped TSX's. Outstanding performance on all animals, with complete pass thrus on most. Shot eight trophies up to zebra, waterbuck, and kudu - we culled about 10 gemsbok each also, and they worked great on each and every one of them. Accuracy in his gun was super.

200gr Swift A Frames.

No problem even on Eland with these from the 300 Win Mag. I used the Remington factory Safari grade ammo. My gun liked them and shoots them very well at 2,800 on the chronograph.

I recovered a few of these bullets from frontal shots on waterbuck, wildebeast and underneath the skin on the eland boardside shot. All bullets retained 92-95% of their weight. They exited boardside shots on zebra and left a nice exit hole. The frontal shot bullets where found under the skin in the hind quarters area in nice mushroom shapes. Nothing went more than 25yds.

170grain Lapua Naturalis....the best of all mono bullets

170grain Lapua Naturalis....the best of all mono bullets

And good velocity out of the WSM case...

No flies on 200 A Frames, for sure.

I had excellent results using 180 grain Swift A Frames with my 300 Win Mag. You should have equal results with the 180 TSX.

Kudu, Water Buck, Gemsbook were all one shot DRT.

For plains game, I would use 180 grain bullets in any .30 caliber rifle.

ditto on 200 gr Swift A-Frames.

I used 200grn TSX out of a .300 RUM on my trip and was pleased with their performance. I was very impressed with how tough the animals were, zebra in particular. I will definitely go with the heaviest bullets that shoot well from my rifles when I return.

Howdy,

I used 168 TTSX at 3200 fps in my 300 Win Mag last May in SA and they worked great for Kudu and Hartebeest. I used 210 partitions in my 338-06 for Eland, Blue Wildebeest and almost everything else-worked great.

A guy showed up with a 308 using 150 gr. Core Lokts - all one shot kills - Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, etc. Depends how calm you are and how you place the bullet and the distance.

The hunting in Africa (from my limited experience-three trips)is much different than hunting Elk or Mule deer in the USA-you will see.

Adios and enjoy the experience, take the rifle and bullet that you feel the most confidence with.

Sport

Thanks a bunch everyone, looks like I better go load up some 180s. To all who suggested them, I do like A-frames, but very similarly to partitions I can't get them to group smaller than a softball at 100 in my Ruger, whereas the TTSX is sub MOA-and I think everyone agrees that shot placement is king.

180 gr or 200 gr Swift A-Frames from my .300wm Browning A Bolt II have accounted for over 50 species of African PG. From Duiker to Eland at ranges from 50 to 400 yards with never a problem. 90%+ one shot kills.