Suppose you had two rifles that were identical in every respect, but one was a .270 Winchester and the other was a 7x57, and that you had no other medium power rifle (i.e. nothing in the 6.5mm to 8mm range, including the magnums). If you were going hunting in Africa, which of those two would you take?

I'd prefer a .30-06 but that's not an option.....so grab some 160 grain Nosler Particians and load a good load for the .270 and get on the plane.

The 7x57, hands down, as it can propel heavier bullets.

George

With a 1895 Chilean Mauser in 7x57 using 175-grain Nosler Partitions pushed at 2300 - 2400 fps, brother Alvin took wildebeest, kudu, etc. with one shot per animal during a month long trip to Africa. No animal had to be tracked after he placed his shot.

A 270 might have done as well.

Hammer

The .270 simply because I have used it on American game and like it. I do not have experience with the 7X57.

I have been to Africa exactaly once. It was 1978. I hunted sucessfully with a muzzleloader. I hunted Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and Namibia and my longest shot was 125yds. The three PHs that I hunted with all suggested heavy for caliber, relatively soft bullets. Two of the three lamented the death of the 318WR, but recomender the 30-06 with 200-220 bullets. The other hunted with a 8x57 using a big long bullet, but I have forgotten the weight. Using that, I'd use a 7x57 and a 175gn bullet. My $.02, capt david

Depends on where you are planning to hunt. Much of african hunting can be done under 250yds. I would go 7x57 just because you can use the many exc. 160-175gr bullets.

Take the 7X57 and don't give it a second thought. I saw a German hunter use the 7X57 with Barnse 175 grain bullet on an Eland bull. He shot it while the Eland was facing away from him, and the bullet penetrated all the way to the brisket.

Lloyd,

The .275 Rigby man , ie the 7x57mm, an African classic. Leave the Yankee calibre at home.

WHen in the RSA, the locals liked the .270 the best for everything up to eland. We used the .270 on wildebeast and gemsbok at the urging of the locals. Worked fine. Used 150 gr nosler partitions.

Either one would suit me just fine...

I personally would take the 7X57 simply because I like it, but either one would be fine for plainsgame.
Now if you have scheduled a hunt and have a 270 and are trying to convince your wife that you need a 7X57 for the trip, than my answer is that you clearly need a 7X57 for Africa. The 270 is clearly insufficient for plainsgame.
If you have a 7X57 and are trying to convince your wife that you need a 270, see the above statement and replace 7X57 with 270 and 270 with 7X57.

I used a 7x57 loaded with Barnes 140 X's in Zim last year. It worked great on the smaller antelope I shot with it.

I have used both in Africa. 7x57 with 175 Nosler Partitions at 2500fps for plains game in Zim.1988 and 270 with 130 NP's at 3200 for plains game in Zim. and RSA in 1998.Everything was a one shot kill with both calibers.I will say, however,that I used the 270 on smaller game ie: no kudu, oryx or tsessebe.I would suggest 150's or 160's if they are on the menu with the 270.With proper bullets either are plenty adequate if your shots are well placed.

Bravo five one

Likewise, I have used both. My personal preference is the 7 x 57. Ammo is no problem for either so that is not a consideration. Both calibers will do the job. It comes down more to personal choice.

Either, BUT a 7X57 smells, tastes, sounds, and feels like Africa.