Nick,
Could you describe the results and effects of the 350gr/.416 X-Bullet on those 3 buffalo? I agree that the 400 gr/.416 X-Bullet is preferable for buffalo, but the 350gr at 2700 fps gets the job done, and is better for 300+ yard hits on smaller game, KISS principle effective,eh?

Andy,
That was a specimen of Bubalus bubalis bull from a game farm in Tennessee. I have also taken one from a private farm in Kentucky. The species name Bubba buffaler is also used in these locales.

I read about myself (thanks for the brief comment) in your Nickudu-file major opus on bullet penetration, so you are aware that I was unable to recover that GSC .416 FN from the heart shot Botswana cape buffalo. It must have penetrated a long way in the mopane thicket, but I did not get charged for any accidental second buffalo. I also did not get charged by the target buffalo, as he dropped within only 40 yards, going away from me after he was hit.

So, the 12" twist is too slow for a 300 grain X-bullet in the .375 H&H at just over 2500 fps?

Kevin "Doctari" Robertson says the 1:12" twist is too fast for the traditional shorter 300 grain softs and 2500 fps velocities of the .375 H&H. He recommends 350 grainers at slower velocity as best buffalo soft.

I agree with you, the 12" twist is marginal/slow for the really long bullets at .375 H&H velocities. Shorter/denser bullets are better in the .375 H&H, and Doctari ought to quit using such cheap bullets that expand/fragment excessively.

I henceforth will use a .375 Wby or .375 RUM to get the velocity up to 2700 fps for the long 300 grainers, in hopes of getting enough rps from the same 12" twist.

Or, Doctari's plan of lead cored 350 grain softs in the .375 H&H might be a good one. Such a bullet would at least be less likely to fall apart in transit.

RIP - I was in Zim late May/ early June. The bush was thick and the PH was nuts. At times we were looking at buffalo on the other side of the same bush, 6 & 7 yards, tops. In one instance numerous buffalo filed passed our position within reach of a rifle muzzle. This is to say the shots were close. Two 15-20 yard shots and one < 10 yards. My .416 had a bit of a slow barrel and the 350 X was loaded to about 2,550 fps. Looking back, I'm glad the velocity was that low, as two of the shots were broadside, losing all four petals in shattering the onside shoulders, hitting, but not breaking, offside bone. If I remember right, there was much weight loss ... 242 or so grains remaining. One slug was dug out of the offside leg bone, as it had penetrated one side. I had the same plan as you in using the 350 X for all and it worked just fine, I just feel the 400's are best for buffalo, while giving up little to the 350's, in practical terms, for PG.

Nick,
Aye, one should try to keep the plains game shots as short as possible, and there is little difference between the 350gr/2700 fps and 400gr/2400fps trajectories, but sometimes ...

Well, you reminded me to weigh the bullets and put the retained weights in the post, FWIW, thanks!

Hmmm ... this also makes me think that I really don't need a dedicated sheep bullet for the .404 Jeffery. The 380 grain North Fork soft and solid combo is the only necessary .404 Jeffery fodder.