I'll be heading off to South Africa in 2015 for a plains game hunt. The two larger antelope on my hunt will be Kudu and Gemsbok. I'll be using my 7mm mag as my primary rifle, and will bring along a 30/06 for back up in case of any problems. What bullets have any of you used on animals of this size? I've used 160 grain Nosler Partitions in the past, but had one bad experience with them, and am thinking of changing over to a more modern premium projectile, any thoughts?

I've been hammering game for 40 years with the 160 partition in my 7mags on game such as elk, aoudad, deer, etc. The 160 accubond is a great choice as well. In fact I'll be taking this combo to Namibia for plains game including zebra. Last year in SA I borrowed the PH's rifle, a 30-06 shooting 180 partitions. I didn't have anything run more than 30 yards, including zebra, kudu, oryx, red hartebeest, and impala. Put it in the right spot and a 7RM and 160 AB or partition will get the job done, easily.

I went to Zim this year with a good friend and he took his 7WSM using a CEB raptor, i think 135 or 140. Knocked the crap out of zebra and wildebeest. Should do the same on gemsbok

On animals that tough, the Barnes TSX will open reliably with devastating results.

You really don't need to over think this although that is half the fun. Any premium bullet on the heavy side will do. For the 7mag that is 160's and up, for the -06 165 and up.
Anything that is accurate in your rifles that you would trust on an elk hunt will get the job done.

Barnes TSX. I shot each with it using a .280 Rem and a .300 WM. Works fine.

I used GS HV 140 grainer in 2011 for a 140 yard kudu kill - one shot and not one step by the kudu. The caliber was 7 x 57 mauser, CZ 550, RWS brass, H414 powder.

On that same hunt I took two (2) Blue Wildebeest also with one shot each.

My last and what will probably be my final trip to Zimbabwe I used a 7x57 as my plains game rifle specifically to take 3 Kudu and some lesser game. In the past I have also taken several Kudu and a Wildebeest with a 30-06 and plenty of Impala also. In both cases the bullet was a Nosler Partition, a 175gr in the 7x57 and a 220gr in the 30-06. I used the Nosler almost exclusively in Africa. I used the Woodleigh solids where solids were required but all other bullets were Nosler Partitions in all calibers. I tried Swifts once with poor results in the 30-06 and never tried again. I have been using Nosler Partitions since I started reloading at Gunsmith school in 1952. I figure why experiment with total success. I have never owned a 7mmMag as I have found nothing my 7x57 won't handle that I would use a 7mm for.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Barnes TSX. I shot each with it using a .280 Rem and a .300 WM. Works fine.

I agree with dogcat that the Barnes TSX or TTSX is the way to go. I have used them in my 7mm Rem Mag and 300 WSM during my three trips to Africa. The bullet perfomance was excellent in all 44 animals I shot. In my humble opinion, the Barnes is perfect as it stays together on the larger animals like kudu, gemsbok and even the eland I shot. But, it was not devasting to the hides of the smaller species like grysbok and vaal rhebuck.

The TSx is a great bullet and you be sorry if you use them in either gun.
My last trip i shot 4 gemsbuck (for Bait) with a 30 06 and used the CEB bullets. They also worked great. They are devastating when they open up.

But like others have said most any premium bullet will work.

I've used nothing but Nosler Partitions on a lot of different plains game including Kudu, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest and Eland. 225 Gr. in my .338 Win Mag. and 150's in my .270 Win. The Partitions always worked so I never tried any other premiums.

I'm headed to Botswans on a plains game cull hunt in May. Gonna try some 270 Gr. TSX in my .375 H&H just to see how they work. I'll also be bringing my .338 loaded with Partitions.

I have used 180 grain Barnes TSX for my last two trips with no complaints in my 30-06

180 grain Nosler Partitions in my 30-06. No complaints on this end. Went four for four. The Kudu went just over 50 yards but, he was traveling down hill.

TSX hands down and never look back. A 21st century bullet. Accurate shooting is a must.

Mike

For my 7 mag I load 175gr partitions. Couldn't get it to shoot 160s. Elk, kudu, sable, grizzly, and hogs. It works great.

Barnes TSX 180's in the 06. Not sure what the 7 mag is for.

Just kidding. Have a great trip!

"Barnes TSX. I shot each with it using a .280 Rem and a .300 WM. Works fine"

I am surprised so many on these forums recommend these bullets. I shot these bullets on a 17 day plains game hunt a few years back.

Absolutely horrible performance on several animals.

165gr and over TSX or TTSX. Kills them DRT but of course you have to hit them where it counts.

TSX. Period!

TSX or TTSX is what I pack when headed across the pond!

Sounds like the TSX and TTSX along with the Nosler partitions are the most popular on this thread. I've also always had very good luck with the Trophy Bonded Bearclaws and now the Tipped TBBC.

The TTSX is a great bullet. Hit them on the shoulder and they die. I have also seen the Accubonds do well. The TTSX's are at their best when they hit bone especially on a smaller animal. Bruce

We shot 15 animals this past season with Charl Van Rooyen at Infinito Safaris with my 7 mm Mag and 160 TSX. Smallest was klipspringer up to a couple big bodied kudu. Fantastic performance on them all. Shot one bushbuck with my 300 RUM and a 180 Scirrocco, cause that was what I had, and it worked too!

As to 7mm mag, no experience and thus no idea. In 30.06, 200g Swift A-frame. The TSX is excellent, but be sure it will feed correctly. That is a loooong bullet.

Good hunting!

And the answer is.........any premium bullet of reasonable weight/sectional density that you put in the right place = soon to be dead critter.

On a $20k hunt, the bullet cost is miniscule, so shoot whichever premium gives you confidence.

North Fork, Woodleigh Weldcore, Barnes TTSX, Partition, Accubond, TBBC, A-Frame, GMX, GS...the list is long.

Me, I am going retro on my 2015 PG hunt...No. 1 falling block in 300 H&H shooting 220gr Partitions. Little stuff up to Eland.

The throat is now .200" longer than factory and those 220 Partitions seated out to 3.80" look like they were made for the H&H! Bottom of the bullet is about at the base of the neck.

Have fun deciding, then get out the sticks and practice!


Tim

175gr. Nosler Partitions for the 7 Rem Mag. are an all-rounder - even for those mean black critters that a everyone talks about

Just remember it's all about shot placement and a good bullet choice.

quote:

Originally posted by Blank:
We shot 15 animals this past season with Charl Van Rooyen at Infinito Safaris with my 7 mm Mag and 160 TSX. Smallest was klipspringer up to a couple big bodied kudu. Fantastic performance on them all. Shot one bushbuck with my 300 RUM and a 180 Scirrocco, cause that was what I had, and it worked too!

Cannot fault that!

I am a BIG TSX fan!

This thread may also help somewhat.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...3221043/m/9301045691

I Hunt with a 7mm Rem Mag Steyr Mannlicher Pro hunter, and shoot a lot with it around 250 to 300 animals a year,
Everything from Eland Cows, Big Kudu Bulls down to spring buck is no match for this set up,
Norma with 150g TSX at around 3100fps
Have not gone wrong at all, leaving now to go shoot a bunch of meat for the pot with the same rifle,
Good hunting

JK

Whatever bullet your rifle likes best!

Most important is shot placement and being able to shoot off shooting sticks.

My 7mm RM is my go to rifle and it likes 168 Berger VLDs. So far they have worked well on several Kudu, Black wildebeest, Zebra, Oryx and a multitude of Texas game.

Use what your rifle shoots well and shoot it well.

.

I would take a look at the Federal Trophy Bonded Tips in either 165 gr or 180 gr for the 30-06.

I use them in my .300 WSM for elk-sized critters and they work well. I would not hesitate to use them on kudu or gemsbok.

My two daughters will be shooting them this June in the 30-06 version for kudu, zebra, eland sized game.

http://www.federalpremium.com/...ls/rifle.aspx?id=758

Lots of good options out there for both rifles.

I have used the Federal Trophy Bonded Tips too, in Africa, Mexico and here in the States, also in my 300 WSM, and they are mighty fine!

another vote for the TSX, first time I used them I used in my 416 for buffalo,, since then I shoot them in the rest of my rifles,, I use them in my 7 mag for whitetail deer in west texas where long shots are important and never had a failure. Will have them for my 375 H&H mag this summer for a few plains game,,,,

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
On animals that tough, the Barnes TSX will open reliably with devastating results.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:
Whatever bullet your rifle likes best!
Most important is shot placement

+1

A bullet which shoots accurately in your rifle is much more important than whose name is on it or what gimmick is used to sell it. If the 160 Partition shoots well for you, then by all means don't even think about switching to another bullet.

Even the performance of a plain old Coreloct or Hornady spire point will most likely be indistinguishable from that of somebody's $2 bullet.

I once had what appeared to be a "failure" from a Partition over twenty-five years ago, although it is not clear if the bullet first stuck a limb or simply entered at a very narrow angle. But the suspected failure rate of Partitions is only a fraction of the suspected failure rate of monometal bullets.

My son used 180 Partitions in his .30-06 to take both kudu and gemsbock (as well as several other head of African game) with one shot kills. Just shoot 'em where you're supposed to and any bullet will do. Shoot 'em somewhere else and it won't matter how much you paid for your bullet, your results won't be satisfactory.

Gracedog,

Any bullet can and will eventually do something we don't expect IMO. I like the TSX's alot but I shot a bushbuck with a 180 TSX from an'06 at probably 40 yards. The bushbuck was broadside, bullet entered behind the front leg and exited the brisket. Dead bushbuck but weird performance.

I think if the NP's have worked well in the past except for one instance you might want to stay with them. Old technology or not they still work exceedingly well on thin skinned game. I've probably killed well over a 100 animals with them myself with zero complaints.

Mark

I used Barnes TSX 160 gr. on Kudu & Gemsbok with good results. Also shot numerous other plains game with that round at both short and very long distances. All animals shot were one shot kills. I would now only use the Barnes TSX as my first choice for plains game.

I'm hauling my old rusty 30-06 to RSA in June and I'll be after the same animals your wanting.

I'll be shooting 180 grn Accubonds

I favor the Barnes TSX or TTSX. They have always shot well in my rifles but there are plenty of other great bullets.

Don