Let me explain my dilemma. I am planning a Cape Buffalo hunt to Zimbabwe for 2011. High on my "to do" list is deciding on a suitable calibre. I do not want to start another "which cartridge is best for Cape Buffalo" discussion, but I do need some insight. Let me give you some background:

I already own a .375 H&H that is quite accurate and which I like.

I will be hunting plains game also.

I would prefer to take only one rifle, if possible.

I do not own,nor have I ever fired, a rifle chambered for more than the 375 H&H.

I prefer to carry a little more than the minimum for any given application (the zinger).

So, given the above conditions, how would you answer the following question?

Please feel free to add your opinions and insights on factors to be considered in making the decision.

Question:
How would you arm yourself for a cape Buffalo hunt?

Choices:
the .375 H&H is more than adequate for Buff
Good God, man, get something bigger!

 

I say keep it 375 h&H if you see 1 or 2 safaris anything more 416 remington but if you become a hardcore elephant or buff hunter biggest you can handle

I personally do not like 2 Cartridges out there, and here I will be receiving some flack I guess, the 375 H&H and the 30-06

BUT , The 375 will and shall be the BEST 1 Rifle for Safari, loaded with 300 grain , Swift A Frames or 300 gr TSX'S

The combination of 30-06 and 375 , deadly on everything out here in Africa,

The .375 H&H will be fine for what you mention just as long as you use good bullets (always a very personal choice).

I would however recommend you try to avoid the frontal chest shot with that calibre (esp if you're using softs) if possible and if you do take that shot, try to be very fast in your reload and try to get a second shot in IF (note the big IF) you get the chance.

"choose a cartridge that will accomplish the job, not when conditions are optimal; but one that will do the job when the shit hits the fan..."

I forgot who originally said that, but he was a wise man.

The 416's look awfully good out to three hundred yards. I have a Rigby, but I am a romantic.

Rich

Rich raises a good point in that the .416 (or indeed possibly the .404) would also be a good choice (and better for that frontal chest shot) but the beauty of the 375 H&H is that you can get hold of ammo for it virtually anywhere, whereas the others might be a bit problematical in some places.

Your .375H&H will work. It is the "minimum" Buff caliber in most countries.

The .416 will do anything the .375H&H will do but will do it better. I stopped using my .375H&H in Africa. I went to the .416Rem for Buff. It has been very effective for me on perhaps a dozen Buff with no problems, as well as Eland and other large PG. It will work well on Ele, although I like something bigger. My .375 is now a North American only rifle. You would be surprised at what some well known writer/hunters who tout the .375H&H in print have to say about the .416 performance on Buff v. the .375. JMO.

Considering especially the facts that you're already familiar with the gun/caliber, and that you like to keep it "small" (inasmuch as the .375 ever was small), I have an extremely hard time seeing that anything else would in real terms serve you better.
Pretty much with the same motivations I think I'd go with the 9,3x62 - and premium bullets! There is never a reason not to use good bullets.

This from my armchair from whence I have shot buff only in books and on Capstick's video.

- Lars/Finland

quote:

Originally posted by Wooly ESS:
I already own a .375 H&H that is quite accurate and which I like.

IMO That is all that matters. I've only used 9,3x62/74R on Buffalo so far. THE only thing that bothered me was to shoot straight. I have never ever felt undergunned.

Your 375 is more than enough for cape buffalo. The only thing I recommend is that you use bullets like the Barnes X, Northfork, GS Custom etc.

I presonally would avoid using bullets with lead in them, especially that we have such a large selection of copper bullets as mentioned above.

Have a look at my hunt report at the top of the Forum, and look at the videos, especially the buffalo.

All have been shot with a 375.

I feel totally comfortable using it, for any game animal alive today.

Bullet placement is the most important factor you have to consider.

quote:

BEST 1 Rifle for Safari, loaded with 300 grain , Swift A Frames

What Kwan said. The 375 is good enough in 99% of the cases, for buff.

Quote:"In my 55 years of professonial hunting my respect for the 375H&H cartridge has increased each time I saw it used. In my opinion, the greatest cartridge ever developed. I would prefer to see a visiting hunter arive for his safari with such a rifle than with any double of any caliber."

Harry Selby


The best rifle to bring is the one you shoot the best. The 375H&H will be just fine with premium bullets. Will a 416 do it better? Absoutly, if you shoot it well. You will have plenty of time to try the bigger calibers on your next buffalo.

Wooly,

Your 375 is perfect for a one gun safari. As suggested with premium softs and a few solids for the litte guys you are all set. I would suggest that you consider a 1.75x6 or 2.5x8 scope.

A couple of my clients recently have used the 375 H%H with the 270 TSX for everything except elelphant and have been very satisfied. That particular load can give nearly 2800 fps making a 300 yd shot pretty easy. Personally I've used that load alot but have not shot a buffalo with it. It worked nicely on eland and anything else.

Mark

one gun safari = 375 H&H
enough said

Wooly, go forth with your 375 and slay critters!


Mad Dog

Let me cast one more vote for the old .375 H&H.

Given the fact that you like the rifle and shoot it well gives that chambering a head start in your hands when the S.H.T.F where quick and accurate shooting is your only choice! A rifle that you are used to will seemingly aim it's self when fire instinctively. A larger, unfamiliar rifle/caliber may not work so well as the one you have shot a lot, and hunted with. The key in this case IMO is to choose a very good quality bullet. I assume your rifle is a bolt action, and if so, any of the mono-metal, partially expanding bullets will do But my choice would be the North Fork 300 gr soft point and CPS solids for buffalo in a bolt rifle!

The only one-shot kills on buffalo I’ve ever had have been with the 375 H&H using 300 gr Nosler Partitions. All others have taken at least three shots regardless of caliber or bullet/rifle type, if the spine and/or brain was not hit. Learn to work the bolt with the riflwe at the shoulder, keeping your eyes on the buffalo.

Of course that was long ago and there are better bullets today than the Nosler Partition. What ever bullet you choose practice shooting it from hunting positions, snap shooting at targets of guessed distances, a lot before getting on the plane to Africa, and you will be fine!

…………………..Good luck, and above all ENJOY your safari!

You already have the rifle for the hunt you described. The 375 H&H is enough for Buffalo. Shot placement on the first shot is most important no matter what you use or what dangerous game you hunt. I use 300 gr. TSX for my buffalo followed up by 300 gr. Barnes solids.
Never had to get to the solids but I felt confident in the rifle as it is an extremely accurate rifle and I practice a LOT with it. It also shoots TSX and solids to same point of aim.
375 H&H, goood bullets and practice --- cant go wrong.

Your desire to bring only one rifle pretty much dictates the 375. On my last hunt in Namibia, I shot everything with a 416 Rigby, but cull Elephant was on the list. The 375 will do fine. Save the gun money to pay for one more trophy fee.

quote:

Originally posted by venda axe:
Quote:"In my 55 years of professonial hunting my respect for the 375H&H cartridge has increased each time I saw it used. In my opinion, the greatest cartridge ever developed. I would prefer to see a visiting hunter arive for his safari with such a rifle than with any double of any caliber."

Harry Selby


The best rifle to bring is the one you shoot the best. The 375H&H will be just fine with premium bullets. Will a 416 do it better? Absoutly, if you shoot it well. You will have plenty of time to try the bigger calibers on your next buffalo.

You beat me to the punch with that quote from Mr. Selby. Enough said.

Just add quality bullets and practice, practice, practice especially off sticks. Practice keeping the rifle to your shoulder while you cycle the bolt and don't forget to reload.

My last 4 safaris I've taken 2 rifles, a double 470 NE and a 375 H&H as my light. Other than some super tight work the 375 has handled it all. My last trip to Tanzania the 375 handled it all (23 animals), including all the buffalo hunting. One was a frontal shot at 75 yards in brush (almost 46") that turned out to be a 1 shot kill. Regardless of caliber, with the frontal shot, you must take them low to hit the heart/lung or your in for a long day.
My 375 shoots MOA and I've taken 300+ yard shots without problem. What more can you ask from a single caliber, power, penetration, accuracy and distance.

First off, I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to vote, and to putting your vote into words. It is all very helpful to me.

Shakari has captured the essence of the question in his reply.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
The .375 H&H will be fine for what you mention just as long as you use good bullets (always a very personal choice).

I would however recommend you try to avoid the frontal chest shot with that calibre (esp if you're using softs) if possible and if you do take that shot, try to be very fast in your reload and try to get a second shot in IF (note the big IF) you get the chance.

On one hand, a larger, heavier bullet MAY under some circumstances penetrate further (I assume that's the reason for avoiding frontal shots with the 375). On the other hand, the 375 H&H allows for quicker, aimed follow up shots.

While both degree of penetration and rapid followup shots are a crapshoot under field conditions, something tells me that penetration is more of a crapshoot than recoil recovery when comparing the 375 to the 416. That's just gut feel - not scientifically quantifiable fact!

Perhaps this is a decision for my SECOND Cape Buffalo hunt, if and when it occurs.

I don't wish to close the discussion. Please carry on with the voting and the comments. If you guys don't have the answer, I don't know who does!

quote:

I would however recommend you try to avoid the frontal chest shot with that calibre (esp if you're using softs) if possible and if you do take that shot, try to be very fast in your reload and try to get a second shot in IF (note the big IF) you get the chance.

Although if hunting strictly Buff...I like to shoot something larger...I shot my first Buff with a frontal chest shot with a .375 H&H with a 300 gr Barnes TSX going ~ 2500 FPS. It went all the way to the rear of the abdomen before stopping. I did shoot a couple of 300 gr solids through him as he turned lateral to me and started to lope off but they were largely unecessary...went 30 yards and died.

quote:

On one hand, a larger, heavier bullet MAY under some circumstances penetrate further (I assume that's the reason for avoiding frontal shots with the 375).

.375 H&H's with 300 gr bullets going ~2500 fps out penetrate a lot of larger rifles.

In the case I mentioned above...~36" of buff through the rumen!

For me...it is the lack of impact response that makes me go larger. Bigger diameter bullets...esp. .458 and larger...just make a much greater initial impression.

But...I would carry a .375 H&H with good bullets both softs and solids to hunt buff all day long.

Another vote for the 375 with good bullets. If you use 300gr premium like Barnes, Nosler or Swift or use 350gr Woodleighs, you are not under gunned.

If I had to go to Africa with one rifle, it would be a .375 H&H. If I could go with two rifles, neither would be a .375. If I could take three rifles, one would be a .375. (P.S.: I always took three.)

It's pretty hard to argue against Saeed's success on buff with his 375. But he uses those magical Walterhog bullets.

quote:

It's pretty hard to argue against Saeed's success on buff with his 375. But he uses those magical Walterhog bullets.

Yes, and hunting with Walter, most of the animals are probably on the ground laughing when they're shot!!!!

One more vote for the .375! The biggest advantages are that you already shoot it and are familiar with it and the selection of bullets and ammo is nothing short of amazing today. Find the stoutest 300 grain bullet your rifle shoots well and have fun. I have taken most of my buff with a .375...

One last thing is you will almost always find ammo in camp if the airlines misplace your ammo which is a possibility with the baggage apes these days. Just ask some folks who have flown through O. Tambo lately...

I agree the 375 H&H with 270 or 300 grain premium bullets is adequate for Buffalo and Plains Game, given good shot placement.

Where I my differ is that I always take two rifles with me on any trip just in case something goes wrong with one (and it has for me) rifle I have a back-up.

While in Africa that I have always had a 375 and a larger caliber both adequate to take on the largest (Buffalo) game.

eyedoc and I went on a buffalo shoot this past summer,, he had a 375 h&h mag,, I had a 416 rigby. We were both shooting the same "bullet" a Barnes X,, trophy shock bullet and I saw very little difference in the performance between them,, I tend to "overkill" on most things,, his bullets were about 60 dollars a box and mine were over 200 dollars,, take your pick

I went from 416 Rigby to 375 H&H when I learned that shot placement was more important than caliber. I knocked the buff down with the 416 but he got up and left (poor shot placement).
I believe I can be more accurate with the 375 although that didn't seem to be the case with my 375 double. Now I have a 375 bolt with scope and I will test my theory next year.

Hunting is not supposed to be an excuse for NOT buying a rifle. If the 416 seems a little brisk in the recoil department, get a 404 Jeffery.

quote:

I went from 416 Rigby to 375 H&H when I learned that shot placement was more important than caliber.

The second lesson to learn is that the above is one true if you select a good and proven bullet.
Get the best bullet that you can lay your hands on.

Warrior

Of course the 375 will meet all of your requirements.

But you knew that before you asked the question.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you are hearing a little voice..."I need a bigger rifle"

Go ahead, scratch the itch....feels good

Isn't Saeed's 375 really a 375/404 which has ballistics like the 375 Remington Ultra Mag as opposed to the 375 H&H?

I took a 375 and 416 rem mag on my plains game hunt. Shot 14 animals. 3 zebra and 3 gembock blue and black wildebeast a eland and some smaller stuff. I could not see a differance in how much deader they wound up when shot with the 416, but it did hit harder. I my case the .416 350 gr tsx shot flater than the 270 gr 375 hh rounds . If you can shoot 300 grs in the 375 ,step up to 350 gr tsx in the 416. the differance in recoil is miminal but the 416 is better suited to buff. I shot my 416 better than my 375, that why I sold my 375 but still own my 416

JD

There is no better rifle for what you describe than a .375.

That is assuming you don't have a 9.3x62!!

quote:

Originally posted by Go Dawgs:
Isn't Saeed's 375 really a 375/404 which has ballistics like the 375 Remington Ultra Mag as opposed to the 375 H&H?

Bingo!

Quote
Originally posted by Go Dawgs:
Isn't Saeed's 375 really a 375/404 which has ballistics like the 375 Remington Ultra Mag as opposed to the 375 H&H?

That depends on how hot the H&H is loaded.
Saeed's .375 is loaded to approximately 2700 FPS with 300 grain bullets. I sometimes load my .375 H&H to 2650 FPS with 300 grain Swift A-frame bullets. Not enough difference to make one a more dramatic killer than the other. Extra weight and diameter make better killers on really large game. Not speed as far as I can tell. At least not on Alaska peninsula brown bear.

Thanks,

jfm

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
Your desire to bring only one rifle pretty much dictates the 375. On my last hunt in Namibia, I shot everything with a 416 Rigby, but cull Elephant was on the list. The 375 will do fine. Save the gun money to pay for one more trophy fee.

So, you gonna buy that .416 Rigby back from me?