In the planning of our Masailand hunt, in 2009, my sons and I have been talking non stop of what caliber rifles to bring. The oldest boy will be 17 and the youngest 13 in 2009. Without a doubt for buffalo I will be bringing a 375 end of discussion there. My oldest wants to use my 7mm Weatherby, which I think he can handle by then, but we will see. The little guy wants to use my pet 257 Weatherby. Myself I am leaning towards a traditional 30.06 shooting 180 grain premium bullets.

The Weatherbys shoot extremely accurate with 160 gr. partition for the 7mm and 100 gr interlocks for the 257. I have an idea I would like imput on. Since I do not reload, even though I should, I figure to get a box of different ammo manufacturers in 180 grain. Which ever shoots the most accurate is the bullet I will go with. At this point I have not decided on which brand rifle to purchase for the 30.06, but I am leaning towards a Weatherby Sub Moa Vanguard but I am open to all you veterans of Africa making suggestions.

I realize a lot depends on the game we are after and like I stated on my post on the cats, I just do not know if I will hunt for " spots or his larger cousin." I figure if I do then the 375 would be the ticket there.
Goddamn I am getting pumped just talking about this.

Paul C

I think you're doing good on your choices. Only thing, how big a gun has the youngest ever shot? Maybe a 7X57?

Because of airline limitations on the number of guns per gun case, you will have to take two or four rifles for the three of you. I personally believe that in dangerous game territory, no one should ever be without a rifle; therefore, you need two cases and four guns.

I think the 375 is a wonderful choice. I know that the other rifles are very good for plains game and you couldn't do better except for the fact that the rifle you have in your hands should be heavy enough to give you a fighting chance with whatever might come your way.

I'd suggest 375, 9.3, and 30-06 (with really heavy bullets it would be OK for everything up to elephant) plus one of the rifles you mentioned for plains game. Individually, you cannot take two rifles of the same caliber and I am uncertain at what age the officials will let the boys bring in their own rifles. If the older boy can bring in a rifle, you might want to bring two 375's and two 9.3's to simplify the ammo problems. You can bring in 60 rounds for each rifle; however, it does get heavy!

Good luck. And enjoy the time with your boys. Kudude.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul C:

Without a doubt for buffalo I will be bringing a 375 end of discussion there.

Paul C

I agree that you could and should close this tpic right there. No further discussion: .375 H&H it should and will be!

Enjoy the planning preparation!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

quote:

Originally posted by Paul C:

I have an idea I would like imput on. Since I do not reload, even though I should, I figure to get a box of different ammo manufacturers in 180 grain. Which ever shoots the most accurate is the bullet I will go with.

Paul C

I agree that 'maybe' you should reload. To be a good hunter it is NOT an absolute requirement to reload.

As to selecting the most accurate commercial ammo for each rifle to take along? Excellent idea! You did say your sons are going to do competition target shooting in Masailand?

No? Hunting Plains game. I see. hunting?

Well, then the idea should be moderated to select the "most accurate load with a proper tough jacketed premium hunting bullet" With that proviso it is an excellent idea. Period!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

Paul,

Given your situation and assuming you'll all be hunting together I don't think you all need to be armed all the time. Your 375 and 7MM will handle everything. You said the 7MM likes the 160 NP and it will work fine for plains game and leopard. The 375 will handle everything else with any good premium bullet. In fact a 375 by itself would handle the whole safari. I don't think you need another rifle unless your younger son cannot build himself up to handling the 7MM. At that point you might want to consider perhaps a 308 which can be had in lighter handier rifle than the Weatherby and frankly will kill almost anything with a good 180 gr. bullet.

One thing to consider is that you probably will be the one keeping track of rifles and ammo so the fewer you have to deal with the better. Also when you stalk your buffalo or whatever your PH will want to concentrate on helping you make the shot and not on what the rest of the party is doing with their rifle muzzles. My suggestion would be to only have the designated shooter on any particular stalk actually carry a gun.

This is probably more than you wanted to know but I think there is more to consider than just buying another rifle.

Mark

Mark and Andrew - I appreiciate your comments and you have given me quite a bit of fuel for thought. While the 7mm can handle most of the animals I am thinking of the 30.06 with a little bigger bullet even at slower speeds might be the way to go for both my oldest and I along with the 375. I do have a nice 243 for the youngest, but I think that it is way too light for African game. The 257 Wby. has been a great rifle for me as it has taken some good size mule deer bucks and wild boar, which can be tough on a small caliber. From 200 yds and out the 257 has really produced some great results. I feel that an 30.06 with a good 180 gr. bullet like a partition might be a better choice in case there is a south bound shot on a north bound animal. I am just trying to absorb all the info and come away with the best option. Maybe .375, 30.06.and the 257 for the trip.

Paul C

Sound advice on the .375 and .30-06. You will also be able to find ammo more readily there, if need be and if circumstances warrant. Not so with the .257 Weatherby. I like the 7MM and found on one hunt with two hunters that used them exclusively, that it killed everything that they hunted without any problem.

Paul,

If you think for sure that you will buy another rifle there are no flies on the '06. I've killed couple of deer and several caribou with mine and never found it lacking. The 180 Partition seems to be a perfect match for it producing incredible tissue damage but good penetration also. In fact it will be my light rifle on my upcoming hunt in Zim and Mozambique.
It also will recoil less than the 7MM Weatherby and just be easier to shoot for your boys.

Personally I think you'll be much better off to leave the 257 and 243 home.

Mark

Paul,

I too would suggest keeping it simple with two rifles; the 375 H&H and 30-06 with Federal Premium ammo loadedwith 180 Gr Nosler partitions.

I have shot deer, elk, moose, black bear, kudu, oryx, zebra, warthog etc with my '06 using that ammo and have not found it lacking.

As far as what brand rifle for the 30-06, I'd pick whatever one appeals to you most. A Remington Mdl 700 BDL, Win Mdl 70 or Ruger Mdl 77 are great mid priced rifles. But, custom or simi-custom Mauser actioned rifle would be a joy to own.

I went to Lolkisale last year with boys 11, 15, 16. I had .375, .30-06, .243. I think you'll be fine with any of your choices. Be carefull of overlap. .243 is fine for Gazelle, Impala, etc.. .375 works on anything.