When I started, I took a .416 and a .375.

Since then I have added a .470, a .330 Dakota, and taken a .30-06.

I do mix and match within, but generally 90% of my shooting is with the .375.

Bigger stuff gets the heavy (ele, rhino, and buff if I know that is what is up)

Usually the light sits on the truck. Having a pissed off cow elephant mock charge you when all you have is an '06 and the ph didn't grab his rifle was....disturbing.

While I shot my last set of masailand game with the .330 set up for long shots, I could have made those shots just as easily with the .375 or the .416. My longest shot ever on game was with the .375, so it is capable.

With a tuffpack, 3 rifles are doable, but gets in the extra weight charges. 2 is definitely easier.

A shotgun would be nice, but no one has been willing to commit on having shells, and the dang things weigh too much for me to bring them.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

For so many years now, we have been taking 2 rifles for the same caliber, using the same ammo.

375/404, originally loaded with Barnes 300 grain X bullets, and now with our own Walterhog 300 grain bullets.

A well proven proprietory calibre developed in your "laboratory" but how many hunters are there using the same?

First safari was plains game only and took 338 Win. Second was leopard, buffalo, and plains game. Took 375 H&H and 270. 270 was only used on impala bait and did not need it. Third was for buffalo and plains game and took 375 and 300 H&H. Last safari was for croc, hippo, tuskless and plains game. Only took 375 H&H and it was very nice having one rifle!

One more time, before I'm one of these dead guys.

A .416 is all you'll ever need. Take 2 if you must.

fujotupu:

That concerned me quite a bit as well. I generally go overgunned, not under. However, with 160 grain bullets, a bipod, and the accuracy of this rifle, I think it will be fine. I don't need another wildebeest or zebra, so no plans to shoot those. If I get a shot at an eland, the .416 definitely gets the nod. The .416 is the only choice for buffalo as well and I'm taking some solids for a klippie and a dik dik.