Ok, since some of you were complaining of "dullness" around here, I figured this might stir up some "discussions". I'm planning on a two buffalo Tanzania hunt for 2013 and in addition to my soon-to-be delivered Verney Carron 450NE and of course my scoped Mod 70 in 375 just in case I need to get serious I've decided to take my new Model 1895 TR Safari Commemorative in 405 for that second buffalo.

I figure if it was good enough for TR and a WOMAN could do it, I can certainly do better with modern bullets.

I've developed a good accurate load using 300gr TSXs as well as North Fork softs and their nifty 300gr solid (three shot group below). All three loaded to 2200-2230 fps with accuracy as shown below at sixty yards. Well boys, what do you think and please no 45/70 jokes! jorge


http://www.bunduki.com/bob/images/tr-rhino-1895.jpg

http://www.bunduki.com/bob/rifle/TR-Safari-1895-2.jpg
http://i1211.photobucket.com/a.../jorgeIg/1895tgt.jpg

My recollection is that they have a nice Manton double on Guns International in .405 Win for around $8000. That would be fun to hunt with! With today's powders and bullets and the right shot placement, I do not know why it would not work.

+1 !

I like the idea of the 1895 - the action surely can handle higher pressures given that it is often chambered in 30-06!

Go for it man!!!

It's a sweet handling rifle gents and very easy to load for. The other bonus is the factory Hornady stuff shoots to POI so you can practice with them as well.

I have a friend that has one of the Clark double rifles in .405 and he took a Cape Buff with it in Botswana, no problem.

Go for it!! My son and I took a buff each with a Ruger #1 in .405 in Zim a few years ago.

It should work for a one gun safari. Why not do both buff with it?

Because I just dropped some heavy coin on a double and by GOD I'm gonna kill something with it!

Good luck and take lots of pictures

jorge,

Are you using the original sites? I would think a ghost ring would serve nicely and not take away from the "Traditional" aspect of the rifle. In fact I've seen '95's with a couple different original peeps.

I'm a big fan of the TSX for big stuff so I don't see why your 405 wouldn't work nicely.

Mark

Damn'd right!!! Greeat pic!

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

So Doc, details man! range, bullet used, shot placement!

Mark, I'm using the original sights. The receiver is nitrite colored and I could only find blued ones and they looked like hell. I'm pretty good with them though.

I don't see why not. After all, it worked for TR and Osa back in the day!

I seem to recall a show on Under Wild Skies where Tony Makris shot a buffalo with his 95. No problems! Craig Boddington's daughter and I believe his wife have shot buffalo with a Ruger #1 in 405. I think it would be great fun!

I bought one of the Winchester Miroku 1895 take downs in 405 a few years back. I put a pachmayr decelerator recoil pad on it and replaced the sights with a blade front and receiver peep from XS sights.

I just got some of the Barnes TSX bullets for it. What load are you using with that bullet? The factory ammo shoots great but I am not a big fan of Hornady bullets for game larger than whitetail.

I'm using 55.5gr of Rl-15 and Fed 210 primers.

300gr at 2200 fps+ What's not to like about that? I think it'd be a fun thing to do for sure...

300gr what? factory hand load? sorry!

Thank you, Sir. I will try the Re15. I use that in my 35 Whelen.

jorge,
good for you! My guess is the 405 will have the same effect as a 375 in the field. I look forward to reading about your sucessful hunt!

Have to book it first boys! I'll keep U posted

Jorge,

While I think the 405 would be a fine round for Cape buffalo in your capable hands, I'm bettin after you take your first buff with the V-C 450NE you're not gonna want to leave it in the case for the second.

It will depend on the circumstances when we find ol' MBogo

Jorge: I think the double for buff No. 1 and the 95 for No. 2 makes perfect sense.
When we discuss lever guns, we almost always devolve into .45-70 discussions, but the fact is a lever action makes a lot of sense for fast follow ups.

Bill, the latest target. the three in the bullseye are two NF softs and one solid. the two above are TSXs before sight adjustment. Range is 60 yards. jorge

A woman shooting a buffalo with a single shot? I remember the rash of sh*t I got asking about using a single shot for buffalo when I first posted here a few years ago. Maybe things have changed (for the better!).

As for the 405, go for it.

That's not a single shot. It holds four down...

I know it's a lever action repeater. It's just that the discussion also included a number of references to single shots in .405. I'm not looking to turn the thread into a discussion of single shots for buffalo or other dangerous game however. It was an aside. I think it's great the OP is planning the hunt with what TR chose.

quote:

Originally posted by jorge:
That's not a single shot. It holds four down...

jorge

I have shot cape buff with a 450 No2, a 450/400 3/14", and a 9,3x74R.

I would have no problem shooting them with a 405 WCF in an 1895, and the loads you mentioned.

Been there and done that using 400 grain .411 diameter Woodleighs (after the magazine was extended about 1/16" so that the bullets can be seated at the cannelure). I think they chrono'ed at 2010 fps or so. Buffalo didn't like it a bit.

I put on a period model 21 Lymsn peep that had a large apperture and a flip up fine one. I also put an Uncle Mike's barrel band swivel and a good recoil pad. Roger Ferrell did the work for me, so it everything, including slicking up the action, was perfect.

I still have it if you want to see it, Jorge.

I'd love to see it Ernest. And besides, I owe you a lunch. Maybe next week? I can come up from KB. Also I'm thinking of putting a barrel band on mine. Silly question but can that affect POI in any way?

Jorge:

Never shot it before I put the barrel band on, but I wouldn't expect but a smidgen of difference.

I don't know my schedule yet (haven't been back to the office) but I'll try to call you today.

I think you like the sight mods and the recessed rear sling insert.

Roger. I'll be in the office until 1500.

Jorge:

I put a Uncle Mike's barrel band on mine after I had using it for awhile and it did not change POA/POI.

great, thanks! I need to do this to mine.

jorge,

I'll let the other guys talk about loads and ballistics. I just want to say that I like your spirit, hunting a buffalo with a Model 1895, like TR and Osa did. Very cool. I know it's a ways off, but good luck on your hunt, and I'll look forward to your hunt report and photos!

Glen

thanks!

My pal in Namibia got an original 95 in 405 from a farmer there. It was stamped with a proof for a cordite load and 300 grn bullet. I couldnt help myself so borrowed it to shoot warthog, kudu and a couple duikers. I wish I knew the whole story behind the rifle.

Back when the only 405 new guns were conversions by Krieger I had him build me one with the full intention to take it to Zimbabwe. After I got it I found no easy way to use 400gr Woodleigh solids in it and get the velocity required to equal 450/400's. Tried recutting the cannelures on some bullets with little success and the extension of the magazine for what I considered an adequate amount didn't seem practical so I abandoned the project. For sights I installed an ERA island rear with wide 'vee' and a Masterpiece ramp with red fiber optic adjustable for elevation. VERY happy with the sight combo. I was trying to duplicate the sights I had on an SR20 straight pull. Wish now I had continued my search and taken it to Zimbabwe.