I am going on a relatively short hunt ith elephant as the only scheduled target. I was informed some plains games would likely be available. Up to and including kudu. I understand they grow fairly large in chete.

I was wondering the effectiveness of 375 solids on game. I plan on using Hornady DGS with the metplat.

I will either load or bring a few softs, but I can imagine an opportunity may arise quickly when changing ammo could result in it being lost.

The other common game are impala, small antelopes where solids are likely preferable, and baboon. I really want to get a baboon as it was one animal I didn't bag in a previous trip.

I did a elephant hunt June 2011, and I got a baboon with a 416 rem solid. 1 shot. Saved the skin for a mount, not like the other one I got with a soft. The one with a soft just ripped the skin.

Take a box of each solids and softs. Worst case you rack the top one out of the chamber and drop in the other.

I shot a warthog with a 375 solid while hunting for elephant.

It died within about 50 yards from that single shot.

I also put two solids into a buffalo(second and third shot) and the reaction was impressive.

Assuming that I was hunting elephant as you will be, I would carry a soft or two in my pocket, but I would keep my rifle filled with solids. If I had a shot at a plains-game animal and I did not have time to load a soft I would be happy to nail it with a solid.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

Assuming that I was hunting elephant as you will be, I would carry a soft or two in my pocket, but I would keep my rifle filled with solids. If I had a shot at a plains-game animal and I did not have time to load a soft I would be happy to nail it with a solid.

+1

Shoot it with the solid. If its a meplat design you will be fine.
Shoot for the shoulder bones so 2 inches forward of where you would place a lower lung/heart shot. You can visibly see the point of the shoulder on most game. Hit it and your animal will go down fast.
If it turns to run be ready with a follow up aimed at the base of the tail if it is going away from you. If it is crossing then hold 1/2 foot ahead of the running target and you should hit shoulder again.

Many plain game PH's carry solids only to ensure that they can finish off badly shot game at any angle whilst on the run. Put the bullet through the biggest mass you can and you will be fine.

Taking thru the shoulder blades will have bone shrapnel and lungs and heart will be hit.

Mike

Solids work fine. The entrance hole is a little smaller, the animal might run longer, but the bloodtrail might be a little wider. The PH doesn't give you any discounts if it dies quicker, it all costs the same. He might pat you on the back if you drop it in its tracks, and the trackers will certainly smile.

One intangible. You might actually shoot the solid better than the soft. There is less room for error, you will focus better and you will execute better technique because of it.

When hunting Ele you want a full magazine of solids with another solid in the chamber. Period. No alternatives. Anything else is asking for a disaster.

As has been said, a solid will not be a problem on any PG, large or small, if there is no time to remove a solid in the chamber and replace it with a soft. Just don't forget to remove the soft and replace the solid if you don't get a shot. I even have solids loaded for my .300wm when hunting PG exclusively, for use on the little guys. Less wear and tear on the hides, don't you know?

It wasn't asked, but quite frankly solids are only required for Ele nowadays. Premium softs will work fine on Buff and Hippo. Swift A-Frames, Barnes, CEB non-cons, etc. will all do for Buff.

I use solids on plainsgame very frequently.

In fact, I've evolved into using solids on everything except the big cats and very large plainsgame like Eland.

The solids work well and do a lot less damage to the hides.

I shoot wild hogs and deer with 500 gr 470NE SH solids all the time, and I must say here that I've never had one go anyplace but down for the count, and with a caliber size hole in and out!

..........................

That a boy Mac. Gun em' down. Deer with the 470? What kinda deer live around you?

I agree with the post to keep a few soft points in your pocket just incase and load up with solids. the only thing to keep in mind will be what is behind the animals as a solid will go straight though most of the plains game and you wouldn't want other game or anyone/anything hit on the pass through. good luck on your hunt

Shot a Nyassa Wildebeest at about 225 yds with .375 H&H Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer. It had a 3/8" dia. hole on each shoulder.

I've shot a number of plains game with solids from my 375 H&H. I and the taxidermist both like the smaller holes much better when it comes to trophy mounts. It's the only way to go on the small to very small stuff that might be lurking around when hunting dangerous game.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
That a boy Mac. Gun em' down. Deer with the 470? What kinda deer live around you?

Regular little Texas whitetail, sika, fallow, and Muledeer, However hunting with my double rifle is the best practice for when it really counts on the bite-backs. There is no better practice for snap shooting moving targets than 200 pound wild hogs on the hill country brush of Texas or the woods on New Mexico for black bear or muledeer! IN FACT I shoot running jack rabbits with all my double rifles for practice.
On the meat animals a 470 solid leaves a clean caliber diameter hole on both sides with less meat damage than a 243Win.

You might have to re-think the use of Barnes solids.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/w...nded-Solids-2012.pdf

Von Gruff.