The rilfes I will be taking with me are a 30-06 and a 300 Ultra Mag. What is a good factory cartrege and bullet to use for the common pains game animals (KUDU, IMPALA, GEMSBUCK, ZEBRA AND WARTHOG)?

uplander,

I used the Nosler Accubonds on plains game in 2004. They worked great and I shot 11 animals with 12 shots (the kudu took 2). I was using a 300 Win Mag, and shooting the Federal Loaded 180 Grain Bullets. I also use Nosler Partitions through a '06 in the US, and the 180 grainers through that are also a good choice. Make sure after buying the ammo that you feed every round through your gun just to make sure they all fit and eject ok.

I would suggest the 180 gr Nosler Partitions in both rifles given the nature of your hunt. If one rifle goes down, you will have pretty much the same performance only you'll have to get 25 yards closer with the magnum. Kudude

A significant step up in weight retention and penetration from Nosler is www.northforkbullets.com. Noslers are ok, but they just are not up to snuff compared to top of the line premium bullets.

(no offense to Nosler fans, but the above statement is true).

As I have posted before, I have many one shot kills with my 300 Win Mag using 180 Grain Swift A Frame. Animals include Kudu, Gemsbok, Waterbuck, Spring Buck and Jackal. In all cases expansion and weight retention(even with the Jackal) was excellent.

Only the Springbuck moved at empact, about 25 feet.

Just to let you know what my thoughts were. I am seriously considering the Federal 180 gr Barnes-X cartrige for both weapons.

You're fairly lucky, there are plenty of good bullets that could be had in either loading. Barnes Triple Shocks, Trophy bonded bear claw, Nosler partitions and/or accubond. Most of these are loaded by Federal if you don't load your own.

John

I found the X's to be way too hard. 7mmRem had tiny exits.

UH,

I like Nosler partitions and they worked well on everything from the little fritters to eland in my 9.3x62.

Are you planning to attend the NE SCI in Omaha next weekend? I'll be there at least part of the time

Nosler Partitions are the standard, because they never fail, and are made for plainsgame! Used in enough gun, you'll have enough bullet.