I have a friend that is going on his first Safari to Namibia next summer. He's primarily going after PG, but there is an opportunity to hunt leopard as well.

The largest caliber he owns is a .308Win. He's thinking with the Federal Nosler Partion HE ammo (2740fps from 24" barrel) he should have no problem with Mr. Spots.

I've never hunted leopard, but I've read several posts here on AR, and I know the his will work.... but it wouldn't be my first choice.

I'm trying to convience him to use a little more gun. For those here who have been there and done that.... what's your advice?

Appreciate the assistance.

I have only shot one leopard and that was with a 338 Win Mag. I didn't use the 338 because I was hunting leopard but because I was also hunting leopard bait (zebra), Sable, and Eland which in my opinion does need a little more gun. The 308 will do the job on leopard as well as plains game and depending on the range a 30 cal is a 30 cal and the only difference is the distance of game being shot. If a 300 whatever is big enough, at leopard distances, so is the 308 Win. It would not be my first choice however if the larger plains game is on quota.The 180gr partition will certainly do the job on a leopard.

...have him take his .308 loaded as suggested. He should have NO problem killing his leopard. A larger calibre isn't needed, as bullet placement is far more important.
I killed my leopard with a .270, 150gr Nosler bullet, and my wife killed her cat with...guess what? You got it, a .308 with 180gr Nosler bullet.
I wish him the best of luck on his hunt.
JLS

I used a .30-06 w/ 180 Nosler Patitons. The shot was about 150 yards in broad daylight.
Rich Elliott

Your friend already has all the leopard rifle and loads that he needs.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Your friend already has all the leopard rifle and loads that he needs.

I'll second that. Used a 7x57 for all such light game including stock raiding leopards for my first decade in Parks