Guys...I agree in ele or buff country, I wouldn't want to walk around with anything other than a .375 or bigger...this is Namibia, and I think leopard is about the most dangerous thing we will encounter...

I have about talked myself into another .375 H&H and one of my .300WMs. I appreciate all the info and feedback and will definitely read any more opinions and take consideration. I think this is the best thing about this site...all the good insight!

Michael - love the B&M SS's! I think one in .411 would be the cats meow, pardon the pun of this particular thread I also have a buddy with a VERY light STA built on a Sako AV, even with a muzzle brake DAMN that thing kicks.

Back on topic, if there is nearly unlimited access to cartrdiges, you got one hell of a choice to make haha. So many good ones. Have you considered a 35 Whelen or 350 Rem Mag? I think the Whelen (or 9.3x62 with 250's) with some 225gr would make a perfect all around set up. As would the 375, but, if you can get the same job done with less recoil and cheaper ammo, may as well. I'm sure the 300WM would be a great all around gun as well, but just from what I have read I think I'd load a fast expanding bullet for close in quick work. Once I make the trek over there, my PG gun will be my 300 Wby.

michael458 ----- The Winchester Custom Shop produced 58 of the .358 STA's at the request of A-Square out of Louisville, Ky. A=Square did the testing with SAAME to have the STA a propriatory round and out of the wildcat realm. When I received my new in the box rifle there was a coupon from A-Square for a free box of cartridges. At the time A-Square was on their downturn and didn't respond. I got my rifle through Gunsamerica from the jobber who had the last two rifles according to him. The red walnut pulses with red streaks when in the sunshine, as you well know. You said it right, Winchester Custom Shop got that one right. Both my STA's are one holers consistently, when I do my end of the job. Good shooting.

Hey MileHigh

Yep, the little gun has merits. Did you see where Quality Cartridge now has all the B&M series and the AR series listed for available brass? I think Jeffe is excited. Me too.

There are many many rifles and cartridges that would do well for his mission. I have seen no bad choices, and no bad wisdom on this thread. Lot's of good opinions.

phurley

58 of them! Wow, I did not know that--that means there is 55 out there some where? I have two, and yours! I saw one about a year or so ago, maybe not that long, on gunbroker. I put a bid in, and talked to the guy, but my heart was not in a 3rd one, especially with the two I have basically retired. I think it went for over $3000 as I recall. Both of mine are one hole, 3 rds at 100 with nearly any bullet or load you put in it.

Tim

I see you are going to Namibia for this mission. I imagine that we have chewed, or you will chew some of the same ground as I have. Cats in Namibia are pretty hard to deal with, they have been hunted hard by farmers for a long time. I think they are the smartest cats on the continent there. Some damn big ones too!
Best to you!

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
So what is the downside of me taking 2 rifles?

I don't know if anyone answered your question of one gun vs two. The benefits of two guns are:

- a backup in case one rifle fails or is lost

- custom matching of calibre to application

The disadvantages are:

- more paperwork with permits, airlines, etc.

- more weight

- more luggage in limited space

- if you only have one rifle in the hunting truck, you can look after it yourself. If you have two in the hunting truck, you will have to let someone else carry number 2 - usually under the spare tire! If you leave number 2 rifle in camp, then you only have one rifle, at least for that day

- you'll never have the right rifle with you when you need it.

If you like guns and are a belt and suspenders kind of guy take two rifles by all means. If you like to minimize hassle, then take only one.

Another alternative is to take one rifle, but two pre-sighted scopes. That's what I did. The second scope never left the guncase.

I know most here would like to shoot their trophies with their own rifle/ weapon of choice. But, an alternative option is using the PH's gun for the leopard. I have 2 rifles that have shot more leopard than I personally have used them on. These are my 8x68 S, (mostly with 220gr Swift A-Frames, but as I have difficulties locating these, for the last year or so, 200gr Barnes TSX.), and my 7x64, with a 154gr Hornady Interlock. The rifles both shoot acurately, are maintained in a good condition, and available to my clients. Here are the guns:
(2nd and 3rd from bottom up.)


The 2nd from bottom one, my 7x64, now wears a 1.5-6x42 Scmidt & Bender scope with an illuminated reticle, which makes it ideal for chasing after leopard with dogs. Another good choice of the above rifles, would be my 9,3x64, second from the top.

Something else to consider:
Although Tim will not be hunting in an area with elephant or buffalo present, he may end his hunt earlier than antisipated and a problem ele might pop up at a price that he is willing to pay, so if you go through the hassle of bringing 2 guns to Africa, make sure that the second one can handle everything here. Make it at least a 9,3 or a .375

Tim,

I shot my Leopard, huge in body, with a 270 Winchester, at 53 yards, using a 150 grain Nosler Partition. One shot and we had a huge cattle killing trophy.

I have also taken all the other animals you listed, plus several others, with Nosler Partitions, Swift A Frames or Barnes Triple Shocks in calibers ranging from 270 Winchester, 308, and 338/06 one shot kills on each.

I've used these same bullets including Woodleigh's in larger calibers i.e. 416 Rigby and 500-3" Nitro Express on much larger game like Lion and Cape Buffalo and two shots on the Lion and each of two Buffalo were dead before we walked up to them. The lion @ 28 yards and both buffalo at 57 and 60 respectively.

I don't believe you need a huge gun but you need a gun you can shoot precisely and put a premium bullet in that particular spot (and I mean shot literally-leopard or other animal) and you will be a very happy hunter and your PH will be happy also with all the dead animals and little if any tracking.

Good Luck and Good Hunting.

Well I think Karl just settled it for me. I will either bring a .375 or a .416 along with a .300 WM.

Karl: That's a nice spread of guns, my friend!

UEG, thanks for the complement!

I believe my pick for that side of the world would be a .300 (Weatherby for me) and a .375 H&H.

Karl basically posted the Euro version of that combination with his 8x68s and 9,3x64mm (nice guns!).

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
my choice would be a 300WM and a 375H&H. You can't be overgunned, as the game can't be over dead.

Rich
Buffalo Killer

Yep. The .375 with 300 grain A Frames will leave a quater-sized exit wound in anything you shoot with it and is good to 300 yards. Take the 300 as a backup.