I have just sent a deposit for my 2007 hunt in Namibia. The animals I plan to pursue are gemsbuck, both varities of zebra, hartebeest, springbok,kudu,warthog,eland, and leopard. I know my old 30/06 is equal to the task for most of what I plan to hunt, but an eland is awfully big and a leopard can be downright ugly if not killed quickly. My outfitter tells me to bring both the 30/06 and my 8mm mag. I will be using 180 grain Noslers or Barnes TSX in the 06. Does anyone have experience shooting eland with an 8 mag using either 220 grain Swift A-frames or 220 grain TSXs on heavy African such as eland? I know the name of the game is bullet placement, but I want every possible advantage on my side. Those of you who have far more African experience than I, your advice/ suggestions would be appreciated as far as loads/ bullets to use for these animals. Respectfully, Jerry Hoover

Either rifle will do well on everything on your list if you shoot it well. Personally, I'd take good tracking shoes if I was shooting TSX bullets. Much prefer the A-Frame or TBBC. MOF, I'd shoot regular old Hdy/Speer/Sierra, in appropriate wgt for calibre, before I'd track something wounded by a TSX. Just my $.02.

Jerry,

I've shot a couple of eland and I'm sure your 8mm will more than be upto the task with the bullets you have chosen.

Personally for leopard your '06 with the 180 Nosler Partition would be perfect. A leopard kills quite easily but shot placement is extremely important. The TSX's on a soft skinned animal like the leopard may not give you the wound channel that would be ideal. It certainly would work but the NP will probably give you quicker results and work fine for the rest of the animals you are after.

Mark

Jerry,
I have been using Barnes X succesfully for years. I have killed dozens of animals big and small, dangerous (like Buff) and just big and hard to kill (like moose and eland). I have used Barnes X in 300 win mag, 375 H&H, 45 70 and 458 and they all worked great.

I have just started messing with the TSX so I haven't had a chance to evaluate them on game in the field. However, I expect they will perform just like the old Barnes.

OH and by the way,

#1 is shot placement !!!

#2- there is a lot of variables in a hunting senario and all bullets fail eventualy but the only type I have seen fail was a Nossler.

#3- as far as tracking shoes everything I have shot with Barnes except 1 Bear up here in Maine has died before my eyes, no tracking required.

Good luck in Namibia

Jerry- Earlier this year I used my '06 to kill a Black Wildebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Cape Eland, Black Backed Jackal and Waterbuck. I used 180 grain Barnes Triple Shocks and was very impressed with their performance. I did not have to wear tracking shoes. The Eland and Zebra were the longest shots at 200 yards.

The '06 will do the job as long as you do yours!

John

I have to agree with 30ott6, the old round will do its part if you do yours.

I used my double in '06 this year on everything from steenbuck and zebra to blue wildebeest at ranges from 15 to 210 meters.

Good medicine in the 180 grain Swift A-Frames and no tracking involved.

Good luck.

Mike