I'm booked in August, 2008 with Dirk Rohrmann for PG.

I've got:

Pre-64 Model 70, 300 H&H, 2-7 Redfield (old model)
Browning Safari 375 H&H, Leupold QD mounts, 2-7 Burris and 2.5 Leupold
CZ-550 416 Rigby with 1.5-6 Zeiss Diavari
Browning Safari 458 WM, 1.5-4 Leupold

The 300 H&H is the primary rifle, because it shoots like a lazer beam. It's nicknamed the "300 Happy Haffner" after the buddy I bought it from.

So, what do I take for my second rifle? I'm pretty much discounting the 458, because it's not got the range I'd like, but it's a nice rifle to carry.

That leaves the 375 and 416. The 375 is a sensible choice, because I have the spare scope, just in case. But, the 416 is just "fun". I'm really torn between the two.

Help me decide.

You indicate that you are hunting plains game and not dangerous game. The second choice rifle would be the .375 in this case, unless you like getting beat up by the .416, because it's "fun".

If you´re hunting PG you´ll be fine with the .300 or any of the other rifles. Why take two guns? I´ve done PG hunts with 9.3x62, .375H&H and the .416 Rigby (always one gun hunts) and it´s mostly a matter of taste.

In April I´ll be hunting in SA for waterbuck, reedbuck, springbuck and bushpig -this years rifle will be the 8x68S!

The main thing is that you have a good one and do it the way you want -you´re the boss baas!

I would take the .300 and the .375. Few people shoot a 416 as accurately from field positions as a 375, and the power of a 416 is not needed, hence the 375.

Last time I took a 300 H&H and a much smaller gun.....it was all I needed.....If you must take two the 375 is the obvious choice and leave whatever ammo is left over with your PH as an additional thank you.

Seriously.....I'd really think again about taking two guns....I'm not at all sure I'd take two again.

As an aside....I took the 300 H&H as Ithought it was the classic safari cartridge.....come to find out the real classic is the 30-06 and it works well anywhere.

What could be more appropriate...and sensible than the 300 & 375 H&H? jorge

While I am a big fan of the .416 Rigby, I might lean toward the .375.

But the big question is which do you shoot better? If it's a push, then I'd go with the .375.

I only ask that question because I am better with my .416 Rigby than my .375 H&H Sako Deluxe. Might have something to do with the fact that the Ribgy is a Mauser Magnum M98.

All in all, the 375 is cheaper to shoot, probably has a better local ammo distribution (in case the airlines eat your ammo), is lighter and is a better substitute for your 300 if something happens to that rifle. Plus you have a second scope for the 375 in the event your primary scope decides to take a dump on you.

As for just taking one rifle, I have witnessed too much of Murphy's Law in action. A second rifle is about the cheapest insurance policy you can get.

Now all you need to do is to come up with a name for the 375 to go with the "Happy Haffner"...

Take the .300 H&H and .416 Rigby. Look for every opportunity to use the .416.

On my last trip I took one rifle in my "golf club" case, stuffed the case with clothes, bino, etc. The rest went in my ruck sack carry-on. End of story.

I use a .280 for most plains game. On steenbuck to Bontebok I use the .223, and I'm taking the .280 to Zim in 4 weeks along with my .300RUM just because I rarely use the RUM. Unless you just feel like shooting big bore guns you really don't need them on PG. A flat shooting rifle with a well constructed 160-180 grain bullet will take down all plains game including Eland. You didn't mention where you'll be hunting, so I'm unsure whether your hunting bushveld or savannah/open plains. Your .300 H&H would be my choice unless you have something lighter. There are excellent bullets available currently that add a lot to the lighter calibers. Best of luck on your hunt.

Of those four take the 300 and the 375. If you have something smaller then take that and the 300.

Thanks for the responses.

I don't have a problem with the recoil on the 416, and it shoots well, so that's why I was leaning that way.

But, the 375 is a shooter, as well, so it's going to be the backup.

I took both a 375 and a 414 rem. I found the 416 with 350 gr TSX flatter shooting than my 375 with 270 gr TSX. They both shot a 1/2moa.
Past 250 yards the 416 rem did a lot better.
It is not to much for Zebra and Bluewildebeest.
The TSX in both guns were a little tough for the smaller plains game. Everything died, but not as if hit by lighting.

good luck
JD

300 and 375

I don't know the answer to your question ---but would like to have your guns!!
go have some fun!

quote:

Originally posted by quickshot:
I don't know the answer to your question ---but would like to have your guns!!
go have some fun!

Tx. I also bought the Browning 375 from my buddy (he picked up a Pre-64 in 375 with a G&H Side Mount), and he used to have a 338 WM in the Browning Safari, as well. But, a cousin of his booked a safari with some friends and needed a rifle, so (for insurance purposes) my buddy "sold" him the 338 on condition that he sell it back when he returned from the safari.

When the cousin went on safari, apparently the PH raved about the rifle, so much so, that when dear cousin returned home, he refused to sell it back!!!

However, cousin is now getting up in years, and won't be doing any more safaris, so we're planning to gently nudge him into selling the rifle back to my buddy, so I can add it to my collection.

Ain't family fun??

While on this thread, what about a .308 win for a strictly PG safari?

Going to Zim on other business in Feb 08 & was going to take my .308 win Kimber and shoot PG for 5 days afterwards.

It shoots 180 gn TSX fairly well. Other bullet better?

I'd save myself the hassle of transporting a firearm and use one of Dirk's rifles. He has a Blaser R93 with a Zeiss scope just for a loaner. I think it's .300WM.
.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris01:
I'd save myself the hassle of transporting a firearm and use one of Dirk's rifles. He has a Blaser R93 with a Zeiss scope just for a loaner. I think it's .300WM.
.

Some people like using their own rifles, but it will safe a lot of hassle using the PH's.

Unless Eland is on the menu, take only your .300, there is no need to have an extra rifle with you on a PG trip. If Eland is an option takee only the .375 H&H. If something bad befalls your rifle or scope, your P.H. will have the tools for the job!

Enjoy your hunt

www.infinito-safaris.com

Leave the extra "big gun" at home and take a shotgun or .22lr/.22 mag.

I'd go on safari with the H&H twins (not identical twins)

you got time to do a switch barrel in 300 and 375 h+h...and 458 lott too if you need it

WannabeBwana,

There is nothing wrong with using a DG rifle on plains game! I've shot quite a number of impala with a .458 WM and a .458 Lott! If you want to practice using such a DG rifle on PG - go ahaed and enjoy doing it. But if you want to decide about rifles for a PG safari....

Go sit down quietly with a pen and some paper, a cold beer is optional, and then write down short answers to the following questions:

1. Is it really important for me personally to shoot my African trophies with my very own rifle? You will be "hunting" them with Dirk, but after the hunt is over, and successfully completed [i.e. the final trophy evaluation done] you do also want to actually shoot the animal yourself! The question is only about the ownership of the final shooting tool. You will here consider factors like: If the airlines loose your gun case both your favorites are gone! You have also mentally prepared to just shoot with your own rifles, if the airlines loose entirely, or just misplace for some weeks your gun case, your safari may also be a bit ruined!


Now if the answer to this first question is basically a "Yes - I most definitely want to use my very own rifle!", then go to Q2(a): If your honest reply is a "Yes - I would like to, but it is not essential.", you go to Q2(b): If your honest reply is something like "Does it really matter with whose rifle I finally shoot the trophy after the hunt?" you go to Q2(c):

2(a). Is eland on the menu? If yes take the 300 H&H and the .375 H7H! If eland is not on the menu, do you have any rifle in 6.5 to 7 mm that also shoots well?

2(b). Is you know your 300 H&H to be at least as reliable as you basic wish to hunt with your own rifle. Basically: You want to hunt with your own rifle, but do not absolutely insist on it: Your 300 H&H has never let you down, and you are prepared to take the chance of having to use a loan rifle on the known reliability of this rifle & scope combo. Send e-mail to Dirk and enquire about loan rifles that he can provide; As about left or right handed, accuracy, ammo type used, action, caliber, scope, reticule, stock length of pull, and all that you want to know to satisfy yourself that you will 'most likely' feel comfortable using such a loan rifle. If you are satisfied, take only your .300 H&H, and use a loan rifle if your 'shoots like a laser' goes all wrong. You have quite a few rifles, and probably will shoot quite well with a loaner: It is only the man who has been hunting with one single rifle for a long time who must beware of suddenly finding himself in a strange environment, shooting at strange animals with a strange rifle who must beware of using a loaned rifle.

2(c). Just go straight to asking about the use of loan rifles, and decide further once you have the info.

If you are still not sure of what to do: Consider the suggestion by Redlander, and then communicate and ask your PH about possible opportunities to shoot some hyrax, meercat, other small game that really don't need a 300 H&H to be effectively killed.

The basic thing for you to now do is to communicate with Dirk: You have booked with him: He is already your PH, and I'm sure he will like to help you decide!

To ledvm:

If I don't use a muzzleloader, I do all my own plains game hunting with a .308 win, one that also 'shoots like a lazer'! From ultra-long distance redknobbed coot [shot as a varmint], grassveld [long distance] springbok to kudu, gemsbuck and blue wildebeest in the bush: They all die instantly or very soon after being hit if I do my part well!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

If it where me I would go .416, If you shoot the .416 well I would take that and maybe load some 300-350 gr bullets. I love the .416 cal.

Not everyone feels like there is a kinship between the hunter and rifle. My rifles are a part of the experience - a different kind of trophy after the hunt. I can't help but think "that's the rifle I used to drop that eland" - every time it comes out of the gun cabinet. My wife thinks I'm nuts since she had to endure the long lines clearing customs coming and going.

That said - I took 2 guns to Dirks last summer. Good thing as the airline broke the stock on one going over. I always take a backup - even if its just a dove hunt an hour away. It doesn't usually see the light of day - but having a backup has saved my bacon on a couple of occasions.

Dirk has some nice loaners for sure, but I would opt for the .300 and the .375. I bagged an eland with my .300 WM, but wouldn't have minded having something with more horsepower when the time came to squeeze the trigger.

I felt very fortunate that all the shots I was offered were at reasonably short range - and came away from the experience thinking I was not overgunned or undergunned with my .300 WM.

By the way, if you think you need a little gun for smaller game, ask Dirk about borrowing his .22 Hornet. That's as sweet a rifle as I ever touched - IF you remember how light the trigger pull is!

Good luck on your hunt.

David

quote:

Originally posted by Chris01:
I'd save myself the hassle of transporting a firearm and use one of Dirk's rifles. He has a Blaser R93 with a Zeiss scope just for a loaner. I think it's .300WM.
.

This is VERY true. If you are not hung up on using your own, it is MUCH less hassle to travel without your firearms. Not to mention the whole deal with the Canadian Export permits you will require, etc....

BUT, if you are like most of us, and want to take your rifle out of the gun case at some point in the future, and fondle it while reminiscing about its glory days on safari in Africa...well...take 'em!

Congrats on booking a trip, WannabeBwana!! I have missed this post somehow. I bet you are stoked!

If I were you, I'd take the 375. I used a 375 on most of the PG I took on my two trips to RSA. I used a 300 WM for a few animals, but always felt better with the 375.

Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

I'd save myself the hassle of transporting a firearm and use one of Dirk's rifles.

I've often wished I could keep a pair of shotguns and a couple of rifles at each and every hunting destination I would ever go to.

I can't imagine NOT taking my own rifles to Africa. What is the point in having rifles for Africa that stay home in the gunsafe? If you like your .416, take that, the heck w/ practical, it's your safari. I took 2 rifles my first trip for PG & then just my .404J on my buffalo hunt. Traveling w/ one or two is the same hassle. Sure it's a bit more weight but you aren't taking a bunch of cloths along, so why not another rifle?

For your second gun, take your favorite shotgun and enjoy some Sand Grouse and Guinea Fowl shooting.

I'd have to vote for the .375 as well if you're going to take 2. I agree though, you'd have all you need with the .300 only. Use Enough Gun and I have shot about every species available in South Africa with the .300 short mag without any problem. I've also used 30-06 in Zimbabwe and it's a very fun caliber to take.

Definitely the 375. The 416 is too much for PG