I'm headed for Zambia in September of '06 and will take my 416 Rigby using 400 Gr Barnes TSX handloads for lion, buffalo and hippo. I'll also bring my 375 H&H as my "light" rifle. I've choosen it as it will do fine on the plains game but will also give me some peace of mind while in dangerous game country.

My question is, which weight Barnes TSX bullet would you use in the 375, 270 or 300 grain?

The 300gr. would be preference. The extra mass may help it penetrate more deeply, offsetting some of the braking effect caused by the expansion of these bullets.

George

For general PG hunting, I would go w/ the 270gr. There is some merit to using 300gr as a backup to your .416 though, one load for everything.

SBT: I think the 270gr Fail Safe or TSX would serve you well as your "light rifle." My friend Todd used his with 300gr Swift A Frames to take everything from buffalo to impala and a hell of a shot at a kudu at 352 yards. The 270 TSXs higher BC would help out to, but I thik I'd go with the 300gr TSX as I thik that's "the" bullet weight for the 375. jorge

My wife and I took a 416 Rigby and a 375H&H to Tanzania. Used 400 grain Barnes X in the 416 Rigby and 300 grain Swift A-frame in the 375 H&H. If it was me I would stay with the 300 grain bullet in the 375H&H. I shot some plains game with the 375 and she used it on a buffalo and hippo. I took several animals w/ both rifles that were quartering away, and I like the heavier bullet for these shots. If I was going to use a 270 grain bullet (instead of the 300 grain) I would use the 270 grain Barnes TSX.

I took my .375 only. I shot Buff and Large and small plains game with the one gun/bullet combo,300gn Barnes X. Never let me down,although i did track the buff for 2 Hours after hitting him. Also lost a waterbuck, but that was due my poor shooting, not the gun/ammo.

Scott,

My 375 and Barnes X 300gr and Bridger solids
all shoot the same...I like the damage the X bullets do....

Mike

How is the factory Hornady ammo in 270 gr SP for Africa? My dad used this for a Alberta Mulie and it was pretty impressive to say the least. African Animals are a whole new ball of wax though. Any experiences?

If this wouldn't be good what would you guys suggest? It will be used on a 10 day Buff/PG hunt in TZ. Any suggestions?

I would shoot the one that is the most accurate (assuming both feed perfectly). It won't matter to the animal which one you hit it with, it ain't gonna like it.

How good are the Hornady 270 SP and 300gr Solids in the grand scheme of things? Is there a better ammo out there?

I would stick with only one bullet 300gr. and solids and not have to worry about sighting and remember bullet impact..
In 02 I shot all plains game with 300gr from 375 from 100yds to 400..zebra, bushbuck 2, wart hog, wildbeeste, and kudu big holes and crushing impact...Don't have to worry about wounding...

Mike

I have used 270 grain bullets in my .375s, except for solids. I have used 300 grain solids.

At close range, the points of impact of the two different weight bullets have not varied enough to make any difference.

Sounds good as the primary rifle too. 300 gr.

Scott

Having done the same basic hunt you and John are going on twice I do have some opinions. First I'd leave the 416 for buffalo only. The lion and the hippo will require a precise shot and it should be easier to deliver with a softer recoiling rifle. Plus the 375 will blow a smaller hole in the hippo skull if you want it for a trophy. Also I would put a medium power variable on the 375 because the lion will in all probability show up in the last minutes of light and the increase magnification will be a big help. Additionally you'll find 6X or so helpful to make that brain shot on the hippo.

I would stick with the 300 TSX as it will work for everything. You won't need any solids unless you try for croc or grybok.

What are your dates? I have 3 buffalo hunters in Chanjusi through Sept. 1. It is possible you may be able to use some of their hippo and buff for lion bait.

Mark

Mark,
Your advise is sound. Actual hunting days are September 1-21.

Scott,

I am loading the Barnes triple shock 300grs for all game but I am also taking a range finder to know exact range to baits for croc, leopard and lion...

Mike

Mike,

If you don't mind, what load are you using?

quote:

What are your dates? I have 3 buffalo hunters in Chanjusi through Sept. 1. It is possible you may be able to use some of their hippo and buff for lion bait.

I wonder who those intrepid sportsmen are and if they can shoot straight?

bwanamrm,

Who is going with you? That would be great to be able to use some of your buffalo meat. I am a little concerned about getting in a rush to kill some bait and not waitingfor a good buffalo.

Scott,

I have shot H414 75grs.

RL 15 70grs
They were tweeked a 10th of a gr. either way...to see if they would do better..


Mike