My son and I are going to RSA in 2007 for a plains game hunt with no Eland or Giraffe on the menu. My son shoots a 270 here for deer, but I got his new rifle for Africa today, a Sako 75 Hunter in 30-06. I will be carrying a Sako AV in 300 WIn. Originally I was going to get us matching calibres, but both guns will be registered to me as he will have just turned 18 and he has to be 21 in South Africa to get the permit. The not being able to import two rifles of the same calibre kind of killed that idea. I had great luck with my 168 gr barnes TSX's last fall here and am planning to use the same bullet in both calibres. what do you guys think? The rifle BTW is surprise.

It's been my experience that the heavier bullet weights available on the larger caliber rifle will be a welcomed addition to your battery in Africa. You did good, Dad.

Though I'm sure you'll be fine with the 168's, I'd be tempted to go with 200's in the .300 WM. I have taken them twice to RSA on plains game only hunts in the .300 WSM and had great success with them. African plains game are tough! Even if you're not after the bigger stuff, the more lockdown power will be welcomed.

The 168 gr TSX is a great choice, you will find that unlike convential (old fashion ) bullets it dosen't loose a significat amount of weight on impact that a lighter bullet will work with the same authority as heavier conventional bullets In shor the 168 gr TSX will don anything a 180gr or 200gr convential willdo and will have a greated retained weight and better penatration. Also more than a few of my friends have found the TSX to be the most accurate bullet in their rifles.
Good Luck
Dr B

I have been using 200gr Barnes X bullets in my .30-06 with great success on all African plains game in the bushveld. Other ammo that perfoms well on non-dangerous bushveld game is Winchester's 180gr Core Lokt but there are several other ammunition and bullet manufacturers that make equally good products. Although the 168grainers you mentioned should do the trick I would suggest that you look at using heavier bullets for more knock-down power.

I'm in full agreement with what Dr B said.

Before we went to Botswana I got my sons 30-06s. We used federal 180 gr TBBCs. Both the guns and the rounds worked fine. I'm sure that your son will love his 30-06 and you will love hunting with your son.

TerryR

Have him take the 270 as a back up just in case something happens to the 06.

Martinbms,

Good choice of rifles..They will not let you down..I can speak from experience those Barnes bullets are the 21st century of bullent design and are they desctructive....
Practice shooting off sticks and you and your son will have a super time...YOU will have even better watching your son..

Mike

Lots of practice.

I took a .300 Win Mag for plains game and like the 180 grain Accubonds loaded by federal the best. Lots of animals fell over with one shot.