Cape Buff Bullet

20 February 2009, 17:43

muygrande

Cape Buff Bullet - 375H&H

Well, I thought I was ready BUT am now looking for some confirmation of choices. What is different to the buffalo of 300 AFR or 300 Woodleigh SP versus a 300 North Fork? Will follow up with 300 Barnes Solids.

I have read so many threads that my head is spinning. Just looking for a little "on the ground" comparison.

20 February 2009, 18:10

philny1

I too hope to do what will be my first buffalo hunt. I have several 375s. I plan on using Barnes 300 gr TSX and their 300 gr solid. I used their bullets in the past in several different chamberings with success.
Will be interested in your final choice.
Thanks
Phil

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20 February 2009, 18:23

Schrodinger's Cat

Albeit, with only two Buff kills, I am far short of being an expert. That being said, I shot both of mine with 300 TSX. The first was a one shot kill behind the shoulder. The second was when the buffalo was looking at me straight on. I shot him square in the chest, he dropped to his knees, instantly rebounded, ran 15 yards and stopped and I finished him. The bullet from directly in the chest was recovered back in one of his stomachs, finally stopped by the stomach contents (Something that looks like packed green paper mache). The recovered bullet looked like a Barnes advertisment. There it is, for what it is worth.

The only easy day is yesterday!

20 February 2009, 19:14

MARK H. YOUNG

muy grande

There are lots of fine buffalo bullets available but if I could pick one it would be the TSX. I don't think you would need any other bullets or perhaps another rifle for your whole safari.

Mark

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20 February 2009, 22:49

muygrande

20 February 2009, 23:58

MARK H. YOUNG

muygrande

PH's often have great experience but are not up on all the new inovations in the hunting industry. They usually recommend what they have seen work in the field and that only makes sense. Of course that does not mean that there are not other good products out there that equal or surpass a particular PH's recommendation. I think the TSX is one of those that not every PH is aware of yet.

Mark

21 February 2009, 00:18

Michael Robinson

I believe in taking only one particular load per rifle per trip - except in case solids are needed, and then I believe in taking only two loads, one loaded with an expanding bullet and the other with a solid.

You will be fine with the TSX. It's a great bullet. The North Fork or the Swift A-Frame would serve you well, too. If you need a solid, you can keep things "all in the family" and match the Barnes banded flat nosed solid to the TSX.

I'm not sure what you will be after besides cape buffalo, but the TSX bullets will do anything you might justifiably ask an expanding bullet to do on any animal out there.

Mike

Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.

21 February 2009, 00:26

muygrande

MR, at this point it will be the 300 Woodleigh RNSP and the 300 Barnes Solid. Do have a full bag of plains game to include sable, nyala, eland, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, zebra, tesessbe, etc. However, will be taking a second rifle, 338-06 with 210gr TTSX for some of the work.

21 February 2009, 02:51

You can't go wrong with the North Fork, I loaded winchester cases with 71 gr RX 15 and they shot to the same point of impact with soft, flat point solid and cup point solid at over 2600 fps, recovered softs look just text book perfect.

Michael Podwika... DRSS bigbores and hunting www.pvt.co.za " MAKE THE SHOT " 450#2 Famars

21 February 2009, 08:16

Wendell Reich

You can't go wrong with that list of bullets. Pick one that shoots well in your gun and go with it.

Personal preference is A-frames and TSX. I like the Barnes solids. I have recovered both Swift A-frame and Barnes solids from Buffao (.458 caliber).

You will be fine. Have a good hunt.

21 February 2009, 18:14

Labman

I'm far from an expert, but my last Buff was shot with a 300 Gr. Northfork solf from my 375 H&H. My Ph had never heard of that bullet and was somewhat skeptical and wanted me to have solids in the magazine as a backup. Only needed the one shot. The PH was very impressed with the recovered bullet and the performance on the buff. In fact he said "tell the bloke who makes those bullets not to change a thing, he has it right."

Tom Z

NRA Life Member

21 February 2009, 22:12

martinbns

Thanks everyone for your imput and looks like TSX is odds on favorite here today. Not even in the mix for my PH, I too like them but with over forty years in the bush I will try to make him happy. Sure hope our buff is in agreement

Not all bullets available here are widely available around the world. My PH refused to use handloads in case he made a mistake when he was hunting DG. This is contrary to my experience, but I had to respect his choices. I pulled the 30 cal 168 gr TSX bullets from our leftover ammo to give to his buddy we met who did handload. He told me they cost the equivalient of $3 each when he could get them in RSA.

22 February 2009, 02:13

bwana dogo

MuyGrande,
I've been fortunate to kill 9 buffalo with my .375 H&H. Seven were with Barnes X 300gr. and two were with 300gr. Trophy Bonded Bearclaws.All 9 died quickly and humanely.I agree with other posters: Bullet placement is the most important feature.There are a number of quality controlled expansion bullets available today that didn't exist 40 yrs ago.Go hunting!Bwana Dogo

22 February 2009, 02:52

ivan carter

quote:
There are lots of fine buffalo bullets available but if I could pick one it would be the TSX. I don't think you would need any other bullets or perhaps another rifle for your whole safari.

+1 agree 100% with you mark

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23 February 2009, 06:47

muygrande

Certainly a lot of experience talking here and much appreciated for certain.

Did have a great range session with the 338-06 today. Loaded four each of 51-52-53 of RL 15 and the 210 TTSX. First up at 51 grains 1/2". Don't know why I wasted the next eight but they began to spread out with the 52 gr going a little over and inch and 53 on out to about 1 1/2. Gotta luv this light 8 lb pre 64 fwt bored out to 338. At least on 90% of my bag it will be either no game seen or "shame on me"!

Now for that 375 magic. Still working but concerned that the Barnes Solid does not seem to care if it is under a 73-74-75 gr load of RL 15? All are ok at 1-1 1/2" at 100 so now it depends on which of the three want to group with the solid the Woodleigh, North Fork A Frame.

Thanks again for all the input.

23 February 2009, 21:41

butchloc

i have to agree with mark. while i've used the woodleigh sp on buff i think they are to soft. a frames work well but the barnes give me solid like penetration. and I hereby make a public apology for agreeing with mark

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24 February 2009, 04:48

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

With the TSX solids are not necessary. Ask John DuPlooy what he recommends.

Mark

Well that would make things even easier as far as not needing multiple ammo in the belt.

I presume from your post that DuPlooy is a fan as well?

24 February 2009, 05:13

MARK H. YOUNG

Jim,

If Iremeber that was the conversation I had with John but yo ushould ask him directly. More and more PH are coming around the way of thinking that solids are not necessary for buff. Now in the Luangwa late season when you are going you may have a shot at a Sharps grybok. This would be better served with a solid.

Mark

24 February 2009, 09:06

crbutler

When I was there I was told by Johnnie, Abie and Alister to stick with the TSX. I had some solids for the small stuff, but it was never in the gun when the chance came.

Everything I shot with the .375 300 grain TSX exited.

The stuff I shot with the .416 400 grain TSX did not always, but either went through the whole hippo skull, or a few feet of buffalo. I have no hesitation to recommend the TSX in an appropriate load (Federal Premium or chronographed at 2400-2550 FPS handloads)

Good luck in Namibia and Zambia. You will love the Luangwa Valley- its almost a Zoo with all the game you will see!

24 February 2009, 10:47

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by crbutler:
When I was there I was told by Johnnie, Abie and Alister to stick with the TSX. I had some solids for the small stuff, but it was never in the gun when the chance came.

Everything I shot with the .375 300 grain TSX exited.

The stuff I shot with the .416 400 grain TSX did not always, but either went through the whole hippo skull, or a few feet of buffalo. I have no hesitation to recommend the TSX in an appropriate load (Federal Premium or chronographed at 2400-2550 FPS handloads)

Good luck in Namibia and Zambia. You will love the Luangwa Valley- its almost a Zoo with all the game you will see!

All I need to know now is how the hell do you deal with waiting 20 months!!

24 February 2009, 15:58

infinito

quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:

I think the TSX is one of those that not every PH is aware of yet.

Mark

I find that VERY hard to believe Mark...and yes it is a very good bullet, as is the others mentioned, and a personal thumbs up from me for the Swifts...although bullet placement is the MOST important thing....so make sure you shoot them bullets very well and are comfortable and confident with the loads....

Good luck....we look forward to the report..

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24 February 2009, 21:50

Frostbit

Well I took Mark's advice and emailed Johnny. Laura returned an email and said Johnny thinks the TSX is a great bullet and that none of their PH's like solids for buffalo. They prefer "soft nose bullets".

26 February 2009, 18:02

Adrian Parham

For hunting buffalo the TSX is my favorite and I also agree with Mark that it makes the solid superflous.
My 416Rem., 404, and 375 shoot the TSX well and it is all I take to Africa. Having said that, forr 30 cal. and below the A frame consistently provides a larger exit hole and results in a more reliable blood trail and I'm all about a good blood trail. JMO.
Adrian