What is your favorite rifle to take to Africa?

29 March 2018, 02:00

SDSpink

I have used a Ruger 77 in 7mm Rem Mag, a Weatherby Vanguard in .257 Weatherby Mag, a Remington 700 in .300 WSM, a CZ 550 in .375 H&H and thanks to my lucky win in the African Sporting Safari/Outdoor Quest hunt giveaway, I can't wait to take my Winchester model 70 in .270 Weatherby Magnum on my trip in 2019.

29 March 2018, 02:10

sharpsguy

1874 Shiloh Sharps Business rifle in 45 2 7/8, commonly known as a 45-110. Hits like a sledge hammer and reaches way out there, if need be.

29 March 2018, 02:17

crbutler

It’s a toss up between 3. .470 NE Merkel double, .416 Rigby Dakota 76, and .375 H&H Dakota 76.

If I had to chose just one, it would be the Rigby as that was the first serious big game rifle I ever brought for myself. The H&H is the most versatile and I’ve shot the most game with it though.

29 March 2018, 03:46

Dale

I have always enjoyed Ruger #1s, so my last two trips to Africa I took a Ruger #1S in 9.3x62. I shot nyala, eland, waterbuck, zebra, sable, civet cat, grey duiker, and honey badger, all with the 250 gr. Barnes TTSX. (Also took a bushbuck with a Ruger #1A in 7x57.) They were all one-shot kills except the eland that took 3 before he finally went down. I took the same rifle to Texas in January and took 7 whitetails (one nice buck and 6 culls) with the 250 gr. Nosler Accubond.

29 March 2018, 03:56

drongo

quote:
Originally posted by surefire7:
I've read a lot of discussions on AR over the BEST rifles or calibers to take to Africa covering DG, PG, etc. And for this question, we get specific answers.

But what is your favorite rifle/caliber that you LOVE to take on safari?

It's the rifle for which you conjure up the next hunt, just so that you can take that rifle.

I'm not asking for the best caliber to take to Africa for any particular animal, nor the best 'all around rifle/caliber'.

It may be a small, medium or large bore.

It's the rifle that you WANT to take on safari, whether it fits into any particular battery or not.

You dream of taking this rifle to Africa to hunt SOMETHING! Just because you love this rifle.

Mine would be a tie between my two Dakota rifles in 404 Jeffery and 35 Whelen. But I said favorite which implies just one, so...

OK! My 404 Jeffery.

My Dakota 76 .375 H&H. It may be the only rifle I take next time. It went on my last trip with a 12 gauge Beretta for sand grouse.
And yours?

29 March 2018, 06:05

Michael Robinson

Okay, second, smaller bore choice. I never take anything smaller than a .375 anymore.

This is my favorite, a Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 actioned, AHR made, .375 H&H Magnum.

29 March 2018, 06:23

Harry

My 9.3,62 Husky with triple shock 286 Barnes or my Rem. Mod.721 in 30/06 and Nosler 180 gen. Partition. Both have been equal amount of times to Africa. Add 3 elk and lots of deer and 06 wins. I love shooting both calibers.

29 March 2018, 11:01

tysue

Used a 280 a few years back, wanted to test the Barnes Ttsx bullets in it. Shot Steenbok to Gemsbok and worked like a charm. Last 2 times too a model 88 in 308. Used Ttxs again, 150s first time then 130s. Hit them right, down. Plenty of penetration. Hit a black wildebeest at 200 yds, right hip, bullet found in the left shoulder. E. Cape Kudu at 250 yds,with the 150s,and they worked fine. Used a Marlin 95 in 45/70 first hunt. Took an Eland on that trip, with the wife's 06 and a 165gr Partition, hit at the rear of the ribs on the left side and bullet recovered from the right shoulder. Kind of like the 308, and the 280, but have an 06 too and see no reason for anything else.

29 March 2018, 16:50

jorge

My USA made MkV in 300 Weatherby. A dozen one shot kills in my two trips. Next year (finally) I'm taking my Custom shop 338 M70 and my VC Double in 450NE.

29 March 2018, 17:08

crshelton

D. Nelson,
Yes, for a bolt gun, a pre 64 Winnie is hard to beat and mine is well worn in ( so much that the metal and wood had to be refinished).

29 March 2018, 17:41

adamhunter

On three safaris, I have never taken the same rifle twice but have taken a 7mm RM, 338/06 & 375 H&H. On my next safari, game depending, I will most likely take a 6.x55 for the small stuff and one of the following: 9.3x62, 375H&H, or 404 Jefferey.

29 March 2018, 23:03

BuffHunter63

Winchester Model 70 Safari Express in .416 Rem Mag.

I have had two of these and both held their zero perfectly even after transit from Denver to RSA and Zimbabwe.

My first shot is almost always dead on at 100yds.

With either Barnes solids (for elephant) or Swift A-frames (for Cape Buffalo), the rifle/cartridge combinations have performed flawlessly.

BH63

30 March 2018, 00:26

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by D. Nelson:
My favorite by far is "Thelma" my .375 Win. Pre 64 H&H Built by Robby Barrkman of Robar Inc.

She's taken everything from Dik Dik to Elephant!

Here she is in 1996 in her original attire, beautiful wooden stock:

I had her change her attire to a synthetic stock with a carry sling. She isn't as pretty but just as sweet!

Best regards, D. Nelson

I can attest to that and one of the best running shots on buffalo that I have witnessed came from the barrel of rifle.

30 March 2018, 02:31

D. Nelson

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by D. Nelson:
My favorite by far is "Thelma" my .375 Win. Pre 64 H&H Built by Robby Barrkman of Robar Inc.

She's taken everything from Dik Dik to Elephant!

Here she is in 1996 in her original attire, beautiful wooden stock:

I had her change her attire to a synthetic stock with a carry sling. She isn't as pretty but just as sweet!

Best regards, D. Nelson

I can attest to that and one of the best running shots on buffalo that I have witnessed came from the barrel of rifle.

Andrew;

I wished all my shots were like that

30 March 2018, 04:06

Frostbit

My Hoffman Arms .375 H&H would be my one battery go to. Never had an African animal complain about it.

Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit concerned on the Sitatunga shot.

Cheers
Jim

______________________
DRSS
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Hunt Reports

2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112
2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012
DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191
Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771
Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141
Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141

30 March 2018, 10:53

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
My Hoffman Arms .375 H&H would be my one battery go to. Never had an African animal complain about it.

Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit concerned on the Sitatunga shot.

Cheers
Jim

I seem to remember you saying it will be fine out to 250 which caused me some consternation!

30 March 2018, 11:20

TMZ

My MG Arms Ultralight in 35 Whelen, scoped with a Swaro Z6i 1.7-10x42. Absolutely my most worn tool in the tool box.

30 March 2018, 22:08

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
My Hoffman Arms .375 H&H would be my one battery go to. Never had an African animal complain about it.

Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit concerned on the Sitatunga shot.

Cheers
Jim

I seem to remember you saying it will be fine out to 250 which caused me some consternation!

Still worried?

31 March 2018, 00:51

cable68

I'm a Winchester 70 classic kind of guy. I've got 3 in different chamberings, and all have gone to Africa: 300 WM, 375 H&H, 404 Jeff.

Recently added a 270 in a pre-64 to the stable.

31 March 2018, 01:16

JGRaider

Tikka 695 7mm Rem Magnificent, launching 160 nosler accubonds.

31 March 2018, 01:32

ismith

quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
My Hoffman Arms .375 H&H would be my one battery go to. Never had an African animal complain about it.

Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit concerned on the Sitatunga shot.

Cheers
Jim

I seem to remember you saying it will be fine out to 250 which caused me some consternation!

Still worried?

I’d love to see some photos of this Hoffman Arms rifle!

31 March 2018, 01:42

Kevin375

I hunt mainly plains game when I go to africa and my favourite rifle is my Blaser R93 in .300 Winchester magnum with its Bix'n andy trigger. Killed more than 100 Namibian big games with it from my feet to...extremely far. I also take every time my other R93 in .375 H&H magnum but even if I love this caliber I prefer to keep it as a back-up rifle. The next time the last one will stay at home because I take my new .458 Lott for big stuff...but my .300 Winchester magnum will be with me for plains game.

31 March 2018, 03:16

mdwest

Winchester 70 Classic in .375 H&H... my one size fits all rifle for Africa..

31 March 2018, 03:50

Bill73

I always take two guns,a double rifle & a bolt action & sometimes a lever action,for the DR's,it's a toss up between the Heym 470,K-gun 500-416 Or my CZ O/U 458Lott,they have all seen action,for a bolt my most successful without fail gun is my 338 Lapua Dakota African,taken a lot of game with it including cow buff & a huge giraffe,these are my favorite guns so far,am going back this fall,will take a 450-400 & a 376 Steyr,I love to reload & like to switch calibers whenever I can,keeps it interesting

31 March 2018, 04:13

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by ismith:
quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by Frostbit:
My Hoffman Arms .375 H&H would be my one battery go to. Never had an African animal complain about it.

Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit concerned on the Sitatunga shot.

Cheers
Jim

I seem to remember you saying it will be fine out to 250 which caused me some consternation!

Still worried?

I’d love to see some photos of this Hoffman Arms rifle!

You're in luck. Photobucket somehow missed holding the original pictures hostage.

Hoffman Arms with 1938 Winchester action.

31 March 2018, 05:02

Slider

My 500 N.E.

05 April 2018, 04:16

juanpozzi

My old cz 375hyh ,its THE rifle world .

06 April 2018, 04:16

Tim Vining

Model 70, 30-06
SAKO AV 375 H&H
Since shoulder replacement surgery I needed to step down on the recoil factor. I love my 416 REM MAG, shot it the other day, even though wearing my sissy pad, I thought I had a heart attack after firing a shot. Another rifle to be sent off to have a muzzle brake

06 April 2018, 05:02

376 steyr

A ruger model 77 hawkeye rebarreled to 376 steyr and loaded with 300 grain nos-partitions.

06 April 2018, 05:03

dogcat

I have taken several. Favorite is which ever one makes it into the case. Right now it is my HS Precision .375HH and .300WM. I just acquired a Dakota Traveler in .416 Rem and .300HH, so that is now my favorite. However, I have yet to shoot them at anything.
If they fail me, I am fickle, they will be sold and I move to my new favorite - Blaser R8!!!!

06 April 2018, 05:04

dogcat

quote:
Originally posted by Tim Vining:
Model 70, 30-06
SAKO AV 375 H&H
Since shoulder replacement surgery I needed to step down on the recoil factor. I love my 416 REM MAG, shot it the other day, even though wearing my sissy pad, I thought I had a heart attack after firing a shot. Another rifle to be sent off to have a muzzle brake

I bought a suppressor for one of mine and it knocks the recoil to ok and the noise to nothing....

06 April 2018, 22:01

Atkinson

Just read Palmers post, that's the 404 Id like to take to Africa!! I never got to hunt with it..

I can think of a few more like the 7x57 Im just about finished with, needs light engraving and rust blue by Jack Belk.