Next July I’ll do my first and probably last (due to my age) hunting trip to South Africa. For budget reasons I chose a reduction hunt package: 1 Nyala, 1 Striped Wildebeest, 2 Impalas ,1 Warthog.
I possess: 1 Weatherby Vanguard Sub MOA in 7 mm Rem. Mag., 1 Voere Titan in 7x64 and one CZ 550 Carbine (Mannlicher style) in 30.06.
I am a bit reluctant to use the 7 R.M., being the rifle accurate but long, fitted with muzzle brake (it seems that PH don’t like the device) and tested only with light bullets (Barnes TTSX 140 grs).
The 7x64 as well is tested only with 140 grs (Nosler Partition and Hornady SST).
The 30.06 is well proven with Sierra HPBT 165 grs, with outstanding accuracy (3 shots one hole at 100 m). Due to bullet weight and short barrel (20 in.) the MV is limited to 760 m/s (2493 fps).
According to the agent the area is covered with vegetation and shots are never taken beyond 200 m.

Questions to colleagues with more African experience.
1. Is the Sierra suitable for the planned game, with special reference to the Wildebeest?
2. If not which other bullet is suggested?
3. Which bullets are suggested for the 7x64 and for the a.m. game?

Many thanks in advance.

Any of your three rifles will work. The 140 TTSX will work fine. Most PH's do hate muzzle brakes and I agree with them. Looks like your 7x64 is all set up with the Nosler Partitions. I'm a big fan of Hornady bullets, but I think the SST is to fragile for Wildebeest.

Your 30/06 with 165's will also work well but I'd suggest a premium bullet like the Nosler Partition, Nosler Accubond, TTSX, Aframe etc.

If you don't want to use a premium bullet in your 06 just take the 7x64. If you decide to take your 7 mag. bring an extra pair of earmuffs for your PH.

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Your 30/06 with 165's will also work well but I'd suggest a premium bullet like the Nosler Partition, Nosler Accubond, TTSX, Aframe etc.

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fitted with muzzle brake (it seems that PH don’t like the device)

Those PH's are smart guys and they are not alone with this dislike.

Your 30-06 will do fine but I would use a Nosler Accubond

I will third the 30-06. I load 180 Accubonds in that caliber for 30-06 in Africa.

30-06, 180 grain A Frames.

The .30-06 will work with all of those, but I would rather get a heavier bullet or go to a monometal at that weight. A simple 165 cup and core will probably not hold up to a wildebeest shoulder.

To me, both of your 7mms would be just fine with the TTSX or the partition loads. While PH's don't like muzzle brakes, they really don't like bad shooting more...

The SST bullet is pretty soft, so I would not use that on wildebeest But otherwise none of the critters you listed would be an issue, assuming reasonable shot selection.

If the 7 mag is the most accurate, I would take it. Really, none of your choices are bad choices.

I tend to avoid the monometals at the top end of the range due to a lack of speed. At least the ttsx's need some good smack to perform properly. I haven't tried the e-tip.

The 3006 will work perfectly.

If you go with something like Accubonds I would go 180gr.

If you want a monometal I use the 150gr Barnes TTSX with one shot kills of plains game to the Waterbok and Zebra size game.

Once you know what caliber and load to bring to come and hunt make sure you practice a lot with the load on the range especially shooting from sticks.

Off topic, but what the heck is "striped" wildebeest?

Somebody calls "striped" the blue wildebeest.

I shot Red Hartebeest with my .309 JDJ using 165 Speer Grand Slams. It did just fine, so should your .30-06.

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Originally posted by jvw375:
Off topic, but what the heck is "striped" wildebeest?

Likely "brindled" with a some leeway for translation.