Would a .30-caliber 165-grain Partition at 2,600 fps at the muzzle be adequate for zebra?

Zebras are tough animals. Your choice will be just fine if properly placed. I killed one that weighed over 750lbs with a 338WinMag 225gr Trophy Bonded, it was the only animal that the bullet did not exit from during my first trip to RSA in '04. Through the ribs, heart and stopped in the off side shoulder.

Dave: Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like the 165 is right on the edge, although I have heard some say they consider a 7X57 with 175-grain bullet "enough" under the right circumstances. Trouble is, circumstance aren't often "right" and it sounds like your .338 was an excellent choice.

It'll work, but bigger is better, IMHO. Zebras are indeed tough.

I have killed several zebras. (I'm running out of floor space!) The smallest caliber I have used has been the .338 Win. Mag. and the largest a .416 Rigby. I have killed more with the .375 H&H Mag. than the others.

I think it's a toss up between the .338 Win. Mag. and the .375 H&H Mag. as to the ideal. The .375 has the advantage of being a true DG caliber (legally and otherwise) when walking around in DG country. The 9.3x62mm would be another close to ideal choice.

No.

I was amazed what it took to put my zebra down. I was using my 300 Win Mag firing 200 grain Nosler Partitions @ ~2850 fps. First shot was maybe 200 yards into the left shoulder exiting the right - easy broadside shot. Second bullet quartering away into the ribs and out in front of the off shoulder. Third bullet was a texas heart shot as he ran away - don't know how far it penetrated but it did not exit. He then covered about 300 yards before collapsing under a tree. He was still kicking and rolling when we got to him. I don't think it had one internal organ intact. Both lungs, heart and liver were destroyed. The abdominals were mush and he still went for 300 yards. Don't take them too lightly.

I think 180-200 grain like swift A-frame is a better choice for Zebra and other tough Plains game.

Again, appreciate the thoughts. I'm thinking pretty seriously about taking a CZ in 9.3X62 to Namibia for plains game, but my brother, who wants to hunt impala and zebra, wanted to know if he could simply bring his Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage. I realize this is virtually an unheard of rifle and caliber for Africa, but I know it would be fine for most of the smaller and medium-sized antelopes as it is only about 150 fps behind the .308.

If all I had was a .308/165gr, then I think I would shift to the TSX for better penetration. I took mine w/ a 210rNP from my .338-06. It did a fine job giving a pass thru on the broadside shot.

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/721108671/m/232109671

Go to Saeeds hunting videos - above link. Watch the Nyala videos - they all seem to be hit with a death ray, even one with a 150-grain, 7mm Balistic Tip. Then watch the zebra videos (not all of them seem to be working). Every zebra ran after the shot - no matter what hit them.

I think your Savage 99 would be an interesting choice for a safari. A second rifle would be a good idea though. I can only speak from shooting one zebra but personally I'd bring something heavier for the larger animals. It is good to have a back-up anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
...my brother, who wants to hunt impala and zebra, wanted to know if he could simply bring his Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage. I realize this is virtually an unheard of rifle and caliber for Africa, but I know it would be fine for most of the smaller and medium-sized antelopes as it is only about 150 fps behind the .308.

The "PH" who organized a leopard tracking hunt for me used a M99 in 300 Savage. It was a surprise to me to see it, but there is no telling how many head of game that rifle has accounted for. This guy worked in southern Botswana and most of the time was employed by the ranchers there for predator control and culling.

FWIW, I'll second or third the opinions that zebra are tough and I'd want to use a 180 grain 30 cal as a practical minimum. You can burn a lot of safari time chasing a wounded zebra. It's just not worth chancing it when time is so expensive.

My dad killed a mountain zebra a couple years ago with a .270 WSM shooting 140 grain TSXs. I didn't seem to die any more slowly that the one I shot with a .338 and 225 grain TSXs. Anecdotal, sure, so take it for what it's worth.

Using bullets of equal weight the 300 Savage strikes nearly the same blow as the 303 British so it's pretty hard to say it's a non-starter. But having collected my zebra rug I can assure you I'd rather use a 9.3 instead of most any thirty.

My first plains game hunt was with a 300 H&H and my next will be with a 30-06. I have confidence that a 180 grain Northfork is enough.

I wouldn't use less bullet for Zebra, Kudu, Gemsbok, Wildebeest, or any animal of that size.

I have shot two zebras: one in Namibia with a 30-06 180grn A frame soft at about 125 yds with 1 shot; the other in Zim with a 375 300grn A frame soft about 100yds 2 shots, however, the second probably was not needed since the first went through the heart, but, we didn't want a long follow up. All the bullets existed the animals

Are they any harder to kill than a 1000 lb moose? My plan for next summer is 300 win mag and 168 gr TSX at 3200 fps and my son 30-06, same bullet at 2800.

Haven't used a Partition on a zebra, but this one was shot with a 200G Triple Shock .308 at about 225 yards. Complete pass through.

I have only killed one zebra, the 180 partition from my 3006 went through a rib, a shoulder blade, a rib and thirty plus inches of zebra before stopping in the skin on the off side. It was 135 yards out when shot, ran about seventy-five yards and fell over. That was the only bullet I was able to recover. But that is only one time and broad side.
Bfly

I shot my zebra with a .416 Rigby and it died just fine -hit it in the neck (where I was aiming). It would probably have died just as fast if I´d used a .222!

Shot placement gents!

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Alexander:
Haven't used a Partition on a zebra, but this one was shot with a 200G Triple Shock .308 at about 225 yards. Complete pass through.

Jeff what's the rifle and load?

thanks,


Okie John

This is a bit off the subject, however, mayby someone will answer this. I asked this question on another forum and did not get a response, so, I'll tyr again. My question is: how durable are zebra skins; i.e. can I use one as a rug, a drape on a sofa, or just hanging on the wall?

quote:

Originally posted by okie john:

Jeff what's the rifle and load?
thanks, Okie John

200 grain triple shock
67.0 G H4350
2709 fps

Model 70
300WM

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan Chick:
This is a bit off the subject, however, mayby someone will answer this. I asked this question on another forum and did not get a response, so, I'll tyr again. My question is: how durable are zebra skins; i.e. can I use one as a rug, a drape on a sofa, or just hanging on the wall?

You can use it as a rug - but its not too durable that way. The hair will rub off. I've got one as a wall mount and one as a pedestal mount. The one I get back next will be a rug - but I'm not going to walk on it much.

Jeff

I have a rug that has been on the floor in my den for 4 years and it doesn't seem to show any appreciable wear but it gets practically zero foot traffic. The other one was without the head and is used as a bed cover and looks nice also.

My son used a Barnes 180 grain TSX. Worked great.

I'd rather use a 180 or 200 grain in a .30, I have used a .375 and 270 NF on them.

Forgot to mention it was .30-06.

Have killed a few zebra and been in on a few others.

Some have involved a 308 Win or a 30-06 with 180-grain Nosler Partitions. Some have involved other calibers such as a 378 Wby with a 300-grain Swift A-frame or with a 300-grain Trophy Bonded Bearclaws.

Have had more troubles with zebra than any other African animal. Been involved in more tracking of wounded zebras than any other animals.

Zebra are tough for sure. But not sure that any of the problem zebras were due to inadequate caliber. Have had zebras drop to one shot from the 308, 30-06, and even 7 x 57. And had them run with 338 Win Mag with 250-grain Nosler Partitions.

Think the zebra gods have a sense of humor where I am involved.

Do recommend a tough bullet for good penetration.

And don't listen to the PH or by-stander who suggests not shooting again because the zebra is done. Keep shooting as long as you can see him.

Hammer

I have taken three Zebras: one with 375HH(3 shots), one with 30-338(1 shot), and one with 9.3x62(2 shots). My brother took his with a 7mmRM 160gr(1 shot). I'd say that the secret is bullet placement with a heavy for bore bullet. The 165gr in 308 is a bit small. I'd opt for the 180gr personally as long as the range will not put terminal velocity under 1900fps. Kudude

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Would a .30-caliber 165-grain Partition at 2,600 fps at the muzzle be adequate for zebra?

I would prefer 180grn to 220grn bullets with lower velocity and try a shot for just behind the shoulder bone.
And due to the fact that 30cal is on the lighter side, I would prefer a harder bullet such as the Swift A-Frame or Barns-X.
Ps; Would much prefer my 9.3
ozhunter

Update, I jjust watched one of the hunting shows, Africa trip for PG. The guy was using a Ruger scout rifle in .308. They didn't say what bullet he was using but I was really unimpressed w/ it's use on bigger game. He had to shoot his zebra at least 3 time, maybe 4 as he reloaded after his last shot. The he shot an elnad at least twice & that one was not recovered. When you step up to tougher animals I would go bigger bullets but at least use a tougher bullet for max. penetration.

I saw that show ( Ruger's) as well and was underwhelmed by the choice of calibers and that ridiculous forward mounted scope. I don't have anywhere near the experience of some here so when they say a 300 is plenty for zebra, eland, etc., I'm just not that convinced. Not saying it's a wrong choice, but I think I'd feel a whole lot better with a 338/340 or a 375 for zebra and eland. I used a 375 for mine and next time will probably use a 33. jorge

I took mine with a .270 Weatherby and 140-grain Barnes X. Shot placement is a big help and I managed to make that one where it counted.

Having said that, I had planned to use a 9.3x62 but had scope mount issues and spent too much ammo diagnosing them. I would prefer the extra margin but imagine a 180-grain .30 caliber in the right place would be adequate.

Well, I've killed 2 zebra in the Eastern Cape with a 257 WBY and 115 X bullets.

1 in Zim with a 7mmSTW and 150 x

2 in the Transvaal with a 300WBY and 180 x's.

And a Mountain Zebra in Namibia with Mike Kibble with a 300RUM and 180TSX.

Only one shot for all of them; except one with the 257 needed a second shot.

Having said that I'd now use a 200 grain bullet in a 300 magnum as it will drive them fast and the more bullet weight the better.

I'm out of floor space and now I am using the walls

quote:

200 grain triple shock
67.0 G H4350
2709 fps

Model 70
300WM

Thanks.


Okie John

Zebra's seem to be tough animals, but I took mine with a .30-06 at 110 yards. Dropped the Zebra cleanly with one shot, a broadside. Load is 51.0 grains IMR4350, F210 primers, 220 grain Nosler Partition bullet. It is a very old load, but it took down every animal I used it on in Africa, from Kudu to (I hate to say it) Steenbok, with just one shot.

LLS

I think Zebra is overrated, yes it take more to stop it, but many have been killed with 270, 303 british all the way up, I have only used the 30-06 and had no problems. I would recomend bigger but a 165 grain at 2600 will do a great job, it is about a 303 british, and I will any time shoot a Zebra with a 303.

My opinion it will work great, just make sure of your shot and try to brake bone.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Would a .30-caliber 165-grain Partition at 2,600 fps at the muzzle be adequate for zebra?[/QUOTe

Should be enough. I killed my first with a 308 loaded with Federal HE 165gr TBBC. I had to shoot it more than once but my shot placement was lousy.One member of our party shot his Zebra at 60 to 80 yards with a Rem 7mm using 160 grain Combined Tech Nosler Partitions which are stronger than regular Noslers. One shot complete pass through. One member of our party used his 300wn and 165 grain Hornady SST. He killed everthing with one shot including a big Kudu and Gembuck and Blue Wildebeest. The man could shoot . His reccovered bullets did not look like much and I know on his second trip he used the Fail-Safe in the same rifle. I got about 4' of penetration on a huge Kudu at 40 yards with a frontal shoulder shot using the TBBC (11 Oclock 5 Oclock). It broke the shoulder got the heart lungs liver and stomach. Good Bullet Shot Placement is what it is all about.

A few days ago my wife shot a Zebra with a 308 using a Federal Factory load with a 165 gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaw.

She shot him twice. I was impressed how well the 308 did.

Your .30 calibre is more than enough to take zebra with. As usual it's more about shot placement than calibre size. Whilst it doesn't pay to be undergunned, large calibres are no substitute for poor shooting.