Any one have thoughts on using the 30-06 and 180 Ballistic Silvertip on African plains game up to kudu? This is all the loaded ammo I can get around here....just the B/T....no TSX, Accubond, etc....that's why the question.

Well, if there's a "premium" Ballistic Tip then the CT Ballistic Silvertips are just that IMO. I've used the 168 grainers in the '06 and they perform superbly on Europen game, Roe, Red, Fallow & Wild Boar.

I've potted quite a few Kudu with 375H&H (300 Gr. RN's & 260 gr. TBBC's,), 9.3x62 (286 gr. PMP R.N.'s) and 300 Weatherby (180 gr. TTSX's & Privi Partizan 180 gr. Groms). They're a pretty stout animal all things considered as are Blue Wildebeest, and the assorted ilk you'll be after I'm sure.

I think the CT BS's would be just about the limit of the Envelope; personally, my first choice with handloads outa a 30/06 Sprg. would be with 180 gr. Nosler Partition or 165/168 gr. Barnes TSX/TTSX.

Have fun in Africa.

Those will work just fine.

Does anyone else remember the millions of African game animals cleanly harvested BEFORE "premium bullets" were available..??

If you're concerned about the Ballistic Silvertips, you could always order ammo from Cabelas or Midway or something. I think it will work just fine though, especially since you're using 180 grain bullets in an '06. BTs seem to work better when you don't drive them too fast.