Minimum legal caliber for DG

22 August 2007, 19:08

Dave Bush

I have often heard it repeated that the .375 H&H is the minimum legal caliber for DG in most parts of Africa. Does anyone have any idea how the .375 was selected as the minimum? Is it based on bullet diameter, energy, or some other criteria? I was thinking of building up a 9,3X64 Brenneke and was wondering if it would be legal for DG.

Dave

Dave
DRSS
Chapuis 9.3X74
Chapuis "Jungle" .375 FL
Krieghoff 500/.416 NE
Krieghoff 500 NE

"Git as close as y can laddie an then git ten yards closer"

"If the biggest, baddest animals on the planet are on the menu, and you'd rather pay a taxidermist than a mortician, consider the 500 NE as the last word in life insurance." Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading (8th Edition).

22 August 2007, 19:30

GeorgeS

I would say that it was the result of practical experience. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of game animals have been taken with the .375H&H, so there was a vast body of knowledge on its capabilities.

Your very best bet would be to ask about the legality of a 9.3x64 for (thick-skinned) DG on the African Hunting Forum; while it might be legal in Namibia and some other countries (where England was not the colonial power), it is not the lead pipe cinch that the .375H&H is (in terms of 'legality').

African game department rules can be ambiguous, and I, for one, would not want to run afoul of some petty bureaucrat looking for an extorion victim.

George

22 August 2007, 20:15

Dave Bush

Thanks George. I'll post the question on the African Hunting forum too.

Dave

22 August 2007, 21:27

Dave Bush

George, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Got my question answered on the African Hunting Forum. I was thinking buffalo in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, or South Africa and, for the most part, it sounds like the minimum is a .375 in those countries but there are some places where a 9,3X64 would be legal. I am just a bit bored with the .375 and wanted to try something else. I have a .416 Rigby coming so I'll play with that instead. I got interested in the 9,3X64 after loading and shooting a 9,3X62 a bunch and wanted to give the Brenneke cartridge a try. I still may put one together. You can't have too many rifles right?

Dave

22 August 2007, 22:34

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by Dave Bush:
George, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Got my question answered on the African Hunting Forum. I was thinking buffalo in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, or South Africa and, for the most part, it sounds like the minimum is a .375 in those countries but there are some places where a 9,3X64 would be legal. I am just a bit bored with the .375 and wanted to try something else. I have a .416 Rigby coming so I'll play with that instead. I got interested in the 9,3X64 after loading and shooting a 9,3X62 a bunch and wanted to give the Brenneke cartridge a try. I still may put one together. You can't have too many rifles right?

Dave

Dave the 9.3X62, the 9.3X64,and the 9.3X74R are legal in Zimbabwe for Buffalo, and elephant for that matter! For the cats in Zimbabwe, the 7mm Rem Mag is legal.

....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

23 August 2007, 08:09

Big Bore Boar Hunter

Most countries in Africa will state the minimum as a 375 H&H or a 9.3 x62mm. Your best bet would be to PHs in the region where you are thinking about hunting, not only will they tell you the minimums, but give you info on what has worked best, ammo availibility, ammo restrictions, firearms import requirements, and firearms restrictions.

John

23 August 2007, 08:24

oldun

I recently asked a guide in Australia if I could use a 9.3 on Buff.
He asked "What's that?"

23 August 2007, 11:26

what a dumb ass................9.3x62...doh

23 August 2007, 12:26

Nitehawk

quote:
He asked "What's that?"

Proper reply:
BUFFALO, a name properly pertaining to an aberrant species of cattle which has been kept in a state of domestication in India and Egypt from time immemorial, and had been introduced from the latter country into southern Europe. It is now taken, however, to include not only this species, whose native home is India, but all more or less nearly related animals.' Buffaloes are heavily built oxen, with sparsely haired skin, large ears, long, tufted tails, broad muzzles and massive angulated horns.

23 August 2007, 14:19

ozhunter

In todays Africa I doubt you would ever be questioned about minimum calibers ect.

24 August 2007, 02:10

oldun

quote:
Originally posted by Nitehawk:
quote:
He asked "What's that?"

Proper reply:
BUFFALO, a name properly pertaining to an aberrant species of cattle which has been kept in a state of domestication in India and Egypt from time immemorial, and had been introduced from the latter country into southern Europe. It is now taken, however, to include not only this species, whose native home is India, but all more or less nearly related animals.' Buffaloes are heavily built oxen, with sparsely haired skin, large ears, long, tufted tails, broad muzzles and massive angulated horns.

Teeheehee.

26 August 2007, 03:13

Big Bore Boar Hunter

quote:
Originally posted by someoldguy:
quote:
I recently asked a guide in Australia if I could use a 9.3 on Buff.
He asked "What's that?"

Just curious.
Was that the buff or the 9.3 he was asking about?

Or both?

Remids me of the guy who comes into the gun store asking for a box of 30 caliber ammuntition. You ask him what kind, he says ones that will kill deer. Ask him, no, what type of 30 cal round are you looking for, he says Winchester.

John