Looking for help here for a rifle to take to Africa in a couple years hopefully. I want to get it soon though so I can pratice with it, hopefully on live targets before I go.

What I want !!!

1. Traditional Caliber 375H&H, 416 Rigby, etc.

2. Good for buffalo, but can also be used for plains game

3. One that you can find ammo in case gun and ammo get separated.

4. Factory Rifles only

5. 22 to 24 inch barrel

6. I do not want a 458 Win Mag



I know you all can help me on this one..

Either of your above mentioned choices would be great. If I was primarily hunting plains game I'd go with the .375H&H. If buffalo was my focus I'd go with the .416 Rigby but either will do just fine in either role.

I shoot two model 70's one is a highly tweeked and modified M-7OSS .375H&H topped with a 1.75X6 leupold. the othe model 70 is also stainless but I've rebarreled it to .458Lott. My third and favorite African rig is a Searcy .470NE Double PH model.

I've killed many plains game species with all three but I perfer the .375H&H. I've killed all manor of African critters with it at a varitey of ranges from very close to very far. It is a versital rifle. For dangerous game in tight cover I prefer a bit more thump (but wouldn't hesitate to use a my .375 under any conditions with the right bullets.)

If you are looking for the perfect all around DG/Plains game rifle a .416 is pretty hard to beat. Plenty of thump and flat shooting enough for any of your plains game needs.
But don't over look the .404 if tradition is on your list.

As far as the rifle itself. I do like the Winchesters and the CZ's but both take some modification to make them really good. Ruger builds a good rifle but it all really boils down to personal preferance