An all round rifle caliber , for Africa and elsewhere

[wildfowler.250]

Interesting replies folks. I think there’s enough consistency to say that the .30-06 covers everything.

I’ve shot one a couple of times and taken a red stag with one. Interestingly on paper , it measures more recoil than the .270. Yet many folk describe it as a hard push vs a snap from the .270. Is this likely due to slower powder burns in the 06?

Certainly I don’t notice recoil when hunting. But on load development shooting 4-5 shot groups for maybe 5-6 batches I do start to notice it by the end of the day. But that’s more anecdotal and comes down to group sizes on paper than hunting relevance.

 

[CBH Australia]

Another idea is to ask you PH or a PH that has the experience you like. Ask him what he sees as the best all around... You will get an informed opinion.

Opinions vary.

We all have one and I believe the question is asking the member’s opinion.

All good, for what it’s worth I used a hired 7mm mag from the outfitter and my PH was contracted and his preference for all round was the .300wm which he offers as a hire rifle.

 

[Philip Glass]

I thought this would be an interesting subject on here as African animals are notorious for being tough.

I’ve been considering changing my .270 after 15-20 years ‘just because’. Despite that, it just works.

I’m starting to think that there’s an optimum range between recoil and knockdown. Leaning more towards an accurate, milder caliber where before I thought more leeway was better.

What would you consider the minimum suitable calibers for hunting Africa plains game that would double as a deer rifle? 7x57 comes up on here a lot. 6.5CM too small? 6.5PRC is really tempting me.
I appreciate eland are probably a separate subject.


I appreciate bullet choice is likely as important. I always thought if I ever changed the .270 it would be for a .30-06 but now less seems to be more. I have used a 6.5x55,(home loaded) a lot in the past few years and again, accurate and mild and still drops deer.


Interested in thoughts

I would say 7mm Mag would be a good option but my preference is .300Win. I've hunted with the 6.5's and there are issues for me. They are great for deer but depending on bullet selection smaller animals will be torn up or run far off after shot perfectly. Examples are a 6.5CM with match bullets that I borrowed for one of the Spanish Ibex. After a perfect shot the goat ran nearly half a mile! The 6.5 PRC with Hornady ELDX tore huge holes in my spring buck upon exiting. Anyway you will get many answers here. 7mm or .300 with TSX and you can hunt most anything.

 

[Challer]

375 is the obvious answer. But if you must, 30-06

 

[uplander01]

I agree, as soon as Alaska and Africa come into play, 375 is the only answer, remember the question was "for everything"

 

[lobo9er]

IF deer calibers work for plains game, and you want a newer cooler caliber, my brother inlaw loves the 6.5 PRC. I'm a simpler guy 44, .308, 30-06...

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I thought this would be an interesting subject on here as African animals are notorious for being tough.

I’ve been considering changing my .270 after 15-20 years ‘just because’. Despite that, it just works.

I’m starting to think that there’s an optimum range between recoil and knockdown. Leaning more towards an accurate, milder caliber where before I thought more leeway was better.

What would you consider the minimum suitable calibers for hunting Africa plains game that would double as a deer rifle? 7x57 comes up on here a lot. 6.5CM too small? 6.5PRC is really tempting me.
I appreciate eland are probably a separate subject.


I appreciate bullet choice is likely as important. I always thought if I ever changed the .270 it would be for a .30-06 but now less seems to be more. I have used a 6.5x55,(home loaded) a lot in the past few years and again, accurate and mild and still drops deer.


Interested in thoughts

@wildfowler.250
Nought wrong with the humble 308.
Hasn't got the speed of the 270 or ought six but just plain works.
Bob

 

[UKHunter]

I’m assuming you still intend to use the rifle for UK species? In which case, if you are set on a new rifle then I would go for a .308 but personally I would stick with a .270 and put the funds towards shooting additional animals instead of another rifle.