Cape Buffalo With a Magnum Revolver??

[colorado]

I am planning a Cape buffalo hunt for 2027. My amazing wife just purchased me a Magnum Research BFR in 475 Linebaugh. I’m looking for bullet recommendations from hunters and PHs who have experience taking Cape buffalo class game with a revolver.

I already have a Ruger SuperRedhawk in 454 Casull 7.5 inch (ported). I have a load using Lehigh Defense 300gr wide flatnose copper solids.

I am planning to take both to the range soon to see what I group better with. However, I would like to have input from firsthand sources.

In 2023, I killed my first 2 Cape buffalo. One with a 416 Rigby and the other with a 375 H&H. I’m just looking for a challenge and justification to the wife for obtaining such beasts of handguns.

I think you should throw rocks at the bull to make it sporting.

 

[Mekaniks]

As our esteemed member @Velo Dog pointed out many years ago....

"A buffalo could probably be taken with a well placed frozen herring but, the question is: "What's the point"?" -Velo Dog

 

[LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS]

I would not recommend soft-point ammunition. Revolver soft-point bullets are designed to expand quickly at relatively low speeds, which can result in poor penetration on a buffalo which are thick-skinned animals with a anatomy that has heavy bones all of which needs to be taken into account when selecting a bullet type. I had 2 clients hunt two buffalo with me where the bullet broke up on so badly on broadside shot it did not even enter the chest cavity nor reaching any of the vitals. A hard-cast solid of at least 400 grains would be more suitable.

I am planning a Cape buffalo hunt for 2027. My amazing wife just purchased me a Magnum Research BFR in 475 Linebaugh. I’m looking for bullet recommendations from hunters and PHs who have experience taking Cape buffalo class game with a revolver.

I already have a Ruger SuperRedhawk in 454 Casull 7.5 inch (ported). I have a load using Lehigh Defense 300gr wide flatnose copper solids.

I am planning to take both to the range soon to see what I group better with. However, I would like to have input from firsthand sources.

In 2023, I killed my first 2 Cape buffalo. One with a 416 Rigby and the other with a 375 H&H. I’m just looking for a challenge and justification to the wife for obtaining such beasts of handguns.

 

[HankBuck]

Some folks might question hunting dangerous game with a handgun but IMO it’s considerably safer and more humane than bowhunting.

@Bonk: I agree maybe safer although any guided hunt you are backed up with a rifle, but it isn’t more Humane. An arrow seems to cause much less “pain” then a bullet - less trauma and unless the arrow hits a bone, the animal sometimes only flinches and runs a few yards then stops and bleeds out and falls over…at least I’ve seen that many times with deer and twice with black bear. When shooting them with rifle, MZ or slug gun their reaction is more dramatic and they run hard most times. I’m “guessing” they feel more “pain” from the trauma caused by the bullet and maybe combined with the loud sound of the shot as well. Anyway, bleeding out might take a bit longer unless double lung or heart shot but it is No less humane (obviously in my opinion — we’d have to ask the Animal).

 

[Raccoon357]

What are the velocities on those hand cannons?

On my 454 with 300 gr Solids 1,480 memory serves.
Advertised 475 MV is 1,200-1,400 fps for 400 gr

 

[Raccoon357]

I would not recommend soft-point ammunition. Revolver soft-point bullets are designed to expand quickly at relatively low speeds, which can result in poor penetration on a buffalo which are thick-skinned animals with a anatomy that has heavy bones all of which needs to be taken into account when selecting a bullet type. I had 2 clients hunt two buffalo with me where the bullet broke up on so badly on broadside shot it did not even enter the chest cavity nor reaching any of the vitals. A hard-cast solid of at least 400 grains would be more suitable.

Thank you very much.

 

[Hunter4752001]

@Raccoon357 congratulations on your planned endeaavour. Don't expect too much useful handgun hunting info on this website.

For something like Buff you need the penetration, so look at a solid copper bullet like the CEB soid design. The Lehigh solid looks similar but I can't comment on whether they've made the meplat too wide. I don't know if the Garrett design is still being made but I don't think so.

In respect of powder, CEB state that often using a slightly faster powder will get better results than typical W296/H110 loads. This is due to the 'bore riding / reduced friction design" If you email CEB they'll send you specific load data for your chosen cartridge.

ps. I have read that CEB and Lehigh make their handgun projectiles from copper because US laws outlawed brass handgun bullets due alleged 'cop killer' hysteria.

 

[LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS]

Thank you very much.

Your are most welcome sir

 

[LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS]

On my 454 with 300 gr Solids 1,480 memory serves.
Advertised 475 MV is 1,200-1,400 fps for 400 gr

400 gr out of a 7.5” barrel at 1400 fps should be just fine.

 

[Ozishooter]

Hi All have a look at African Select Safaris latest video a hunter takes buff with handgun