Favorite caliber for cape buffalo?

[Doug Hamilton]

I have 2 as well, both single shot kills that died in seconds. I guess I don't see my .45-70 as marginal?

You probably never had to stop a charge with one.

 

[Altitude sickness]

.416 Taylor. light recoil, accurate and more than an adequate punch delivered.

 

[Dave Fulson]

.416 in bolt, .470 in a double.

 

[Rafiki]

I have 2 as well, both single shot kills that died in seconds. I guess I don't see my .45-70 as marginal?

Good luck then ....

 

[FlyGuy]

In what country would a .30 caliber bullet be legal to hunt cape buffalo?

None!
We didn’t shoot them for sport.
There was an old timer in the area that sorted out truck loads of buff with his open sight .303 and military ammo.
When that beat up old rifle came out, the farm workers started sharpening knives.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Said .416 Taylor

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

My favorite caliber for buffalo - 404Jeffery.

 

[Sika98k]

No great experience on buffalo , just the one so far in my life. But a 300gr TSX from a 375 in the boiler room did the job 100%

 

[DocHolliday]

Said .416 Taylor View attachment 678269

Beautiful Taylor! Mine is in the gunmakers vise as I type this. I hope it turns out as stunning and as effective as yours, sir!

 

[Tom Leoni]

If and when the buffalo bug bites me, I'll use my .375 (in the picture). If I don't my favorite rifle would be angry at me. And we can't have that...

 

[pilar]

.416 Remington or something similar with a 4 in it , should be a good starting point if you’re hunting in an area with testy cow elephant or being between a hippo and some water.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

None!
We didn’t shoot them for sport.
There was an old timer in the area that sorted out truck loads of buff with his open sight .303 and military ammo.
When that beat up old rifle came out, the farm workers started sharpening knives.

Obviously, he knew exactly what he was doing. But I'm sure not going to try it!

 

[Brian]

I don't remember off the top... 1850 or a hair more? 325 grain brass solids.

Thanks, That is very informative, good to know. A good bullet makes all the difference . I think one could push that bullet to 2,300 fps easily but obviously it's going fast enough. I like that bullet. Paired with the 295 Safari Raptor you are good to go on anything in Africa.

I load a .500 cal. 410 grain Safari Raptor at 1,920 fps, and it also kills buffalo very well. Thanks again, Brian

 

[BJH65]

For buffalo, a 416 Rem Mag or 416 Rigby loaded with 400 grain Barnes TSX or 400 grain Swift A-Frame I think is about perfect. Going back again in 2026 with a different caliber, my Custom BRNO 458 Lott using 500 grain Barnes TSX for buffalo. I’m taking my 458 Lott not because I feel it necessary but for a few reasons: the felt recoil isn’t noticeably more than my 416 Rigby, I can shoot the 458 Lott just as accurately as my 416’s and for sentimental reasons.

Jack Lott himself originally built this rifle for an editor of Petersen’s Hunting but due to unforeseen circumstances it never made it to Africa. AH member Luvthunt graciously sold me this rifle and I shall fulfill it’s destiny by taking it to Africa and killing a buffalo or two and perhaps another DG.

I would feel very comfortable using a good quality bolt action rifle chambered in anything from 375 to 458 Lott with a good low power variable scope, loaded with Barnes TSX or Swift A-Frame. Being proficient with your rifle is more important than the caliber.

 

[BC Tal]

I used a 416 Rigby for my first and only Cape Buffalo to date. If I had unlimited funds and was able to build / find one, I might take a 404 Jeffery, but I would be very happy to take the 416 again.

 

[BC Tal]

And if you reload, I recommend the North Fork 400gr semi spitzer and cup point solid.