Federal Cape-Shok with 300 grain Barnes TSX

[timbear]

I am in the planning stages of a Safari, and one of the main aims will be cape buffalo. I have a CZ 55 Safari that I love and shoot confidently. It likes the Federal 300 grain Cape-Shok ammo with Barnes TSX bullets. I am not a reloader, so will be using factory ammo. Has anyone hunted cape buff with this caliber and this ammo? Please, I am really interested in personal experience reports, not
a) reloading date (see above)
b) the advice that bullet placement beats bullet performance (I know) or
c) the advice that I need a bigger rifle (in spite of my motto, I'll stick with the .375 H&H)
Another one I considered was the Doubletap 270 grain Barnes TSX, having more energy, but they are not available in Australia, and I believe Federal would be readily available in Africa, if necessary. I would, of course, consider a different bullet in factory ammo if there was good evidence for superior performance, and if it shot well from my rifle, but have heard good things about the TSX.

 

[PaulT]

G'day Tim.

Over the passed ten years my two camp loan rifles for clients have both been .375's.
Ammunition provided for these rifles is the Federal Premium line which is also loaded with the Triple Shok (300gn).
That ammo has been used in those rifles to take in excess of 50 buffalo successfuly.

Our buffalo are just as big, in some cases bigger, and can be just as difficult (and if you listen to the majority of our hunters, even more so) than Capes.
Several rounds is the norm, no different to the majority of 416's, 404's and 458's that are more commonly used.

The 300gn Triple Shok is one of only three projectiles I confidently endorse in the use of the .375 on buffalo.
They reliably and consistantly break both shoulders on side on shots (but usually do not exit).
In my usage, they have consistantly peeled back to considerably larger than original caliber size creating a large wound channel.

My own personal preference would be to be armed with a little more bore size but if your commited to the .375 then I believe you have the very best factory available loading for the job at.


Try break that on-side shoulder, up high, with your first and be very ready to back it up with another immediately.
Your buff will not go far.

Hope to have been some help, best wishes for your hunt.

Paul.

 

[1ObsessedHunter]

The 300gn Triple Shok is one of only three projectiles I confidently endorse in the use of the .375 on buffalo.

Just curious, what are the other two? I'm guessing Swift A-Frames and Trophy Bonded Bear Claw...Thanks

 

[PaulT]

Just curious, what are the other two? I'm guessing Swift A-Frames and Trophy Bonded Bear Claw...Thanks

My three favourite projectiles, specifically for buffalo, are;
* C.E.B #13 Non-con
* North Fork C.P.S
* Barnes Triple shok.

Unfortunately the top two are handload propositions only.

Paul.

 

[timbear]

Paul, thanks for your input. It is good to hear the real version from someone who actually has field tested the ammo, not some sales guy with a glib pitch. One day I must come up to the Top End and look those buff over with you, but at present my sights are set on Africa. BTW, my rifle came from a guy in Katherine, who used it to shoot buff up there, and sold to fund a wildcat project. He, too, said it worked well on buff, but I forgot to ask him what bullets he used.