First dangerous game rifle.

[Nyala23]

A few days ago Jacobsens Gun Center, Story City IA had a Winchester 70 safari in 375

 

[Brian]

In my opinion the .375 is too small for the average rifleman to use for hunting cape buffalo. It is the MINIMUM legal caliber in many areas. MINIMUM, no matter how good a bullet is used. It is much safer in my opinion to go with at least a .416or a 458 WM. I know that most of you will strongly disagree with me on this. Thats fine, it's why we have these blogs, isn't it.

Here is my logic on the subject.

Many times our first shots on a cape buffalo is taken at 40 -60 yds. and a cape buffalo, well hit with a .375, can often run/charge at least 70 yds. quicker that us desk jockeys can cycle a bolt action rifle and aim it acutely at a charging buffalo, and it usually has enough gas left in it's tank to roll us up. Trust me it's true.

A PH once told me, "When the time comes that you shoot a cape buffalo with a .375, you will pray so hard that it doesn't run toward you after it's hit, the ground you stand on will become a holy place." ( True story.)

The 375 works on cape buffalo most of time, until it doesn't.

( Does your wife and family know that? Do you tell them that you are putting your safety in the hands of a PH that has probably not fired his rifle at a charging buffalo more that once in his career and that he is also armed with a MINIMUM cartridge and is using Hornady bullets that do not kill DG worth a damned?)

I am sorry to to put this in such strong terms but I honestly believe it to be true and that I might save someones life with my strong opinion.

Please show this post to your wife and family before you purchase you next cape buffalo rifle.

Honestly, it is not hard to learn to shoot a modern, straight stocked 9+ pound .416 or 458 WM rifle, loaded with A frame or TSX or or better bullet using medium loads, not max. and be much safer hunting cape buffalo than with a MINIMUM cartridge .

I know that I will probably catch hell for this post, but I stand by it and mean well. Brian

 

[grand veneur]

In my opinion the .375 is too small for the average rifleman to use for hunting cape buffalo. It is the MINIMUM legal caliber in many areas. MINIMUM, no matter how good a bullet is used. It is much safer in my opinion to go with at least a .416or a 458 WM. I know that most of you will strongly disagree with me on this. Thats fine, it's why we have these blogs, isn't it.

Here is my logic on the subject.

Many times our first shots on a cape buffalo is taken at 40 -60 yds. and a cape buffalo, well hit with a .375, can often run/charge at least 70 yds. quicker that us desk jockeys can cycle a bolt action rifle and aim it acutely at a charging buffalo, and it usually has enough gas left in it's tank to roll us up. Trust me it's true.

A PH once told me, "When the time comes that you shoot a cape buffalo with a .375, you will pray so hard that it doesn't run toward you after it's hit, the ground you stand on will become a holy place." ( True story.)

The 375 works on cape buffalo most of time, until it doesn't.

( Does your wife and family know that? Do you tell them that you are putting your safety in the hands of a PH that has probably not fired his rifle at a charging buffalo more that once in his career and that he is also armed with a MINIMUM cartridge and is using Hornady bullets that do not kill DG worth a damned?)

I am sorry to to put this in such strong terms but I honestly believe it to be true and that I might save someones life with my strong opinion.

Please show this post to your wife and family before you purchase you next cape buffalo rifle.

Honestly, it is not hard to learn to shoot a modern, straight stocked 9+ pound .416 or 458 WM rifle, loaded with A frame or TSX or or better bullet using medium loads, not max. and be much safer hunting cape buffalo than with a MINIMUM cartridge .

I know that I will probably catch hell for this post, but I stand by it and mean well. Brian

I am curious what some members will answer you. I don't trust myself to write something like that anymore.

I am also a supporter of the use of bigger caliber for big game hunting, but I don't entirely agree with you when it comes to a hunter who is going buffalo hunting for the first time. I have already mentioned reasons above.

 

[375er]

In my opinion the .375 is too small for the average rifleman to use for hunting cape buffalo. It is the MINIMUM legal caliber in many areas. MINIMUM, no matter how good a bullet is used. It is much safer in my opinion to go with at least a .416or a 458 WM. I know that most of you will strongly disagree with me on this. Thats fine, it's why we have these blogs, isn't it.

Here is my logic on the subject.

Many times our first shots on a cape buffalo is taken at 40 -60 yds. and a cape buffalo, well hit with a .375, can often run/charge at least 70 yds. quicker that us desk jockeys can cycle a bolt action rifle and aim it acutely at a charging buffalo, and it usually has enough gas left in it's tank to roll us up. Trust me it's true.

A PH once told me, "When the time comes that you shoot a cape buffalo with a .375, you will pray so hard that it doesn't run toward you after it's hit, the ground you stand on will become a holy place." ( True story.)

The 375 works on cape buffalo most of time, until it doesn't.

( Does your wife and family know that? Do you tell them that you are putting your safety in the hands of a PH that has probably not fired his rifle at a charging buffalo more that once in his career and that he is also armed with a MINIMUM cartridge and is using Hornady bullets that do not kill DG worth a damned?)

I am sorry to to put this in such strong terms but I honestly believe it to be true and that I might save someones life with my strong opinion.

Please show this post to your wife and family before you purchase you next cape buffalo rifle.

Honestly, it is not hard to learn to shoot a modern, straight stocked 9+ pound .416 or 458 WM rifle, loaded with A frame or TSX or or better bullet using medium loads, not max. and be much safer hunting cape buffalo than with a MINIMUM cartridge .

I know that I will probably catch hell for this post, but I stand by it and mean well. Brian

I'm only going to say I disagree.

 

[19_A_CPT]

If you use the PHs rifles, he will have a .30 caliber for prairie game and a .375 H&H for the buff most likely. With that being said, on a dedicated Buff stalk, he will probably be carrying a 416 or 458 to back you up with.

.375, .416 Rem/Rigby/Taylor, 458WM/Lott seem to be the favorites.

Just think about how much you will use it after Africa.

.375s are a great "all-around" caliber for any big game animal in the world.
If you really wanna make sure something dies, go bigger. I have a .458... I sure would hate to be shot by it.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Hello to all so I'm back with another question! I am still planning my Cape buffalo hunt but would like to buy a rifle to practice with. I have a budget of about $1-3k i will more than likely use the pHs gun on my first Safari just so I don't have to deal with traveling with it. I'm pretty overwhelmed by the options of rifles and calibers I just want something to practice and hunt deer and hogs with as well. I have looked at the Remington model 700 in 375 h&h mag but have heard mixed feelings about it. I know you can practice with smaller calibers but I shot a 375 2 weeks ago and I'm hooked on the big bores! So any suggestions are welcome! Thank you to all you amazing people!!

I think you should buy a rifle in .375 H&H or Ruger, use it and be very familiar with it, then take it to Africa. Traveling to Africa with your own rifle is.not difficult and you will be better off using a rifle that you know backwards and forwards.

Dangerous game is called that.for a reason and I would not be happy with a borrowed/rented firearm. My first buffalo jumped up and started to close on my PH at about 10 feet. His rifle malfunctioned with a loud "click." Using my own rifle, I was able to break the bulls neck and stop the charge. Would yoh want to be in an emergent situation and then be fumbling with a different safety or lining up a different sight system?

 

[19_A_CPT]

I'm only going to say I disagree.

Based on your screen name, I wouldn't have guessed lol.

The only downfall I see of the ole Holland & Holland girl is that looooong action!

375 Ruger may enter the chat soon, however, I love a good antique cartridge!
There's a reason that ole 375 has been around so long. Just like the 30-06. Cannot argue with efficiency and simplicity.

 

[SRvet]

In my opinion the .375 is too small for the average rifleman to use for hunting cape buffalo. It is the MINIMUM legal caliber in many areas. MINIMUM, no matter how good a bullet is used. It is much safer in my opinion to go with at least a .416or a 458 WM. I know that most of you will strongly disagree with me on this. Thats fine, it's why we have these blogs, isn't it.

Here is my logic on the subject.

Many times our first shots on a cape buffalo is taken at 40 -60 yds. and a cape buffalo, well hit with a .375, can often run/charge at least 70 yds. quicker that us desk jockeys can cycle a bolt action rifle and aim it acutely at a charging buffalo, and it usually has enough gas left in it's tank to roll us up. Trust me it's true.

A PH once told me, "When the time comes that you shoot a cape buffalo with a .375, you will pray so hard that it doesn't run toward you after it's hit, the ground you stand on will become a holy place." ( True story.)

The 375 works on cape buffalo most of time, until it doesn't.

( Does your wife and family know that? Do you tell them that you are putting your safety in the hands of a PH that has probably not fired his rifle at a charging buffalo more that once in his career and that he is also armed with a MINIMUM cartridge and is using Hornady bullets that do not kill DG worth a damned?)

I am sorry to to put this in such strong terms but I honestly believe it to be true and that I might save someones life with my strong opinion.

Please show this post to your wife and family before you purchase you next cape buffalo rifle.

Honestly, it is not hard to learn to shoot a modern, straight stocked 9+ pound .416 or 458 WM rifle, loaded with A frame or TSX or or better bullet using medium loads, not max. and be much safer hunting cape buffalo than with a MINIMUM cartridge .

I know that I will probably catch hell for this post, but I stand by it and mean well. Brian

Playing devils advocate … a hit with a .375 is worth all the misses in the world with a .458. There was also a great article on here penned I believe by Karl Stumpfe that showed the .375 to be ahead of the larger calibres when it comes to killing more efficiently and using fewer shots. I will link below. I agree with you that a hit in the right place with a big stick beats a bad shot in the same place with a smaller calibre. There are of course countless stories of clients turning up with big bore rifles that they are scared of and making terrible shots on game.

Thread 'Is Bigger Always Better?'

Dec 7, 2020

I thought this group may enjoy this article I wrote in the latest African Gazette.
A link to that particular issue (of which Divan Labuschagne, one of our great PHs, also took the cover picture):

Let me know your thoughts....

• ndumo HUNTING SAFARIS
• Replies: 62
• Forum: Articles

• 

 

[cajunchefray]

Other than my first deer and ellk hunts 50 some years ago, I've always hunted with my own rifles.

I went on my first Cape Buffalo hunt in 2005, and for that hunt I built a .375 RUM in a Remington 700 action. I've always been a reloader, so for that hunt I worked up a hunting load with 300 gr Barnes TSX bullets, and a practice load with 300 gr Sierra GameKing bullets.

I also worked up a very low kicking practice load with cast bullets. The only probllem with those is that the point of impact is very different than the poi of the full power loads, so I have to re-zero each time I switch bullets.

The second time that I took my .375 RUM to Africa it was only a Plains Game hunt, using 275 gr TSX bullets. They worked fine on animals down to the size of Steenboks and a Vaal Rhebok.

On my last African hunt, in Mozambique, there was another hunter in camp that had booked a Leopard and Sable hunt. He talked big about how good his rifles at home were out to 600 yds, but he didn't bring his own rifle on that hunt, electing to use the Outfitter's camp rifles.

When he first shot the Outfitters .375 H&H, they discovered that the scope was loose, and no-one in camp had a tool to fix it. So he was left with the Outfitters .30-06 and he didn't like it. After listening to him wine for a couple of days, I agreed to let him use my .300 Weatherby if we saw a good bull close to the truck.

When we did see a good Sable bull, it took off through the brush. We took off after it, and this other hunter used my rifle, that I had spent over 80 hours finishing and checkering the Fancy walnut stock, to push the brush away in front of him. We didn't catch up to that Sable, and when we got back to the truck, he handed my rifle back to me...with a shell in the chamber and the safety off.

The next morning when we got back into the truck, one of the scouts asked if he should bring the camp .30-06. This other hunter said "Why" and I replied "So you have a rifle to hunt with."

You are a gentleman sir, for not saying what I would have said to a "hunter" that abused another man's carefully crafted tool.

 

[cajunchefray]

I would recommend new or used CRF Winchester Model 70 375 H&H either Alaskan, Safari Express, used Classic Stainless or pre 64, used CZ 550 375 H&H, used Mark X/Zastava/Interarms Whitworth 375 H&H. I think you will be best served by these.

Also a Ruger Hawkeye African, Guide Gun or Alaskan in 375 Ruger but ammunition not as universally common as the 375 H&H so an edge to the 375 H&H chambered rifles.

If you are patient, you should be able to find a good deal on one of these rifles. Best of luck in your search.

Very good advice above.

Based on my personal ergonomic preferences, Winchester M70 Alaskan .375, Whitworth Mauser.375, and a Winchester 70 Safari Express, .375 are personal preferences.

The best thing to do is go to a large Gunshop, with African safari experienced staff, and African rifle stock and handle several rifles. The one that just "feels right" is the one to buy. Buy lots of ammo, or reloading components, and practice, practice, hunt, and practice again.

Good luck on a fascinating journey!

 

[375er]

Playing devils advocate … a hit with a .375 is worth all the misses in the world with a .458. There was also a great article on here penned I believe by Karl Stumpfe that showed the .375 to be ahead of the larger calibres when it comes to killing more efficiently and using fewer shots. I will link below. I agree with you that a hit in the right place with a big stick beats a bad shot in the same place with a smaller calibre. There are of course countless stories of clients turning up with big bore rifles that they are scared of and making terrible shots on game.

Thread 'Is Bigger Always Better?'

Dec 7, 2020

I thought this group may enjoy this article I wrote in the latest African Gazette.
A link to that particular issue (of which Divan Labuschagne, one of our great PHs, also took the cover picture):

Let me know your thoughts....

• ndumo HUNTING SAFARIS
• Replies: 62
• Forum: Articles

• 

So, the old saying isn't true??

 

[roklok]

Pushfeed, 2 round mag, too light for caliber, shite extractor, shite open sites, shite safety, most difficult and slow rifle to top reload the magazine....etc.etc....especially in 375 H&H and 416 Rem.....you are better off with a Ruger Nr.1 single shot.....

Pushfeed yes. Two round mag ? No, three plus one in the magnums, not sure where you got that. Extractor is a weak point as mentioned, but can be fixed. Open sights ? Not the best, not the worst. I put NECG sights on my 700 KS .375. Safety is excellent ! The Remington 700 safety is an excellent design and you will never convince me otherwise. The stock Remington 700 safety is a striker blocking safety that works through the safety cam to retract striker from trigger engagement. You can actually see the striker being retracted when safety is applied. It is the 700 trigger that causes the bad reputation with inadvertent firing, not the safety. The safety is an evolution of the 1917 Enfield and Remington 30 Express safety. I have heard folks say they are slow to reload, I simply don't understand where that rumor got started. How ? A Remington 700 in .375 has a longer action than a Mauser 98 or Winchester 70 that the .375 length cartridges have to be shoehorned into. I guarantee you I have less difficulty loading the magazine on my 700 .375 H&H than I do my mauser 98 .375, I am truly puzzled by that assertion. The Remington 700 does have its faults, but in my opinion it has become fashionable to exaggerate and bash them. My 700 .375 Custom KS is a light rifle, and meant to be. I have used it on Kodiak on a backpack hunt for brown bear and mountain goat, where a heavier rifle would be a burden. The 700 Safari models with heavy barrels and wood stocks are not light rifles, and weigh the same or more as comparable offerings from Winchester, CZ, or others. I do prefer 700s built in the last century, my newest was manufactured in 1997.

 

[grand veneur]

If you want to give advice to a beginner, it is of no use for him if we constantly offer him a caliber sauce between cartridges caliber 375 H&H Magnum and 600 Nitro Express. Anyone who starts with big game hunting is dependent on the support of a PH. That was the case for all of us. Fully trained people don't just fall from the sky, no matter what field they are in. Since cartridges like the 9,3x62, 9,3x74R and especially 375 H&H Magnum are considered suitable for big game hunting, and they are that to a certain extent, there is no reason to not recommend these to a beginner first. Afterwards, he can still decide whether to stay with it or get something else.

 

[roklok]

Hey, I own the exact same model (Kevlar Stock Custom) ! Mine holds 3+1 rounds. I assume yours also holds the same ?

Yes three plus one. A fantastic rifle for hunting in Alaska's wet and rough conditions. Mine is stainless like yours but it is the KS Mountain rifle, with a lighter profile stock and barrel. From your pictures, I think yours is the 700 KS Safari.

 

[rookhawk]

Hello to all so I'm back with another question! I am still planning my Cape buffalo hunt but would like to buy a rifle to practice with. I have a budget of about $1-3k i will more than likely use the pHs gun on my first Safari just so I don't have to deal with traveling with it. I'm pretty overwhelmed by the options of rifles and calibers I just want something to practice and hunt deer and hogs with as well. I have looked at the Remington model 700 in 375 h&h mag but have heard mixed feelings about it. I know you can practice with smaller calibers but I shot a 375 2 weeks ago and I'm hooked on the big bores! So any suggestions are welcome! Thank you to all you amazing people!!

Your first dangerous game rifle is the one you'll use the most the rest of your life. It's going to be a 375HH. Assuming you buy a $100,000 double rifle someday, you'll STILL use your 375HH for more hunting than all the other rifles combined.

In light of that, buy the very best 375HH you can afford as its going to be the cheapest gun you own per-use.

The absolute floor in my opinion is the CZ550 or the BRNO 602, or a winchester model 70. You definitely want a controlled round feed.

I'd encourage you to spend more and get more, however. You can find a used Dakota for $6500-$8000 and you'll never regret it. If you do, you'll get all your money back, whereas I won't give you $500 for the rem 700 you spent $3000 for.

Spend as much as you can for a CRF mauser-style 375HH. It might be your first of many, or your very last safari rifle. Either way, you'll use it the most.

 

[Rosch]

Buy a 375h&h, get it overdone for Your taste and fit by the gunsmith of Your trust and practice regulary and diligently in all positions (sitting, standing, over sticks, if good, also freehand) and go‘n get Your buff!
And ….. take Your own gun You’re used to with! Trouble on travel with gun is easy to sort and no reason to worry!
Use the tool You‘re then used to and which fits You well! Heia Safari !

 

[CamoManJ]

I started out per recommendation years ago with a Winchester Model 70 Safari Express 375 H&H, just to get accustomed to the jump in recoil from 300 magnums. Then I went to a 458 Lott, which was another big step in recoil, ultimately went back to the 375 & sold the Lott. Since then, I’ve made my way back to the 458’s. For some, working their way up to higher recoiling rifles might be beneficial. The last thing I wanted to develop was a flinch & I wanted to enjoy shooting the rifle confidently.

I have yet to hunt buffalo & when I do, I’ll feel better using a 458 or at least a 416. The 375 will do, but not for me.

 

[Dhutson]

Can't go wrong with a 375 H&H. CZ 550 is a great choice and available often on GunBroker in your price range. Highly recommend bringing your own rifle on Safari, its not difficult and a reputable Outfitter can help with details. My 2 cents! Enjoy and practice!

Absolutely take your own rifle. You are hunting something that can kill people and you want to feel comfortable with the rifle - very comfortable. Ethically you should do everything in your power to execute everything at the highest level, including the gun you are practicing with.

 

[swashington]

Within your budget a Ruger model 1 in a 416 rem mag. Left or right handed doesn't matter. With a Leopold it weighs in at just under 11lbs which makes recoil very manageable. It is short with its 24 inch barrel and is very handy. Just practice reloading for speed. I am taking mine next year for cape buff. Spoke with my PH at the convention and he was more than happy with my choice of rifle.

Good luck.

 

[CBeck]

I don’t have experience with dangerous game but I love my Ruger African in 375 ruger. I recently purchased it to compliment my Ruger African 280ai. I plan for both to accompany me to Africa.

I’m generally a fan of the M77, and own several, all of which are accurate and dependable and CRF. I also have Winchester model 70 and believe either will serve you well.

I have the benefit of a range at home where I can shoot and evaluate and have plenty of confidence that a 375 either h&h or Ruger will dispatch of dangerous game quickly and humanely.

This is 1/2 mild plate steel with a 375 ruger 270gr hornady interlock…expanding, not solid!