Hello all from South Arkansas

[mikeinarkansas]

Been checking out AH since May and decided to introduce myself. I'm Mike, longtime hunter but never been on an African hunt. My best friend called me and said set a date or we will never go. He was right. We will be hunting in May 2018 with Warren Rudman of Rhinoester Hoek for plains game. Kudu, Gemsbok, Impala, Zebra, and Warthog for me. Excited as a kid waiting on Christmas!
I have found tons of good information on AH and thanks to all for sharing their experiences and tips. Good stuff and nice folks.
I am basically rebuilding my first bolt action rifle I bought in 1976 a LH Remington 700 in 30-06. I haven't used it much on the past 15 years as I have acquired more rifles but it has sentimental value and seems like the one I should take.
I am interested in opinions on the best 30-06 factory loads for the game I listed. My friend is taking a Tikka 270 WSM and I have the same question on it.
Thanks
Mike

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Mike! Good to have you on the posting side!

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard! Look forward to your hunt report next year!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Wlcome to AH.
Shot Placement:
Kudu - minimum calibre: 7 x 57 Mauser
recommended calibre : 308Win, 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag
Gemsbok - minimum calibre : 7mm Rem Mag
recommended calbre: any of the .300Magnums
Zebra - minimum calbre 7 x 57 Mauser
recommended calibre 7mm Rem Mag, 30-06
Impala- minimum calibre: 22Hornet
recommended calibre: .275 Roberts, 6,5 Mauser, 7 x 57 Mauser

I think that 30-06 is very good caliber for animals you want to hunt.
Good luck in Africa.
Witold

 

[Adrian]

If you can find them, get some Norma Oryx in 180gr for the 30-06.
Superb bullet, hard hitting and 90%+ weight retention.
I would also suggest the same bullet for the .270 in the heaviest grain is suitable.
I have just used them in Africa and I will never need to look elsewhere for a bullet.

 

[mikeinarkansas]

Forgot to add that we will be there hunting for my birthday which makes it even better!

 

[cpr0312]

As far as factory loads for the 30-06, I would say any Federal Premium or Barnes in 168 g or 180g would do the trick

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard mikeinarkansas. Your 0-6 will serve you well in Africa. Dittos on the Norma, Federal Premium or Barnes Ammo. Make sure to get plenty of practice shooting off sticks. While unfamiliar in the U.S. their use is expected in Africa.

 

[mikeinarkansas]

Welcome aboard mikeinarkansas. Your 0-6 will serve you well in Africa. Dittos on the Norma, Federal Premium or Barnes Ammo. Make sure to get plenty of practice shooting off sticks. While unfamiliar in the U.S. their use is expected in Africa.

I had read so much on here regarding shooting sticks I went ahead and bought a set to practice with. That's an awful long way to go to miss or worse wound an animal.

 

[cls]

Welcome, looks like the guys here have you are headed in the right direct. You also can't go wrong with Nosler Partitions for that 30-06. Good luck on your first safari and post a report when you return.

 

[Nyati]

Hi Mike, welcome to AH.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

My suggestion Norma 30-06 with bullet ORYX 200gr ( 13g ).
Witold

 

[jasyblood]

Welcome to AH Mike and good luck on your trip!

 

[Beretta391]

Welcome aboard. Just got back from Namibia. I also used 30:06. I used Barnes Vortex 180 grain ttsx!! Harvested 5 Oryx, red hartabeast, springbok, baboon, all one shot kills. All but one were DRT. Highly recommend the ammo. Randy

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Welcome to AH @mikeinarkansas! Are you a handloader or will you be shooting factory?

 

[mikeinarkansas]

Welcome to AH @mikeinarkansas! Are you a handloader or will you be shooting factory?

Just factory for now

 

[mikeinarkansas]

Welcome aboard. Just got back from Namibia. I also used 30:06. I used Barnes Vortex 180 grain ttsx!! Harvested 5 Oryx, red hartabeast, springbok, baboon, all one shot kills. All but one were DRT. Highly recommend the ammo. Randy

Wow that's pretty impressive!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Just factory for now

I'd give the Swift A-Frames in 165 or 180 gr a go. They make their own factory ammo now.

 

[BWH]

168 gr Barnes TTSX.... I have 15+ PG, boars, Aoudad, etc.... they all hated them death.

 

[Whiskey1]

Welcome from another boy from the Deep South. I took my family on our first safari this past June with a Ruger #1 30-06 as our only rifle. We used Freedom Munitions premium Tagged Out factory ammo loaded with the Accubond 165 grain bullets. We took kudu, zebra, blue wildebeest, 3 warthog, 3 impala, and a blesbok- all of which fell in sight. Wildebeest, hit through both shoulders, went 50 yards and did a front flip with the bullet perfectly mushroomed just under the hide. All three warthog fell where they stood. Ditto for the zebra and blesbok. Kudu made it 10 or twelve yards. One impala- lung shot- did a 50 yard death dash. Other two bang/flop. The '06 with good bullets and decent shooting was an outstanding choice for us.