Is the 30-06 adequate for zebra?

[WilhelmM]

I ask this as I plan on going on a plains game safari in Namibia in a few year's time, hopefully soon. Hartmann's zebra is at the top of my list for the trophies I'd like to take. I've been watching many videos on hunting zebra and I'm amazed by how tough they are. Is the 30-06 adequate or would it be better to upgrade to a 375?

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

My daughter and I have taken three zebras, all with 300 WM. I think the 30-06, with a good 180 gr Swift A-Frame bullet will be plenty adequate. As always, shot placement is key. One of my Namibian PHs always referred to the 30-06 as "The Springfield."

 

[ArmyAV8tor]

I killed a Hartmann's Zebra in Namibia with a Remington 722 in 30-06 using a 165 gr Hornady GMX. I also shot Gemsbok, Warthog, and Kudu on the same trip.

 

[DG Gunsmith]

I reckon it'd do the job, if you're a good enough shot... Personally, the lightest caliber I'd choose to hunt with in Africa, is the .375 H&H... It's rather versatile, especially if you decide to go after heavier game, once you're there... I would much rather be over gunned than under gunned... My 2¢ worth...

 

[Areaonereal]

My experience with the 06 and zebra....shot in excess of 30 zebra in Namibia...180 grain Accubond, and 165 grain Oryx Norma Factory. Limpopo 3 with 200 grain Nosler Partition....all ranged from 50 to 300 plus yds. I would say the 06 will be adequate for Zebra. My son has used the 06 in SA..East Cape and Namibia on 20 plus zebra shooting 168 TTSX Barnes...never lost one most ran 20 yds. or less..shots ranged to excess of 200 yds. Chevrons on the leg, bullet placement...the 06 is adequate for most plains game...I have used it on giraffe cull, eland cull and many more including kudu, wildebeast, oryx and much more.

 

[Tgood1]

ive personally taken 2 zebra with the '06 loaner rifle at camp with sako hammerheads and seen several cleanly (and not so cleanly) taken as well. its absolutely adequate but as always with the proper bullet and bullet placement.

 

[M McDindi]

With most any 180gr premium bullet and correct shot placement - broadside, tip of the "ᴧ" on the shoulder, under 200m, and you'll be just fine. 308 with 150gr TSX at 2950 fps will be pass throughs all day, every day, every time.

Like most antelope species similarly heart shot, they will run a few meters before collapsing. I think one of the most common surprises a first time hunter in Africa experiences is heart shot game doesn't "drop on the spot" and can still run even a hundred meters or more before bleeding out. If any of them do "drop at the shot" it's most likely they've been hit in or near the spine. Sometimes a spinal shot doesn't actually sever the spine, just hits a little above or below and the impact will just cause a momentary loss of motor functions.

Free advice that could save you an expensive trophy fee and no trophy. ANY antelope (or zebra) that "drops at the shot" and its legs are still flopping around on the ground trying to get to its feet is very likely just spinal concussion. Immediately, get another round or even two in it, even if they are only wounding hits. If its legs are still moving, it can very likely regain its feet and be gone. It's happened to me and a LOT of friends/clients I've taken over.

 

[mdwest]

Our zebra was taken with a 165gr barnes ttsx shot from a .308 loaded to 2700 fps... dropped 20 yards from where he was shot..

While we were in camp, 2 other zebra were taken by other hunters the same week.. one was shot with a 30-06 (no idea what cartridge he was using).. the other was taken with a 7MM Rem Mag.. both were recovered a very short distance from where they were shot..

A 30-06 with a premium bullet will have no problem dropping a zebra as long as you put the bullet where it belongs..

 

[IvW]

Yes

 

[Red Leg]

Absolutely

 

[JMM]

06 works great. Probably culled 30 to 40 the past few years in Zimbabwe and Namibia. 180 grain Swift Sciroccos, A-frames and Remington Ultra Core Lokts. Furthest 324 yards last year with A frame. Spun around in a circle and fell over. Use the 06 with confidence.

 

[Denvir Tire]

Without Question

 

[Hogpatrol]

Nothing to add. the '06 is plenty. I took mine, one shot, DRT with a 6.5-284 over 200 meters.

 

[YancyW]

I wouldn't even think twice about it, no problem at all.

 

[Edge]

Two of the four Zebra I have taken have been with the 30-06 using 165gr Peregrine bullets. As always, shot placement is key.

 

[WilhelmM]

Thank you for all your responses and apologies if my question was silly lol

 

[samu]

Nothing to add. the '06 is plenty. I took mine, one shot, DRT with a 6.5-284 over 200 meters.

Which bullet did you use?

 

[Hearties]

Not a silly question at all.

Yes, the 30-06 is plenty for Zebra - took two last year with 165gr Sierra Tipped Gamekings. Both ran about 20m and fell over. One a pass through and the other found under the skin on the off-side. Shot through the chevron.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

My younger son killed a zebra with his 7x57 and a 140gr North Fork. So yeah, a proper bullet properly placed from a .30-06 will be just fine.

 

[Royal27]

I reckon it'd do the job, if you're a good enough shot... Personally, the lightest caliber I'd choose to hunt with in Africa, is the .375 H&H... It's rather versatile, especially if you decide to go after heavier game, once you're there... I would much rather be over gunned than under gunned... My 2¢ worth...

While I get your point on a .375 you're also making broad assumptions that may not be relevant:

1. No rifle will do the job if you're not a good enough shot - a .375 isnt a substitute for marksmanship
2. The 06 is rather versatile as well, especially for PG - most hunters don't go to Africa then decide to hunt buffalo on a whim
3. An 06 isn't being under gunned for Zebra (and the question wasn't about larger heavier game)

If the question had been what one rifle would you choose to hunt every animal in Africa then the .375 would be the logical choice IMO but since it was asking if the 06 was enough for Zebra.....

Yes