Legal calibers

[gatekeeper]

Are there any caliber restrictions on calibers for plains game regarding the 308 Win.? Is there any location that may deem this a "military" round, being the civilian vartiant of the 7.62 NATO and forbid it's use?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

You're good with a .308W until DG.

 

[gatekeeper]

What is 'DG'? Sorry, my computer literacy is obviously lacking a bit, and I am learning much of the short hand phrases.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Dangerous Game, ie, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile. All depends on the country. I think the caliber for croc is rarely specified other than its energy in joules.
I believe for plains game you’re fine in any country.

 

[gatekeeper]

outstanding, thank you!!

 

[CAustin]

Many people hunt with the 308 in Africa

 

[BRICKBURN]

................ Is there any location that may deem this a "military" round, being the civilian variant of the 7.62 NATO and forbid it's use?

No where your typical plains game hunt will be taking place.

 

[Divernhunter]

The "caliber restrictions" "regarding the 308win" is that you must use .308" diameter bullets when shooting the 308win for safety and success. you are not permitted to use 45 caliber bullets in a 308win.

 

[BeeMaa]

If you are going on safari, use it as an excuse to add a rifle to your safe.
Start a new thread with "What caliber rifle should I buy for PG".
Reignite the 375H&H vs 375Ruger debate...the 416 caliber debate...450...etc.

But seriously, consider stepping up to a 300WM or even a 338WM, mostly for larger PG like Eland, Sable & Kudu.
These can be found relatively inexpensively (compared to DG calibers) used and still in good condition.
Having a little wiggle room with a larger caliber if a marginal shot is made could be the difference between a trophy and just a blood trail.

Cheers and happy hunting.

 

[Bruce]

No restrictions in Southern Africa....

 

[Nyati]

What the OP is asking for is for possible legal restrictions, as some countries consider .308/7.62 NATO as a military only caliber.

As others have said before, no problems in RSA, but I would check in other countries.

 

[Bruce]

F

What the OP is asking for is for possible legal restrictions, as some countries consider .308/7.62 NATO as a military only caliber.

As others have said before, no problems in RSA, but I would check in other countries.

Funnily enough, 308 is legal in Zambia as well, yet the 303 is NOT legal there?

 

[Daga Boy]

I think the .308 may not be legal in Botswana but its easy enough to check.
If you are coming over here and have in mind to shoot larger animals like Wildebeest, Kudu , Eland or Zebra I would opt for a bigger calibre unless you are only going to be hunting in heavily bushed areas.
338WM is excellent in more open areas where long shots may be required, but it can do a lot of meat damage at close range unless you go to very heavy bullets or lighter loads. At bushveld ranges (about 100m max but often closer) the .308 is fine provided you use a strong bullet and place the shots well; however a bigger calibre like the 338/06, 35 Whelan, 358 Norma or 9.3 x 62 is preferable on account of better brush breaking and knockdown abilities.