New(er) cartridges for Plains Game?

[Code4]

No one goes to Africa hunting without being driven by some form of Romanticism or the desire for a Traditional experience. I myself have chosen and used a 9.3x62 for one such trip to fulfill these desires.

But times change and so do options. I've been called a FUDD on a few firearms sites but this post may ruin that.

I've always been a fan of the .243W as a 2nd or 'camp gun' in Africa. It can take so many of the smaller plains game with low recoil and long range. When the 6ARC was released yesterday I took notice. Here was a similar round that would nicely make up a light and handy stalking rifle in a custom Mini Howa or CZ527. Perfectly suited to the smaller or junior hunter and for the surgical shooter who can place his shots.

I then thought about something for the general run-of-the mill Plains game most of us can afford. The .300 PRC came to mind. A massive choice of projectiles for use in any biome, more terminal energy than a standard length 300 magnum, flat shooting and less wind drift.

What think you ?

 

[YancyW]

I have a Bergara Highlander in 300 PRC. It shoots factory Hornaday ammo as well as anything I could load for it. I get 5 shot groups under a 1" all day.

I took it to a long-range class last year, was shooting steel out to 1200 with factory ammo. At those distances, hand loads clearly were the better choice, but getting on steel was still possible with ELD-Ms loaded by Hornaday.

 

[Saul]

I, for one, have been contemplating a line of wildcats based on the 375 Ruger case, just like the 300 PRC. Since they would offer supreme ballistic performance (matching any weatherby cartridge) in a standard action, they would be incredible plains game cartridges.

 

[YancyW]

I should have said, I would love a 6ARC set up in an AR platform for domestic hunting. If I didn't just build one in 6.5CM, I would likely already be on it.

 

[Newboomer]

All fine and dandy but what happens if ammo no show? I seriously doubt many outfitters have even heard of these oddballs, much less know where to find it in Africa. Thank you just the same, but I'll stick with a tried and true African caliber or an American where I know ammo is available.

 

[dchamp]

I think the .375 Ruger would be my choice for an all around modern PG cartridge, but hey if the .300PRC is what floats your boat then go for it. Whats the worst that can happen; you have no ammo and will have to rent the outfitters rifles.

 

[Code4]

All fine and dandy but what happens if ammo no show? I seriously doubt many outfitters have even heard of these oddballs, much less know where to find it in Africa. Thank you just the same, but I'll stick with a tried and true African caliber or an American where I know ammo is available.

I've know of people landing with nothing. No rifle, no ammo and no luggage. How often have you been separated from your ammo ? You hear about it being a potential issue, a bit like catching gastro. I would like to hear your own experiences.

 

[Newboomer]

I've know of people landing with nothing. No rifle, no ammo and no luggage. How often have you been separated from your ammo ? You hear about it being a potential issue, a bit like catching gastro. I would like to hear your own experiences.

I've been lucky so far and have not had a problem with any of my gear coming up missing or late. I fly Reno to JFK to JNB to PE and back.

 

[John J]

I took enough and split ammo evenly between my son and I. 375 H&H and 500 MDM. Both bags arrived safely, but I was prepared if only one arrived. Maybe if it's a worry take a second checked bag on the outbound flight and consolidate back home. There was no ammo in camp as far as I know. Maybe we could have figured something out if it was an emergency?

 

[Velo Dog]

Hello Code4,

I have noticed that some folks go to Africa with nothing more than a tape measure / record book quest .... tradition be damned.
One example is from a story that a South African PH related to me, as follows:
This particular character, brought to the Limpopo District (thick bush/short range shooting conditions) a carbon fiber wrapped 26” barrel, Remington 700 actioned, thumbhole plastic stocked, super-galactic .3oo Ultra Magnum caliber rifle, loaded with 165 grain bullets, leaving the muzzle at 10-million feet per second.

He had attached to this Star Trek mess, a huge, variable power, battery enhanced reticule, telescope, in extra-high rings.
The scope was adjustable, clear up to 24 power.
He reportedly told the PH that he would not be interested in shooting anything less than “gold medal” animals.
My bet is that African safari tradition, romance and / or nostalgia, were very far from his mind.

Also, no offense intended but, I never heard of the cartridges you mention.
All that said, I freely admit to being a grumpy old man, living in the past, etc.

Kind Regards,
Velo Dog.

 

[Philip Glass]

No one goes to Africa hunting without being driven by some form of Romanticism or the desire for a Traditional experience. I myself have chosen and used a 9.3x62 for one such trip to fulfill these desires.

But times change and so do options. I've been called a FUDD on a few firearms sites but this post may ruin that.

I've always been a fan of the .243W as a 2nd or 'camp gun' in Africa. It can take so many of the smaller plains game with low recoil and long range. When the 6ARC was released yesterday I took notice. Here was a similar round that would nicely make up a light and handy stalking rifle in a custom Mini Howa or CZ527. Perfectly suited to the smaller or junior hunter and for the surgical shooter who can place his shots.

I then thought about something for the general run-of-the mill Plains game most of us can afford. The .300 PRC came to mind. A massive choice of projectiles for use in any biome, more terminal energy than a standard length 300 magnum, flat shooting and less wind drift.

What think you ?

I am getting a .300PRC barrel for my R8. It is a really cutting edge round and I think it’s cool because it is a .375 Ruger case. Plus I can use the same R8 mag. I am not a caliber guru but sometimes something new comes along that is really worth taking a look at. ie .375 Ruger.
Philip

 

[YancyW]

All fine and dandy but what happens if ammo no show? I seriously doubt many outfitters have even heard of these oddballs, much less know where to find it in Africa. Thank you just the same, but I'll stick with a tried and true African caliber or an American where I know ammo is available.

Last time that happened to me, the ammo I was trying to find was 375H&H, and I couldn't find any. So I took my PH's rifle and started shooting. Oddly enough, the ammo I saw the most of when looking in stores in Windhoek was 300WM.

 

[YancyW]

I am getting a .300PRC barrel for my R8. It is a really cutting edge round and I think it’s cool because it is a .375 Ruger case. Plus I can use the same R8 mag. I am not a caliber guru but sometimes something new comes along that is really worth taking a look at. ie .375 Ruger.
Philip

In one of your videos, I thought I remembered you saying you are also getting a 6.5PRC barrel. I have one in a cheap Tikka, it is really a fine round, I'm not sure it is any better than a 6.5x284, but it is a great shooter.

 

[Philip Glass]

In one of your videos, I thought I remembered you saying you are also getting a 6.5PRC barrel. I have one in a cheap Tikka, it is really a fine round, I'm not sure it is any better than a 6.5x284, but it is a great shooter.

Yes I have the 6.5 PRC and it’s a real shooter. That would be a great round to have in the Tikka as well. The gurus say it hits as hard as .300 Win at distance. There are lots of 6.5’s now so I’m sure there is lots of debate. What kind of scope do you have in the Tikka? I have the 7Mag Tikka and it’s great for hunting.
Philip

 

[AES]

OP, I am with you on the 300 PRC. In my view, the perfect all-size plains game round and could even be nice for Leopard.

 

[BeeMaa]

OP, I am with you on the 300 PRC. In my view, the perfect all-size plains game round and could even be nice for Leopard.

You will want to discuss using a .300 caliber for Leopard with your outfitter.
Some jurisdictions have a legal requirement based on the fact that Leopard is Dangerous Game.
As such it may be necessary to use a 9.3mm/.375 caliber, or have a minimum energy level.

Certainly people have taken Leopard with lesser calibers.
It's just a good idea to ask your PH and get his opinion.

 

[YancyW]

Yes I have the 6.5 PRC and it’s a real shooter. That would be a great round to have in the Tikka as well. The gurus say it hits as hard as .300 Win at distance. There are lots of 6.5’s now so I’m sure there is lots of debate. What kind of scope do you have in the Tikka? I have the 7Mag Tikka and it’s great for hunting.
Philip

The only real shooting I've done so far was off a bench, so I have a Vortex G2 Razor. The same scope I run on my 300PRC, it's 4-27x56, so not at all a hunting rig in that configuration. I would most likely put a Swaro Z5 on it or something in that weight range to take on a hunt.

The Tikka is a $400 dollar Europtic special, so it's a cheap rifle with an expensive scope, which is far better than the other way around, IMO.

 

[AES]

You will want to discuss using a .300 caliber for Leopard with your outfitter.
Some jurisdictions have a legal requirement based on the fact that Leopard is Dangerous Game.
As such it may be necessary to use a 9.3mm/.375 caliber, or have a minimum energy level.

Certainly people have taken Leopard with lesser calibers.
It's just a good idea to ask your PH and get his opinion.

I get it . . . that's why I caveat-ed with "could". My point was that the 220gr ELDX factory loads deliver almost 4,000ft-lb of energy which should quite easily dispatch of a 150lb cat.

 

[YancyW]

I get it . . . that's why I caveat-ed with "could". My point was that the 220gr ELDX factory loads deliver almost 4,000ft-lb of energy which should quite easily dispatch of a 150lb cat.

You could use a 230gr berger on one, but you will need to buy your taxidermist a bottle of Scotch for all the extra work...

 

[Philip Glass]

The only real shooting I've done so far was off a bench, so I have a Vortex G2 Razor. The same scope I run on my 300PRC, it's 4-27x56, so not at all a hunting rig in that configuration. I would most likely put a Swaro Z5 on it or something in that weight range to take on a hunt.

The Tikka is a $400 dollar Europtic special, so it's a cheap rifle with an expensive scope, which is far better than the other way around, IMO.

Tikka is amazing for the money!