Recommendations on what bullet to use on a Nile Crocodile?

[Happy Myles]

I have killed croc with 06 and 300 Win Mag. Accuracy is the key for a careful brain shot. Normally i use 180 grain bullets that my 30 caliber rifles pin point the aim. The big croc in my photo { see media }i shot in the back of his head when he raised up from the water to gnaw on a hippo quarter across the Ugalla river from me approximately 150 yards while smaller crocs watched him in awe. That rascal picked up the quarter like it was a rag doll. I walked out in thigh deep water with rifle in hand to put a loop around its neck as I did not want the trackers to risk being nibbled on. We had not planned on shooting one but it was too big to pass up. Bait was there for photos.. PH was upset i went into water.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Will be using a 300 Win Mag. Hoping for a head shot and damage does not matter. My wife will have a hand bag made so she can say " yes, it is pretty. I killed it." Gotta love her.

Generally I would use a 180 gr Barnes TTSX but thought a faster expanding bullet would be better for a brain shot. Lots of damage is fine - we will use the bottom hide for what she wants. Planning on taking 2, if they co-operate.

Perhaps one of the below but am looking for insights

Hornady 30 Cal .308 180 gr SST "The Hornady® SST® (Super Shock Tip) is designed to deliver tremendous shock on impact while expanding quickly and reliably, particularly at higher velocities."

Hornady 30 Cal .308 180 gr InterLock SP "Our traditional line of bullets feature exposed lead tips for controlled expansion and hard‑hitting terminal performance. feature our exclusive InterLock® design — a raised ring inside the jacket that is embedded in the bullet's core that keeps the core and jacket locked together during expansion to retain mass and energy."

Thoughts - would appreciate especially some from those who have done this already

Thanks

I'm going on a croc hunt in Mozambique in the middle of the rut in August lake Cahora. Massive crocs there. I shot a nice croc last year in Zambia with my 375, neck shot. The PH Im going with this year said my 300 WM would be fine. Swift Aframe bullets 180 or Barnes "TSX" 180 or Nosler 180 partitions. I would advise against shooting one in the brain with a 300 WM. You want the neck shot behind the smile. I was nervous last year, but I shot mine behind the smile at 84 yards on a sand bank. He it anchored him. I told my PH I'd rather hunt with my 375, he said no problem.

 

[sureshot375]

I don’t think bullet construction matters much. Shot placement is everything.

For what it is worth I prefer the neck shot behind the false smile with an anchor in the shoulder.

I shot mine with a .375 H&H 300gr trophy bonded bearclaw.

 

[The Engineer]

I took a 13 footer with a spine shot with my 300 Win loaded with a 180gr Barnes TSX. The bullet shattered the spine and was deformed but in one piece when recovered. I was also hunting Leopard and my PH suggested 180gr Nosler partitions for the cat as they expand quickly. My PH felt the Nosler partitions expand too fast for crocks and suggested the Barnes.

 

[eyedok]

I used a 180 gr TSX in Zambia and it worked fine, but have also shot several really big gators w a .22, and they also worked just fine

 

[sniper7]

I haven’t taken one yet but was with my friend on his that he took with a .300WM and 180 grain TSX.

 

[Kharn]

I have seen crocs called in by mimicking baby crocodile distress calls.
Probably the most exciting croc hunting can get.