Single shot?

[Catahoula]

I did a search for this but didn't come up with much. I'm headed over for plains game next year and am seriously considering buffalo in 2017. I'm taking my bolt action in 30-06 on the plains game hunt but am considering picking up a .375 to use on the larger animals (not because I think the 06 isn't enough) and for buffalo on the next hunt. I almost picked up a CZ550, but keep drifting back to the Ruger Number 1. I have owned and hunted with Ruger number 1s for years. There is an older red pad version with beautiful wood for sale locally. What are your thoughts on a single shot for buffalo?

 

[petrusg]

Hi Catahoula

In RSA, the legal minimum to hunt buffalo is a .375. My only concern with the Ruger would be if you use a bullet gr less than 300.

Also a buff can be taken with a 30-06 from a practical perspective, it is a really big animal and and I would recommend nothing less that 300gr.

Now that comes to another debate - you can buy ammo in a 300gr but based on the barrel twist, will you get the accuracy if you do not load and get your grouping.

I for one support a .375H&H due it's default being a 300gr.

 

[Catahoula]

Thanks Adriaan. I wasn't suggesting the 30-06 for buffalo. I would definitely use a 375 with a premium bullet. My question was about the use of a single shot on dangerous game.

 

[petrusg]

Sorry... must have misunderstood you

The more bullets, the better! Rather safe than sorry...

 

[Royal27]

Thanks Adriaan. I wasn't suggesting the 30-06 for buffalo. I would definitely use a 375 with a premium bullet. My question was about the use of a single shot on dangerous game.

I hate to give a canned answer, but I'm going to.

Talk to your PH.From seeing this topic in the past I think you'll find that many PHs will be fine with it, as long as you can shoot it well (same would go for a bolt really). I personally wouldn't do it, but that is just me. if someone else wants to then who am I to say they shouldn't? @tarbe is working on a No. ! in .404 Jeff right now for a future buff hunt. I've seen him shoot personally and would have no issue being on that buff hunt with him. The bullet always seems to go where he intends!!!

 

[TokkieM]

Buff are well known for soaking up big bullets and still going. That being said I would rather have a client pitch up with a rifle he knows and can handle well. The No.1 should be fine if you can do your part. Some guys can load a single shot just as fast as others load a bolt gun,so just practice under range conditions. It only takes one well placed bullet to kill any animal, just depends on how far you want to walk or wait till the buff stays down. Just bear in mind to fit QD scopes mounts and practice with the open sites,if it comes to that and it charges,you will need to wait and shoot him off the barrel tip,you only have time for one shot.
You will also not be alone and your PH should be able to stop that type of situation from becomeing nasty.

PS: Have a No.1 in 375 H&H myself,very nice rifle.

 

[Red Leg]

First of all, a No 1 is a great rifle (I have a .270 and .300 H&H which I love), and in .375 the No. 1 has, and will continue, to account for buffalo. That said, I personally like having an immediate follow-up shot. A lot fewer bulls are lost with two holes in them rather than just one.

 

[Ryno Botma]

Hi there , I always say take the gun you know and shoot the best , single shot or bolt does not really matter to me I have seen buff taken with a single shot from .375 , and also hunted buff in thick brush where a second shot could not be put into buff even if you had a double just be sure to take good quality bullets I prefer the Barnes TSX have seen them work a number of times
You always have your PH with on a dangerous game hunt for the odd
chance of something going wrong so in my book I don't see a problem with a single shot just make that first shot count
30-06 perfect for plains game also remember good bullets and shot placement makes for less tracking and more hunting

Happy hunting

 

[KVS]

Must agree with @AdriaanW have enough bullets in your rifle! Buffalo are a different ball game.

 

[CAustin]

I have taken all my plains game to date with a ruger #1 300 win mag. All animals but one were one shot kills. If you can get a #1 in good condition in a 375 by it fast!

 

[Catahoula]

Thanks for all of the replies. Perhaps I'll pick up the Ruger to use next year on Zebra and Wildebeest. There is always time for a new bolt gun before the next hunt!

Great picture CAustin!

 

[Bhfs300]

I was in SA last September and the first time I came in 2012 when I hunted with a bow. I decided I wanted to hunt this time with a rifle so I could see more of Africa. I always wanted a Ruger #1 so about six months before I found a nice 300 Win Mag in the Cabelas Gun Library. I spent the next couple months putting a scope on it and shooting it off sticks ect. I shot an Impala, Worthog, Red Hartebeest and a Nyala. I also put a Gemsbuck out o

 

[Bhfs300]

Sorry hit the wrong button. That had been wounded by another hunter. Total six shots and five animals. The only one that I shot more than once was the Warthog and I might have been ok but my PH was worried about it going down one of the holes that were in the area. Here is why.

 

[Redruff]

CZ550 375 H&H. My 2 cents! R.