What calibre? (Yet again)

[roverandbrew]

I shot both these with a 30-06 and 180 grain bullets. Swift A-Frame I recall. Zero issues and both died together. I would have zero issues with 7x57 and above on Zebra.

 

[375Fox]

I would also only take the 30-06. You said the agent said to bring a minimum of 300 win, but I’d recommend you talk to outfitter/PH directly. I think he will say 30-06 as well with 180 gr bullets. The 375 just doesn’t add any value in this scenario.

 

[Borderer]

Certainly the 'ought-6' will handle it, but why do have a 375?

Have a great trip!

I used it on an Eland hunt two years ago. The same one where the farmer had a good laugh at me for not just using a 308... . Being completely honest, I would probably best just selling it now.

 

[Borderer]

I would also only take the 30-06. You said the agent said to bring a minimum of 300 win, but I’d recommend you talk to outfitter/PH directly. I think he will say 30-06 as well with 180 gr bullets. The 375 just doesn’t add any value in this scenario.

Thanks. I have sent a message to the PH and will see what the response is.

 

[shootist~]

Post in thread 'Bullet Performance Database'

Jul 31, 2021

180 grain 30 Cal Swift A-Frame reloads. 30-06 MV 2,753 fps
Left to Right:

Left: Frontal Chest on Blue Wildebeest: ~60 Yards; A good bit left of center. Did not run far, but still standing and required finisher.
169.5 grains = 94.2% Retained Weight.

Center: Zebra Stallion: ~70 Yards; A little higher than intended and behind the shoulder as he spun 180* to leave the area. Found under skin on offside. Ran probably 200 yards and was dead when we got there.
176.6 grains = 98.1% Retained Weight.

Right: Finisher on Red Hartebeest; 5 Yards thru the spine...

• shootist~

• 
• 

Post 563. 180 grain Swift A-frame plains game performance from my 30-06.
Excellent up to and including Kudu and a less than perfect shot on Zebra.

If BWB was on you list, something bigger would not be a bad thing.

 

[V.Veritas]

Regarding all the comments related to the use of solid bullets on smaller game in Namibia, I’ll post the following paragraph from NAPHA rules, just because it was fresh on my mind:

“Dangerous Game:
(e.g. Elephant; Hippo; Rhino; Buffalo; Lion)
Minimum caliber: .375 (or equivalent caliber in mm)
Energy: 5400 Joule

No solid point cartridge is allowed to be used as per the Nature Conservation Ordinance No 4 of 1975 on any other species than pachyderms (Elephant, Hippo, Rhino).”

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Find some military ammo (308 or 30-06), pull the bullets, and reload a box in factory cases for your 30-06. All you'd need for the dinky antelope. Makes more sense than gigantic 375 solids. Smaller holes. Don't try taking military cases. Wrong nomenclature on the brass.

Edit: V.Veratis post came up as I posted this. Apparently it's not legal to shoot small antelope with ANY caliber solid bullet. However, I seem to recall reading others have shot small antelope with 375 solids. Wait ... this is a regulation specific to Namibia. That explains it. Pick up some 190 or 200 gr 30-06 cup and core bullets for the small antelope. Shouldn't blow them up too badly.