I need to find a bullet for hunting in Africa. I shoot a Wetherby 300 mag.?

Question

Target species are Gems Bok, Kudu, Warthog, and Hartabeast. Some of the bullets I am thinking about are Barns X, Nosler Partition, and Hornady Interlock. I am thinking 180 grains.

Answer 1

barnes cross or hornady........................i live and hunt in south africa and shoot all the game you mentioned. i hunt with 3006 using hornady 180 gr self loads and factory ammo @ 2600fps..I have NEVER had any problem with stopping/killing power and have yet to lose an animal through wounding. None of the list is dangerous game. depending on where you hunt the av distance should be bout 250 yds

Answer 2

I don't think you can do it with just one bullet weight and just one load.

Those Gembok are smaller than whitetail deer. I'd use a Nosler Ballistic Tip, either 125 or 150 grain for them.

For the heavier game, the Barnes X bullet or Nosler Partition bullets would be a good choice. I've not used the Barnes X bullets, but I've had some good results with Nosler Partitions. I suggest you try both the 180's and some 220's if you can find them and take the one that groups best in your rifle.

As for the charge by a cape buffalo goes, don't worry about it. If old m'bogo charges you at close range, you'd best hope the PH is packing something bigger than a .30 caliber cause not even a .300 Weatherby is going to do you much good.

If I were going, I'd carry two rifles, a Winchester M-70 Safari Grade in .375 H&H and a Marlin M-1895 in .45-70 loaded with Garrett Hammerheads.

(Before you gents start snorting and making fun of my choice of a .45-70 for African game, pop over the the Garrett Cartridge Co. website and read the story of Vince Lupo, who took record-book trophies of the Big Six with a Marlin M-1895. http://www.garrettcartridges.com/lupoindex.asp)

Answer 3

Well, none of these animals are any heavier than a large deer, so any of the bullets will work well. I'd go with the Nosler bullet for the thin skinned animals and reserve the Barns bullet for the tougher Warthog.
If memory serves here, the Hartebeast is the heaviest at about 450 to 500 pounds; followed by the Gemsbok at 400 to 450 pounds; and the Kudu at 200 to 250 pounds. If wounded they are not going to attack you, however; the 180 grain bullet should do well on these animals.
The Warthog, at 300 to 350 pounds is clever, fast, agile, and foul tempered on a good day. You are going to want to anchor him right away. The penetration the Barns bullet offers would be the best bet.

Answer 4

I'd definitely go with the Barnes X bullet. If you happen to get charged by a cape buffalo, and have to shoot him, you've got a LOT better chance of the bullet penetrating with the Barnes bullet. A jacketed bullet will simply disentigrate and piss him off.
I'd also like to suggest that, if you haven't the money for a rifle chambered in an "African cartridge", you might look at Gander Mtn.. They have some pretty decent single shots in .405 Winchester that WILL do the job.

You should also, as a courtesy, ask your Professional Hunter/Guide which of those bullets he'd suggest. I'm sure (as a former guide) he has his own preference, based on perfomances he's witnessed.

Answer 5

Pretty much what everyone else has said. The Barnes X is a pretty good choice. Maybe bump up the grains a little.

The only thing I'd I'd suggest is that though your target prey are fairly small, compared to other African game, you may want to consider a slightly larger caliber rifle, depending on where you are hunting. Your guide will be carrying some kind of backup rifle in a larger caliber, but I'm the kind of guy who would rather punch a bit bigger whole in my target than end up getting trampled to death or eaten in a situation that goes bad.

Answer 6

The Barnes X are great bullets but I think I would go with a heavier grain than the 180.