Plains game cartridges

brybenn

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
53   0   0
Location
southern ontario
Ive read and re read john pondoros book of african cartridges and im still no closer to deciding on a plains game rifle.
Warthog
Zebra
Oryx
Black wildebeest
Blue wildebeest
Impala
Baboons
The main list of what i want. Maybe some smaller add ons. Im bringing my trusted 458wm for buffalo and have no issue using it for more but id like a flatter shooting round as well. My thoughts are
3006
300wm
375hh
All common. All capable. Which would you choose?
 
300WM then 8x68S (would be my first choice but not on the OP's list), then 7x64
 
Last edited:
I took most of my plains game with .375s, but that just sort of happened. My first hunt I had it along because its Africa, and my daydreams of Africa included a three seven five. Figured I might as well use it at least once, and if it isn't broke, don't fix it....................

Having said that; anything you would be happy with for elk will handle your plains game list. I've taken a couple different 300s.
 
30/06. More than capable for the game mentioned and does it with less recoil and muzzle blast. You asked.
 
300 Win Mag on my trips for everything you listed except for the buffy.
You may want to check with the coutry you are going to on the 06, which would also do the job. Some countries do not allow military cartidges in.
Biggest thing is something you are familiar and comfotable with. Things can get pretty "real" in short order over there.
 
I'd go 375H&H even though the intended species are plains game...

Ya never know when a plains game hunt could turn into a dangerous game shoot to survive!

Enjoy!

Cheers
Jay
 
This year I’m taking a 22 Hornet and a 300 WSM. I normally take a 9.3x62 for plains game, but I used a 30-06 when we went for a month to tour and I didn’t take a rifle. Any you mentioned will work just put the bullet in the right place.
 
With your list of plains game, and the fact that you are covered with the big bore, the 375 may not be necessary, even though it is as multi purpose as you can get on your list of choices. (Of course this is assumingfor Africa that this list is of other rifles you currently own, and are not needing to acquire).
The 30-06 is very capable, and for those tougher animals (wildebeest, zebra and oryx) should do just fine at reasonable distances with proper shot placement, and well constructed 180 or 200 gr bullets.
The 300 Win Mag will just add to your range of "reasonable distances".

Unfortunately, I had to cancel my trip last year, but I was taking my 338-06 for plains game (spiral horns incl/ eland).
 
Back
Top Bottom