Guns Africa Dangerous game
- Thread starter mackillan
- Start date
Scope choice can be anything from the many classic low-range variables and fixed to big high power wunndurluminators, depending on what style of hunting is being conducted. Most of today's lions are shot over bait with poor light always being a concern. For these conditions a 3.5-10x 50mm VX111 with illuminated reticle is a cost effective choice.
How much more is the recoil on a 375 cz or ruger than a 300 mag or 7mm mag?
My opinion,
CZ 550 in .375 H&H
Rather have something you can shoot well and hit with than a big bore that you can't. Also ammo is quite a bit cheaper = lots more practice which I think is a lot more important than caliber.
Here's another neat option, F.A.I.R. combo set (20ga & 9.3x74R) like Catnthehatt has.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237595
For a scope I'd go with a lower powered 1.5-5x Leupold and QD rings.
CZ 550 in .375 H&H
Rather have something you can shoot well and hit with than a big bore that you can't. Also ammo is quite a bit cheaper = lots more practice which I think is a lot more important than caliber.
Here's another neat option, F.A.I.R. combo set (20ga & 9.3x74R) like Catnthehatt has.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237595
For a scope I'd go with a lower powered 1.5-5x Leupold and QD rings.
How much more is the recoil on a 375 cz or ruger than a 300 mag or 7mm mag?
MUCH more!
7mm RM in an 8 lb rifle - 160gr @ 3000fps 65gr charge = 21.7ft-lbs
.375 H&H in a 10lb rifle - 270gr @ 2700fps 74gr charge = 33.3ft-lbs
.416 Rigby in 10lb rifle - 400gr @ 2400fps 100gr charge = 58.61 ft-lbs
It is very important to practice. And to have a properly fitting rifle. And a quality recoil pad. Oh, did I mention practice?
Just to compare. Let's say you had a custom 9.3x62 built on an M98 or maybe Montana action. For your budget you could have a pretty decent rifle, nothing too fancy but a very solid rifle. It would fit you just right, have the correct (for you) barrel length - IMO 21"-22", have a very good set of open sights, a very good trigger, EAW quick detach mounts and a good quality scope.
The recoil on an 9.3x62 with 286gr bullets @ 2350fps and 55gr charge:
9lb rifle - 28lbs
10lb rifle- 25.2lbs of recoil
In other words, you would have a good lion killer that recoils similarly to your 7mm Mag. You would be comfortable shooting it, you would therefore practice more and become more proficient. When it comes time to drop a Lion you will be more likely to make a solid killing shot.
Since you have a good budget you could even just pick up a CZ 550 in 9.3x62 for less than $1000. Take it to the range and start practicing. If you like it you can have it customized to your specs. If you think the recoil is light then you can sell it for close to what you bought it for and find a .375 H&H - although I doubt the .375 will, under 99% of situations, kill the lion any deader.
The recoil on an 9.3x62 with 286gr bullets @ 2350fps and 55gr charge:
9lb rifle - 28lbs
10lb rifle- 25.2lbs of recoil
In other words, you would have a good lion killer that recoils similarly to your 7mm Mag. You would be comfortable shooting it, you would therefore practice more and become more proficient. When it comes time to drop a Lion you will be more likely to make a solid killing shot.
Since you have a good budget you could even just pick up a CZ 550 in 9.3x62 for less than $1000. Take it to the range and start practicing. If you like it you can have it customized to your specs. If you think the recoil is light then you can sell it for close to what you bought it for and find a .375 H&H - although I doubt the .375 will, under 99% of situations, kill the lion any deader.
1 1/8oz slug @ 1350fps 32gr charge in a 7lb shotgun = 27.8ft-lbs.
Of course the recoil you feel in each case depends on many factors, shape of stock, type of recoil pad, fit of firearm, state of mind etc.
It would be nice if you could test a rifle before you actually buy it. Where do you live?
How much more is the recoil on a 375 cz or ruger than a 300 mag or 7mm mag?
I'm 130lbs soaking wet, wearing my leatherman and heavy shoes, I shoot my Brno 375H&H all day long, no problems, after a box of Hornady Heavy mag, I'm a little sore, but no more than a box of 5 slugs from a shottie. Its 10 lb 6 ounce empty, 10lb 12 ounce fully loaded. The nice thing about the Brno is it holds 6 down, 1 in the chamber, those extra rounds are nice to have (I think the CZ might be the same, not sure)
If your around my neck of the woods, I have the Brno in 375, and a Win Mod 70 in 458 Lott (9lbs 15 ounce rifle) that you could try before you go looking for one, that would give you a good idea of your recoil threshold.
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I ordered the 375 Ruger Alaskan
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It is a common calibre from what Ive read. Can you take ammo over there?I hope that you can find ammo in Africa if necessary.
mudgunner49
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
What's wrong with a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70 for lion? A good 300-400 gr FP bullet moving in the 1700-2000 fps range and quick follow-up shopts - what's not to like???
I think the 9.362 idea has a lot of merit and would be my second choice.
A buddy of mine has taken 3 with his 30-06 - extreme horsepower is not really required...
I think the 9.362 idea has a lot of merit and would be my second choice.
A buddy of mine has taken 3 with his 30-06 - extreme horsepower is not really required...
i bought a 375 h&h last year, having shot and liked this caliber, it was a browning a-bolt II medalion model which was on sale new for $753.00 plus gst and shipping. great deal even though i think it is a bit light for the 375
i read in these forums that the heavier models such as remington, cz or brno would be better for the shooting and recoil of the 375. i would agree.
i for sure would appreciate more advice on this from all you experienced shooters, thanks
i read in these forums that the heavier models such as remington, cz or brno would be better for the shooting and recoil of the 375. i would agree.
i for sure would appreciate more advice on this from all you experienced shooters, thanks
No you can't, that's why you need a very heavy rifle with a long barrel, so you can club 'em to death.
Of course you can take ammo
. But had you picked the 375 H&H as many suggested to you, you'd be able to find ammo just about anywhere. I'm no expert, so follow the advise of people like Dogleg, Boomer and Martinbns, these are people with actual, real experience.
