.375 rifles anyone???

I wouldn't do it... :redface: I like to know I'm in control of the situation, especially for dangerous game, and don't want the PH to do a thing unless he has to. My friend and PH has had to follow up many poorly shot Buffalo and Elephant (he credits part of the reason for these getting away to a surge in guys showing up with Ruger No.1's). One less than perfect shot and an elephant of buffalo hunt gets funky fast, either most typically with them going a long, long ways or coming a short ways in your direction all too quickly. The latter happened to him and nearly killed him and a client not long ago, he still has nightmares about it, was a bow hunter stuck buffalo that predictably didn't go down that he followed up, he killed it at several metres range on the charge. Bows and handguns, however powerful, are pretty similar as hunting implements. I definitely give the edge to a .375 JDJ TC, but you're still only getting one good shot. Follow ups, and reliable non-fumbling ones, are a damn good idea! Controlled round feed good bolt action, or a double rifle you can use well, all the way.
 
Ardent said:
Vic falls, the Limpopo, the Gomos... not sure where in Zim you've been but Botswana has much less to offer geographically if you ask me! (I'll be back to Africa in Botswana this October, will do a more thorough comparison) Zim's heaven on earth for a guy like me, I tried to get a job there, problem is the wage in my trade was roughly akin to volunteering if I wanted to live a western quality life. Later in life I'll try and live there a couple years.
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Ardent i lived in Africa for 3 period of 6 months then 6 months off to travel across a lot of countries. that s mean 24 months on this continent ...

unless you re hired from a western company forget about that you wont be able to live the life of the people there ...
 
medvedqc said:
Ardent i lived in Africa for 3 period of 6 months then 6 months off to travel across a lot of countries. that s mean 24 months on this continent ...

unless you re hired from a western company forget about that you wont be able to live the life of the people there ...
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Some Canadians think that they can go "native" in 3rd world countries. A few actually can but most can't do it and stay healthy. There are gut parasites that can stay with you a long time. :eek:
 
Working for a Zim company's not even an option, I'm a helicopter pilot, same type of contract work as geo is likely familiar with, and sounds like you too medved. My option was for a rhino anti-poaching / location / immobilisation gig, but for volunteer level pay. At some point, Africa for a couple years solid is a must in life, just has to make financial sense.
 
You guys are gonna cost me money. Its not the 375 H and H or the 416 Rem mag that is going to cost me. I am starting to read everything on Africa I can get my hands on. I am starting to get a fever to go. It may be possible!
 
samdunc said:
You guys are gonna cost me money. Its not the 375 H and H or the 416 Rem mag that is going to cost me. I am starting to read everything on Africa I can get my hands on. I am starting to get a fever to go. It may be possible!
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For sure it's possible, and a great idea. I tell you I enjoyed every minute of my time there and I have never once thought "I wish I had that money back from the trip". It doesn't have to be that costly either.
 
Ardent said:
Working for a Zim company's not even an option, I'm a helicopter pilot, same type of contract work as geo is likely familiar with, and sounds like you too medved. My option was for a rhino anti-poaching / location / immobilisation gig, but for volunteer level pay. At some point, Africa for a couple years solid is a must in life, just has to make financial sense.
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Ardent,

the problem as geo wrote is the way you will live there ....

just the house with the "salary" they will offer what will you get ? not even a shelter ...

then there is the heath side : there is no insurance card there and if you cannot afford to be cured nobody will do it for you.

now the food and we re back to the health side i wont take a bet after one week of food if you can afford of course.

the balance of all is if a western company want to hire you and pay you wages comparing to the level in Europe or N America. then you ll live very well otherwise you wont even survive. trust me i ve seen youg fellows trying to live as the locals and they didnt feel well after only one week.

on your flying side i ve seen bulgarian and russian pilots in Africa (not only Zimbabwe ...) they were living great if you compare with their levels in their own countries. but comparing to our level it was nothing ...

go there in vacation or for one month via a program of volunteers but again with some insurances ...

wish you all the best in your projects.
 
I'm thinking we have very different views of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe I'm familiar with (Bulawayo for a town) is actually a very comfortable place, I've worked and spent a lot of time in what I consider much worse, my former employment having me in the Amazon for quite some time, on several stints much like your experience in Africa it sounds. Zimbabwe today is a while different ball game than it was even five years ago. My wife's family are Belgian and were in the Congo until the '90's, that was a very uneasy time and place. Modern Zim however is for me, entirely comfortable and has any facilities one could look for if you remember where you are. What do/did you do medved that kept you in Africa if you don't mind me asking? Medical field is my wild shot in the dark. :)
 
Camp Cook said:
Yeah GH I know but it is such a cool little rifle that I couldn't not risk it...



Many elephants have been shot with T/C Contender handguns in 375JDJ...

:D
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Many as in more than one? More than 100? The occasional captive managed to take one out in the Coloseum with a sword or axe.

I wish that I had enough money that doing things the hard way was a viable option. As it is, I choose equipment that I believe will increase my chances, not put obstacles in my way. That doesn't mean that my choices are best, or the only way, or even the best that I can afford, but if there is a rather obvious shortcomeing it will probably stay home. When you start forking over the price of a new truck on a hunting trip, I'm apt to start thinking of ways to make it successful instead of harder. I'll save makeing do, or improviseing for plan "B"
 
Thats why my choice for a large body (buff, elephant) DG hunt would be something along the lines of a 458 Lott - with 5 or 6 in the box and 1 in the pipe. A Brno 602 perhaps.
 
Ardent said:
I'm thinking we have very different views of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe I'm familiar with (Bulawayo for a town) is actually a very comfortable place, I've worked and spent a lot of time in what I consider much worse, my former employment having me in the Amazon for quite some time, on several stints much like your experience in Africa it sounds. Zimbabwe today is a while different ball game than it was even five years ago. My wife's family are Belgian and were in the Congo until the '90's, that was a very uneasy time and place. Modern Zim however is for me, entirely comfortable and has any facilities one could look for if you remember where you are. What do/did you do medved that kept you in Africa if you don't mind me asking? Medical field is my wild shot in the dark. :)
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as a western coming people you can be right. but took it as black zimbabwean with the low rate of employement and realize how the life can be ...

Bulawayo is maybe safer than Jo'burg but under an occidental view it s not all a safe town at least for an european or a canadian ... of course an USA citizen wont be that surprised ...

yes that s true in five years zim has changed but not in the good way ... didnt you heard about provided from UE and US sides ... they re no more providing food as an exporter but need to import food if it s an improvment i dont see where ??? and again check the bulawayo hospital and as a native tell me if you can afford it or get medication.

ill come back later if you want on this but the subject is not here living as a white in africa.

maybe im not a big fan of Mugabe too ..
 
Toomanyguns said:
Thats why my choice for a large body (buff, elephant) DG hunt would be something along the lines of a 458 Lott - with 5 or 6 in the box and 1 in the pipe. A Brno 602 perhaps.
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Most problems start with a poorly placed shot and IMHO a 458 will cost you more than it gains you.

A 416 has enough bore size (I think) without the pesky mid/long range trajectory problems.
If 5 or 6 416's wont get it done I doubt a 458 will either. :D

I do think I would prefer the bigger 416 over a 375 (for buff and big baddies), but that is just me.
 
My .375 H&H. Just a sweet heart to shoot, always feeds, and accurate enough even with factory ammo. I am trying hard to justify a .375 ruger as well. I like the shorter barrel options, but really haven't had problems with the longer barrel.
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100 yard target on initial set up with factory winchester ammo:
utf-8BMzc1IGZlZCAyLmpwZw.jpg
 
Most problems start with a poorly placed shot and IMHO a 458 will cost you more than it gains you.

I am a very talented marksman and perform very well under pressure. I happen to enjoy shooting the 458 Lott.
 
You know what's really stupid or funny, depending on your BIAS... ?? :confused:


The notion that the shorter cartridge allows faster action cycling and a quicker second shot... because all the 'short action' guys tout this.

PLEASE!! Like a ####ing 300gr bullet from a .375 wouldn't kill something on the first shot (short of a Cape Buffalo) and we REALLY NEED a fast followup... :rolleyes:

Or a 6-8 ounce difference in rifle weight makes a difference... :rolleyes:

Hit the ####ing gym, then fat boy... :rolleyes:
 
X-fan said:
Most problems start with a poorly placed shot and IMHO a 458 will cost you more than it gains you.

A 416 has enough bore size (I think) without the pesky mid/long range trajectory problems.
If 5 or 6 416's wont get it done I doubt a 458 will either. :D

I do think I would prefer the bigger 416 over a 375 (for buff and big baddies), but that is just me.
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With a TSX, the Lott's trajectory is just swell for a 200 yard rifle, with a skilled operator 300, don't need much more than that. I shoot .375, but have to tip the hat to what a talented .458 shooter can do, almost no limitations there if the recoil doesn't bother one.
 
Ardent said:
I'm thinking we have very different views of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe I'm familiar with (Bulawayo for a town) is actually a very comfortable place, I've worked and spent a lot of time in what I consider much worse, my former employment having me in the Amazon for quite some time, on several stints much like your experience in Africa it sounds. Zimbabwe today is a while different ball game than it was even five years ago. My wife's family are Belgian and were in the Congo until the '90's, that was a very uneasy time and place. Modern Zim however is for me, entirely comfortable and has any facilities one could look for if you remember where you are. What do/did you do medved that kept you in Africa if you don't mind me asking? Medical field is my wild shot in the dark. :)
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Ardent, speak to some more people who have lived and worked in Zim (or any other country in the area), not a good idea imho. It may seem romantic, no doubt would be a blast, but too many down sides to make it worth the risk. As a white tourist you're not be exposed to the daily bs one has to live with. God forbid you get ill, have a run in with the law, break ins, rape, ect. ect. ect. Yeah, you're a nice Canadian, but you're white and that's all they see, that makes you a target, and they're not know for their civility when things go to sh*t.

If I was to pick countries I'd do Botswana or Namibia, much more stable relatively speaking. Best plan is to take your safari's as a tourist, in out, let the locals deal with the daily crap. Africa isn't what is was during the colonial days, not a lot of opportunity, lots of risk, many people have lost lives and fortunes in Africa. Undoubtedly the most beautiful place on earth, once it's in your soul it'll never let go, but that all comes at a heavy cost.
 
Again, we also have very different views of Zim. I worked in Bolivia through the sh1tstorm that brought in Evo Morales, and before that worked in Colombia's less desirable corner and the Brazil-Colombia-Peru Amazon frontier region. My perspective may well be different than a casual tourist, but truthfully, Zim gets a bad rap it doesn't deserve. A good friend, also a helicopter pilot, is from Bulawayo as well and is also looking at working back in Zim. There is now a stable currency, the US dollar, food and fuel is flowing much more smoothly, and the economic importance of outsiders with particular skillsets is becoming strongly recognized. Romantic's got nothing to do with it, I've spent years of my life in the world's funkier corners and Zim's my favourite of them. People that are looking for comfort and convenience should look elsewhere, but for a re-developing region that holds enormous beauty and for me, more 'spice' Zim is amazing. Can't speak for Namibia, but one day hope to.

Back to .375's... :)
 
Ardent,

wish you the best in your sucess and dreams. wont say anything we re not living in the same planet.

this is not what happening in Zim when European Union and USA are giving for free the food Zim producted 5 years ago only ... the oil is mayb here but doubt the population get a dime on those.

but again do what you want and not taking advices ... but expect if not paying via a western contrat (money, insurances and housing) do not stay and report your bitter experience ... i lived in some countries in Africa and i ve been living troughout 3 coup d etat in another country and im still taking before thinking living in Zim ...
as i already told and im not the only one Bos and Nam will a better bet but again maybe your skills are not looked for ... helicopter pilots in Africa if not black are coming mostly from Russia and Bulgaria there is maybe a money reason but not only it s political too ...

for the 375 back to the subject i doubt you can keep one rifle even with a working permit ... at least in Zim.

all the best.
 
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