375h&h, one do it all African load..?

[Boomer]

Some PHs think its their god given right to slip a shot into your buff or elephant. Oddly few feel like that about a springbok. Some do it so fast that you have to know that they had their mind made up before they left town.

I think in some situations, particularly when hunting dangerous game in thick cover, its prudent for the PH to fire. The deal usually goes like this; the client fires, and if at the sound of his shot the animal is still in the PH's sight picture, he fires. Its bound to be fast or there's no benefit. That said, before you ever leave camp, there must be a discussion between PH and client, so everyone is on the same page. The PH-client relationship is probably ruined if the client demands an additional animal, because the PH made the kill.

 

[Neo]

Its a hard step from paying money for a possession to paying money for a memory. Some can never make that leap and some don't have any problem with it.

I started having a lot fewer problems with spending $$$ on memories when I finally realized that when it's time to shuffle off this mortal coil, I can't take my things with me. But the memories go wherever I go.

 

[A-zone]

The bottom line is that life is truly short.

To be able to say "I've done that" is something that no one can take away.

So, get out there and make memories!

 

[Dogleg]

I started having a lot fewer problems with spending $$$ on memories when I finally realized that when it's time to shuffle off this mortal coil, I can't take my things with me. But the memories go wherever I go.

My thoughts exactly. Experiences and memories travel light.

 

[Boomer]

I started having a lot fewer problems with spending $$$ on memories when I finally realized that when it's time to shuffle off this mortal coil, I can't take my things with me. But the memories go wherever I go.

Too many of the people I know will only have bar room memories when they get to the end of the road. Spending money on memories is easy, the hard part is to prioritize which memories you want. My bucket list includes, in mo particular order: mixed mountain hunting, coastal brown bears, muskox, bison, javelina, wild boar, and elk. If I was to go to Africa again, I know it would be wonderful, but it would also mean giving up things I haven't done yet but would like to.

 

[A-zone]

Too many of the people I know will only have bar room memories when they get to the end of the road. Spending money on memories is easy, the hard part is to prioritize which memories you want. My bucket list includes, in mo particular order: mixed mountain hunting, coastal brown bears, muskox, bison, javelina, wild boar, and elk. If I was to go to Africa again, I know it would be wonderful, but it would also mean giving up things I haven't done yet but would like to.

It's all about choices.

Hunting in Africa was an amazing experience (mostly target-rich, punctuated with many memorable and even a few hair-raising encounters with critters that we will never hunt on this continent. Several of these, for me, could easily have made for a "complicated" day). Put all that in a setting of good company, fabulous food and acacia trees silhouetted by dramatic sunsets and it makes for a lifetime of memories.

Fortunately, we in Canada are truly blessed with living in a country where there is a terrific amount of big game hunting to be enjoyed and experienced right here on our doorstep. And you don't have to spend a fortune pursuing it. Just a modest amount plus the time. The opportunities are all around us, whether it's moose, elk, bear, deer, wolves... You get the picture.

My heart is set on hunting sheep this year. First time. Got to do it while I can.

It does remind me of something one of my PHs said on my first visit to hunt in South Africa: "You guys in America are obsessed with buying guns and debating which bullets are best. Here in Africa, we just go hunting."

 

[Dogleg]

I think in some situations, particularly when hunting dangerous game in thick cover, its prudent for the PH to fire. The deal usually goes like this; the client fires, and if at the sound of his shot the animal is still in the PH's sight picture, he fires. Its bound to be fast or there's no benefit. That said, before you ever leave camp, there must be a discussion between PH and client, so everyone is on the same page. The PH-client relationship is probably ruined if the client demands an additional animal, because the PH made the kill.

That's a common drill for brain shooting elephants, and since the brain shot is either good or useless it isn't a bad strategy for that. Doing the same thing with body shots on buffalo would lead to nearly every one taking a PHs bullet.

Your north American wish list looks much like mine did. I've got most of it done now.

 

[Dugga Hunter]

It's all about choices.

Hunting in Africa was an amazing experience (mostly target-rich, punctuated with many memorable and even a few hair-raising encounters with critters that we will never hunt on this continent. Several of these, for me, could easily have made for a "complicated" day). Put all that in a setting of good company, fabulous food and acacia trees silhouetted by dramatic sunsets and it makes for a lifetime of memories.

Fortunately, we in Canada are truly blessed with living in a country where there is a terrific amount of big game hunting to be enjoyed and experienced right here on our doorstep. And you don't have to spend a fortune pursuing it. Just a modest amount plus the time. The opportunities are all around us, whether it's moose, elk, bear, deer, wolves... You get the picture.

My heart is set on hunting sheep this year. First time. Got to do it while I can.

It does remind me of something one of my PHs said on my first visit to hunt in South Africa: "You guys in America are obsessed with buying guns and debating which bullets are best. Here in Africa, we just go hunting."

Right on A-zone you nailed that comment about the difference in attitudes on firearms North America vs Africa. The South Africans are very limited to the number of firearms they can own and ammo is expensive for the average working person.In addition you have to pay the land owner for the animal - aka trophy fee. They take their trusty rifle and and go hunting and they their first shot count. Saw lots of the tried and tested calibers over there - 7X57, 7X64, 30-06, 8x57 and the 375H&H of course on my trips over there. The British and the Europeans had most of the African hunting calibers and bullets figured out well before 1914. The Americans in particular are attempting to reinvent the hunting game to sell new calibers (repackaged) and bullets. The debate shall continue for sure.

 

[Boomer]

That's a common drill for brain shooting elephants, and since the brain shot is either good or useless it isn't a bad strategy for that. Doing the same thing with body shots on buffalo would lead to nearly every one taking a PHs bullet.

Your north American wish list looks much like mine did. I've got most of it done now.

Oh sure, rub it in.

 

[Boomer]

It's all about choices.

Hunting in Africa was an amazing experience (mostly target-rich, punctuated with many memorable and even a few hair-raising encounters with critters that we will never hunt on this continent. Several of these, for me, could easily have made for a "complicated" day). Put all that in a setting of good company, fabulous food and acacia trees silhouetted by dramatic sunsets and it makes for a lifetime of memories.

Fortunately, we in Canada are truly blessed with living in a country where there is a terrific amount of big game hunting to be enjoyed and experienced right here on our doorstep. And you don't have to spend a fortune pursuing it. Just a modest amount plus the time. The opportunities are all around us, whether it's moose, elk, bear, deer, wolves... You get the picture.

My heart is set on hunting sheep this year. First time. Got to do it while I can.

It does remind me of something one of my PHs said on my first visit to hunt in South Africa: "You guys in America are obsessed with buying guns and debating which bullets are best. Here in Africa, we just go hunting."

Did you tell him we need something to talk about when its fifty below?
Let's see him "just go hunting" when it looks like this outside . . .

 

[A-zone]

My PH (Shaun Buffee) made it abundantly clear that he did not enjoy hunting in snow and ice! ( I think he thought we were nuts to go out in the cold and enjoy ourselves!)

Awesome PH, though. I'd hunt with him anytime.

 

[Ardent]

Too many of the people I know will only have bar room memories when they get to the end of the road. Spending money on memories is easy, the hard part is to prioritize which memories you want. My bucket list includes, in mo particular order: mixed mountain hunting, coastal brown bears, muskox, bison, javelina, wild boar, and elk. If I was to go to Africa again, I know it would be wonderful, but it would also mean giving up things I haven't done yet but would like to.

We can help you with two of those. I'll agree on the things-experiences balance, probably sounds odd given recent purchases posted here. Thing is though, none but the guns my grandfather gave to me stay with me for life. In fact one of my formerly most dear rifles is now making memories with Hoyt- a .375 as well by the way. Few things, including the H&H will stay around forever, as I won't be around forever. In an odd way I'll be more proud of the Winchester and Ruger I hand down to my sons than keeping a Royal for them. I appreciate craftsmanship, as that's one of the fine aspects of life, and more than anything I appreciate experiences as those you can take to the grave. Now, combine craftsmanship and experiences, and well you have something truly special. And that continues when you pass on that timeless piece to fund the next great adventure, as most of us do. Own too many things and they quickly own you, I struggle with that on a two year cycle- build the collection, purge and exchange for experiences, then build again. One day I hope to level out, the latest ventures have me completely pillaging the cabinet, though the best stuff still stands. For now.

 

[Dogleg]

Oh sure, rub it in.

I was going for more of a "If I can do it, anyone can do it" theme.

With some luck I'll able to cross coastal brown bear off the list in Sept. That's not even totally off topic since I'm taking a .375 but its close.

 

[hoytcanon]

With some luck I'll able to cross coastal brown bear off the list in Sept. That's not even totally off topic since I'm taking a .375 but its close.

Oh sure, rub it in.

 

[Dogleg]

Oh sure, rub it in.

OK, maybe there is a tiny, practically miniscule element of "rubbing it in". I prefer to think of it as "sharing the excitement with like minded individuals". Lord willing and the creek don't rise we'll find a bear the size of a buffalo. Or perhaps in this case, especially if the creek rises. Or is that even if the creek rises? And chalk another one up for the .375s and my new vision on a NA loading for it.

 

[Boomer]

OK, maybe there is a tiny, practically miniscule element of "rubbing it in". I prefer to think of it as "sharing the excitement with like minded individuals". Lord willing and the creek don't rise we'll find a bear the size of a buffalo. Or perhaps in this case, especially if the creek rises. Or is that even if the creek rises? And chalk another one up for the .375s and my new vision on a NA loading for it.

Okay, is this where a .375/230 gr Raptor comes into play? You can probably arrange for 3000 fps with that one. I wonder what it would do in my Ultra?

 

[Ardent]

OK, maybe there is a tiny, practically miniscule element of "rubbing it in". I prefer to think of it as "sharing the excitement with like minded individuals". Lord willing and the creek don't rise we'll find a bear the size of a buffalo. Or perhaps in this case, especially if the creek rises. Or is that even if the creek rises? And chalk another one up for the .375s and my new vision on a NA loading for it.

Rain or shine, or creek high or low I suppose better said as you put it, SOMA is getting the bear.

 

[hoytcanon]

And chalk another one up for the .375s and my new vision on a NA loading for it.

I messed around with some CFE-223 and 220 FN's outta the H&H... give it a try with those 230's... impressive.

 

[Dogleg]

Come hell or high water, nothing keeps the society from their misadventures.
Boomer,
I settled for 3000, partly because the was the goal going in and partly because that when the compression started. I actuly went 3 grains past that but ever clocked them. Trajectory matches my 300s out 500, that just screams for North American duty.

 

[jjohnwm]

We can help you with two of those. I'll agree on the things-experiences balance, probably sounds odd given recent purchases posted here. Thing is though, none but the guns my grandfather gave to me stay with me for life. In fact one of my formerly most dear rifles is now making memories with Hoyt- a .375 as well by the way. Few things, including the H&H will stay around forever, as I won't be around forever. In an odd way I'll be more proud of the Winchester and Ruger I hand down to my sons than keeping a Royal for them. I appreciate craftsmanship, as that's one of the fine aspects of life, and more than anything I appreciate experiences as those you can take to the grave. Now, combine craftsmanship and experiences, and well you have something truly special. And that continues when you pass on that timeless piece to fund the next great adventure, as most of us do. Own too many things and they quickly own you, I struggle with that on a two year cycle- build the collection, purge and exchange for experiences, then build again. One day I hope to level out, the latest ventures have me completely pillaging the cabinet, though the best stuff still stands. For now.

This should be made into a bumper sticker, or maybe one of those embroidered sampler-thingies. Well said, Angus! I agree completely, and only wish that I had come to this understanding a couple of decades earlier!

Johnn, the only thing difficult about thinning the herd is starting the process. It gets easier with each passing sale...it gets downright simple when the money pays for a hunt!