Africa 2010

Boomer said:
The TSX is big medicine in Africa, and continues to be championed by many professionals. They aren't my favorite for big stuff, that goes to the South African 380 gr Rhino, but as a good do it all bullet, they work, but know I know why I chose to shoot my impala and warthog with a solid! I suspect that the Rhino bullets work much like the Swifts, as the A frames don't loose their forward section like a Partition, and I suppose I will have to follow, Dogleg's lead sometime and give them a go. Not enough cash tied up in components already I suppose.
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Isn't the partition design slightly different on the big caliber bullets, intended for .416's and such? I have never sectioned them, but I've been told the partition is moved further forward to promote better weight retention/penetration on the big stuff. I've got some 400gr .416 Partitions.

Also, have you any experience with the Hornady DGX? The Woodleighs are also supposed to be great.

When you get into cartridges/calibers in the .416, .458's, I think any of these bullets, loaded to moderate velocity would be good... .375's may be a different thing?
 
I'm afraid the only Partitions I have on my bench are for small bores, so you could be right about Nosler having a different version for the mid-large bore versions, although there is no mention of it that i've seen in the #6 manual. I tend to use Accubonds when I choose Noslers for the .375 rather than Partitions. I haven't tried the new Hornadys, DGX or DGS, just the old 270 gr IBs and some 300 gr FMJs. The IBs are a good general purpose bullet, but there is nothing good about the 300 gr FMJ and I hope the DXS are an improvement. I do have some Woodeighs, 350 gr .375s and 240 gr .308s and I like them as they, like the Rhinos are a solid shank bonded core bullet . . . I just wish they had a cannelure. So many bullets, so little cash.

The .416s can have high velocity applications as well, my Rigby/Ruger clocked 350 gr Xs and Mag-Tips well over 2800. But when velocity is held to 2400-2500, a normal copper cup-lead core bullet works fine regardless of caliber.
 
X-fan said:
Is is cheaper to have the mounts completed in Africa?
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Big argument there, not mounting this guy I just wanted the skull so can't answer fully. I think it depends where you are, there are some hacks in Africa, and some hacks here. The shop I visited in Bulawayo was truly first rate, the owner was a young Zimbo who had trained in North Dakota for two years. His operation made anything I've seen in Canada look amateur (massive shop, with 20+ employees), and his prices were lower, even after freight, than what you'd pay here typically. Their freight costs were extremely reasonable mind you too, many aren't.
 
Ardent, who was the Bulawayo taxidermist you met? Am going to be hunting in Zim next year with A-Zone, and Bulawayo will logistically make the most sense for us to have work done in-country. Am still trying to figure out our best option for a local taxidermy shop... Collette's Taxidermy has been suggested by our PH, but I'm open to any suggestions.

BTW -- Congrats on what sounds like a fantastic experience!

Ardent said:
Big argument there, not mounting this guy I just wanted the skull so can't answer fully. I think it depends where you are, there are some hacks in Africa, and some hacks here. The shop I visited in Bulawayo was truly first rate, the owner was a young Zimbo who had trained in North Dakota for two years. His operation made anything I've seen in Canada look amateur (massive shop, with 20+ employees), and his prices were lower, even after freight, than what you'd pay here typically. Their freight costs were extremely reasonable mind you too, many aren't.
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I had all my taxidermy from RSA done by a South African outfit. Well cheaper than dipping and shipping to get it done here. Even factoring in air freight it was cheaper. Can't get my stuff done in RSA for this next trip because of the South Africans' fear of foot and mouth. I approached a South African taxidermist and they told me that the skins have to go for radiation and 80% of the skins come back burned. So I decided to go big and send mine to Rion White in Moose Jaw. Pricey, but I imagine it'll be worth it in the end.
 
Neo said:
Ardent, who was the Bulawayo taxidermist you met? Am going to be hunting in Zim next year with A-Zone, and Bulawayo will logistically make the most sense for us to have work done in-country. Am still trying to figure out our best option for a local taxidermy shop... Collette's Taxidermy has been suggested by our PH, but I'm open to any suggestions.

BTW -- Congrats on what sounds like a fantastic experience!
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Yep, it was Collett's that I visited (his brother was my PH), it's an absolute first rate operation, and the mounts were beautiful. He was also extremely attentive to hair slippage, and fine detail. Some of the stuff there was jaw dropping, he can mount from simple to WOW scenes. Remarkably young guy too. I can say without any risk or reservation that you'd be VERY happy with any of his work.
 
RE airfare, I flew Air France to Joburg via Paris for $1450CDN taxes in! We have the RBC Avion card. That card provides TWO free airfares to Europe every year. We just pay the taxes.

On my Gnu this year, I used a Steyer in 30-06 witha 180 Gr Hornady BTSP. It was very accurate, grouped well and worked well on the Gnu who barely did 25 yards. I recovered the fully expanded bullet under the left shoulder. For my Sako 375 HH, I use a 76 Gr of 760 with a 300 Gr partition. It does a dime shot 3 shot group at 100M. From deer to bears, it was all one shot near instant kills. I do place importance on shot placement and will not shoot at any running game, except flying birds.

BTW, congrats on a great hunt and keep putting up pictures. You can view my SA experience of this year in my website under the Storefront: www.sportingphotosshop.com

Regars,
Henry;)
 
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