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Conan_568

Conan_568

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Campbell River
I just got back from a successful, but far too short buffalo hunt in Alberta.

On the first shot I used aShiloh Sharps 45-90 firing a 405 grain flat head in front of 80 grains of Goex cart 030" wad max oal for the flathead.
I was aiming for the heart offhand about 70 yards, and the buff was walking.
When I set off round one his shoulder was in front of his heart because he was walking, and the bullet hit the shoulder, a bit of dust flew off, and the bugger put his head down, and started grazing.
After I wiped the stunned look off of my face I put a 540 grain Paul Jones creedmoor right through the heart, and it was dead before it hit the ground I'm sure.
I used 87 grains of Goex cart, 030" vegie wad, and the max 0al that will chamber without a push.
All of my lead was 30-1 alloy, and the heart shot went clean through.
So my goals were all met, a buff with my Shiloh, a heart shot, I got one bullet back for a souveneer, and my stocks made more than enough to pay for the whole damned trip.
It was a great time that goes by way too fast, and I'd love to do it again, or maybe go for an elk next time.
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We found shot number one, a 405 grain flathead lodged against the shoulder bone, and I kept it.
I strongly advise 30-1 alloy, and a 500 or better creedmoor bullet if you're going for a buff with a 45 cal BPCR.
Aim for a heart lung shot and it will go down, and stay down.
The idea with buffalo rifles was and is to put the bullet right through the buff.
A heart shot results in an instant kill, and the lungs a bit slower, but dead is dead.
We booked a hunt with Alberta Taxidermy, and they were great.

Here are a couple of pics.

IMGA0604_20_q001_009.jpg


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Nice going there Conan, made all that waiting worth it.
Are you going to the thanksgiving shoot in Campbell River ?
Cheers nessy.
 
Thanks Nessy,
I can't get under a 1.75" group yet, but thanks for the heads up on the shoot.
I have no sight settings past 100 yards, but I've got over 70 rounds ready to go.
If I'm not working night shift on the weekend I'll be there.
Is it just Sunday, or a weekend affair?
 
Fascinating! Thanks for posting. I am amazed at the shallow penetration of that 405 grain bullet. I think my jaw would have hit the ground when the Buff absorbed a 405 grain 45-70 bullet without noticing it and continued grazing. I'm pretty sure I would notice a 405 grain 45-70 bullet slamming into my shoulder. Just goes to show you that Buff are tougher than people (I'm sure no one will be shocked at this revelation). Any idea what the muzzle velocity of that bullet is with 80 grains of BP under it? I'm guessing 1,300 fps or thereabouts. Well, I guess that nixes my 45-70 Model 1886 if I ever go Buff hunting. Instead, I'll have to use my old Trapdoor. I shoot nothing but 500 grain bullets out of it (not that I think I will be so lucky as to go Buff hunting out here in Ontario).
 
Congrats on the big Buffler!! Somewhat similar to my first, it took 2 .50 cal. flat points through both lungs and out the far side, it just keep grazing. The next shot was in the neck and it dropped instantly. My first two shots went high in the lungs and their anatomy is such that the heart is very low in the brisket and I should have aimed lower. I was using 30-1 mixed 530gr. LBT WFN in the 50/90 sharps with 110 grs of Swiss 1 1/2fg. All shots were complete pass throughs that left large holes on the far side, Bufflers are just very tough animals.
 
I'm not surprised,my neighbour shot one with a 338-three times from about 60 yards ,it just kept on grazing and then went down,two shots went through its heart.
 
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