Looking into 375 H@H for Africa

powdergun

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I have a good friend who is considering a trip to Africa for Buffalo and larger antelope. He was thinking of getting a .375 HH. Does anyone have any direct experience with this type of hunt and what rifle to bring ? I'm looking for suggestions on what to buy for a bolt rifle and sights. Any other calibres to consider ? And which gun would be the best value for the trip.

Thanks in advance for the advice ?
 
A bolt action .375 H&H is a fine rifle for the client going to Africa. It is also the most common rifle clients take because it is accurate, versatile, effective, and shooter friendly. I would tell your pal to look into a rifle with a control round feed action, such as the Brno, Ruger, or a Winchester M-70 Classic if he can find one. It should be topped of with a fixed low power or medium power variable scope. I would suggest he take a second scope in case of damage. He will likely have the opportunity to take plains game which may weigh as little as 20 pounds or as much as a ton. The .375 will work well for both without the explosive results normally associated with high velocity rifles. Some PH's will want him to have both soft points and solids, but he can probably do everything with 300 gr TSX's, and simplify his logistics.

He will need to get permits for his rifle from every country he transits - including the United States. These in transit permits should be acquired well in advance, and can be applied for from the consulates of the countries in question. The country he is hunting in might have a tax for importing a rifle into the country - Tanzania was $200 USD. The currency of choice is USD, and he should carry lots of small bills for tips.

If you would like more information, PM me with your email address. We hunted the Selous Game Reserve last summer.
 
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I'm no hunting Buffalo or Eland, the largest animals we will be taking are kudu and zebra. I was talking to my PH about a larger rifle than my 300 win mag(in truth just looking for an excuse) and he was no help at all. His favourite up to but not including eland is the 300 win mag with good bullets(I'll be shooting barnes TSX's).
 
Powdergun,
There's not much to add to Boomers post, he covered most angles well. For a one rifle safari that includes buffalo it is close to the only choice. I used 270 grain TSXs on 10 plains game with perfect results. When I quizzed the 3 PHs in camp about armament for a future buffalo hunt they without exception recommended the same rifle with 300 grain TSXs. When pressed for a larger number, the .416 Rigby with 400 grain TSXs was grudgingly mentioned with the caveat that the recomendation only applied if I could actually shoot one. The .375 will still be going to RSA and Zimbabwe this summer along with the .416. If my buffalo happens to fall to the little gun, so be it.
The Africans don't seem to share our fascination with owning a roomful of rifles, when we could be spending our money hunting.
Dogleg
 
Although you are hunting relatively smaller game, don't forget that the 375 H&H is the smallest caliber allowed for certain animals in some parts of Africa. Had to check this out recently when someone claimed that the 338 WM was an elephant gun.

You can do a Google search and find allowed calibers in African countries of interest.

Here's a place to start:

http://www.africanskyhunting.co.za/tobring.html

Wish you luck!

Duke1
 
What about borrowing one from the PH instead of all the trouble of finding and rigging one in Canada?

Or, buy the nicest 375 H&H you like and plan on selling it immediately after coming home. A commercial maker by Remington or Winchester will sell faster than a custom gun.
 
duke1 said:
Authorities at airports/customs might want to check the contents of these with you not around or not available. If locked, they will cut them off if X-rays show any strange objects inside, etc.

Duke1

I do not believe this would be an issue as long as you provide the documentation and in transit forms for the firearm(s) you are travelling with. The chances of your rifle making it to it's destination in an unlocked case are significantly reduced. If customs want to see what is inside, they will get you to unlock it.
 
I agree that firearms should be locked and accompanied with the approriate documentation but as far as your kit bag, etc, anything that has a lock on it since 9/11 is a different story.

I have travelled extensively outside of Canada and this recommendation is based on experience and not just hearsay.

Duke1
 
duke1 said:
Authorities at airports/customs might want to check the contents of these with you not around or not available. If locked, they will cut them off if X-rays show any strange objects inside, etc.

Duke1


A firearm case has to be locked or the airlines won't take it at all. There might be some exception to this but I don't know who that would be. Most want them trigger-locked as well, and of course they need to be unloaded. Ammunition needs to be in sepparate luggage, and those big white and red "Ammunition" stickers should clear up any confusion about what shows up on the x-rays.
Locks do occasionly get cut off by overzealous or gun hateing staffers. Stick a couple open padlocks in your guncase with a note saying to relock the case with them.
 
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