Alright, I swore I would never do this (since it is the most repeated and nausiating ? on a forum), but I need caliber advice and it is on something that isn't hunted by most.
I am going to Africa (Namibia) in June. I just found this out two days ago (Christmas present).
I am gonig to buy a rifle for this trip. I am also doing plains game (largest being a Kudu, about the size of an elk, only tougher).
I originally thought about a .325 WSM, but have since decided againest it. The .375 minimum rule does not apply to leopards, at least not in Namibia.
My buddy suggests I bring my 7mm-08, which I have tremendous confidence in. I handload, and do so confidently enough to bet my life on it. So, pending a nay-say from the outfitter, this is one option. Other is purchase a new gun (why not right?).
So, without tearing a cruise missile sized hole in my new rug, and without wounding a leopard at dark (no thank you), what caliber should I look in to for my new leopard gun? And preferably one that I can use on plains game, as well as domestic elk and the lot?
__________________ You get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. - Kid Rock
Alright, I swore I would never do this (since it is the most repeated and nausiating ? on a forum), but I need caliber advice and it is on something that isn't hunted by most.
I am going to Africa (Namibia) in June. I just found this out two days ago (Christmas present).
I am gonig to buy a rifle for this trip. I am also doing plains game (largest being a Kudu, about the size of an elk, only tougher).
I originally thought about a .325 WSM, but have since decided againest it. The .375 minimum rule does not apply to leopards, at least not in Namibia.
My buddy suggests I bring my 7mm-08, which I have tremendous confidence in. I handload, and do so confidently enough to bet my life on it. So, pending a nay-say from the outfitter, this is one option. Other is purchase a new gun (why not right?).
So, without tearing a cruise missile sized hole in my new rug, and without wounding a leopard at dark (no thank you), what caliber should I look in to for my new leopard gun? And preferably one that I can use on plains game, as well as domestic elk and the lot?
Well first off congrats, I'm sure you'll never forget the experience no matter what happens.
For elk sized and under game on plains I don't think you can do much better than the 270 WSM. It probably doesn't recoil a whole lot more than your 7mm-08. The .270 WSM has over 2k ft/lbs at 400 yards and only drop -12" with a 250 yrd zero.
I also really like the .280.
Here I've compared some of the remingotn factory loads for the 270 WSM, 280 and 7mm-08:
I reloaded for a gal whio went to Africa. She shot a leapard and several head of plains game with her 270 Winchester. Many years ago My Uncles and I used a 300 H&H for everything for which it was legal. Your Idea of the 325 WSM would be a good one as well. I don't believe you could go wrong with that one.
7x57 is a smart and classic choice for plains game. But the 06 is a good all arounder for Leopard, Plains game and etc. Or so I have read. Some Countries have a minimum for leopard but a 375 h and h seems overkill for a 150 lb animal. But I have never had a leopard snarling at me either.
Do some research and check out the writings of Jon Sundra, Craig Boddington, Jeff Cooper etc.I believe Sundra and Boddington both have books that are dedicated to African calibers.These guys know africa and the proper calibers.
If it were me going (and I wish it were) I would stick to classic calibers (300 H&H, 30 06, 257 roberts, 6.5x55, 7x57, 375 H&H.) these would be easier to replace in Africa in case you run low. Karamojo Bell reportedly Killed many Elephants with the 7x57 mauser!
I wish you good luck
Marco
"....Many years ago My Uncles and I used a 300 H&H for everything for which it was legal...."
Together, you and the uncles and taking all thelegal game.... did that occur over in Africa or or once everyone got back over here in the USA?
__________________
Never go undergunned, always check the sight in, perform at showtime.
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Both. It was used for plains game along with the 303 and 30-06. Over the years they used the 7x57 and a couple other former Military rifles. I worked for them the better part of three Summers.
45-70 lever rifle. I have no idea which caliber is best. I am merely jealous. Please kill a big one, and post picture when you get back. Good luck, Tom.
__________________
West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
7x57 is a smart and classic choice for plains game. But the 06 is a good all arounder for Leopard, Plains game and etc. Or so I have read. Some Countries have a minimum for leopard but a 375 h and h seems overkill for a 150 lb animal. But I have never had a leopard snarling at me either.
Do some research and check out the writings of Jon Sundra, Craig Boddington, Jeff Cooper etc.I believe Sundra and Boddington both have books that are dedicated to African calibers.These guys know africa and the proper calibers.
If it were me going (and I wish it were) I would stick to classic calibers (300 H&H, 30 06, 257 roberts, 6.5x55, 7x57, 375 H&H.) these would be easier to replace in Africa in case you run low. Karamojo Bell reportedly Killed many Elephants with the 7x57 mauser!
I wish you good luck
Marco
7 x 57 is pretty short in the ol power department. I don't see it being a real good choice for elk sized game out beyond 200 yards. Maybe it will be just fine. I guess it depends on the range he's wanting.
__________________
Never trust anyone that wears velcro shoes.
Remington 700p LTR .308, Leupold Mark 4 Tactical PR, DPMS Tactical AR-15 sling, Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr., Federal High Energy 180 gr.
7x57 is a smart and classic choice for plains game. But the 06 is a good all arounder for Leopard, Plains game and etc. Or so I have read. Some Countries have a minimum for leopard but a 375 h and h seems overkill for a 150 lb animal. But I have never had a leopard snarling at me either.
Do some research and check out the writings of Jon Sundra, Craig Boddington, Jeff Cooper etc.I believe Sundra and Boddington both have books that are dedicated to African calibers.These guys know africa and the proper calibers.
If it were me going (and I wish it were) I would stick to classic calibers (300 H&H, 30 06, 257 roberts, 6.5x55, 7x57, 375 H&H.) these would be easier to replace in Africa in case you run low. Karamojo Bell reportedly Killed many Elephants with the 7x57 mauser!
I wish you good luck
Marco
7 x 57 is pretty short in the ol power department. I don't see it being a real good choice for elk sized game out beyond 200 yards. Maybe it will be just fine. I guess it depends on the range he's wanting.
Sigh................ Here we go again, if it isn't brutalattack's idea, then he goes BALLISTIC lol!
Anyway, he'll get mad, undermine other cartridges that other people own, and pull out ballistics to make your's look stupid, but he forgets, dead is dead, and the .270 WSM is impractical.
What Caliber for Leopard?
