.375 H&h on Cape Buffalo = ?

[ltetmhs]

I am fascinated by African hunting and hope one day to go hunt dangerous game. I've always heard of .375 on bufflao as a "comfortable minimum", but I wanted a little more perspective. I think I would want something larger than a "comfortable minimum" anyway (unless a ph would let me go black powder). 460 wby maybe?

 

[NickEllis]

Its what I'm planning on taking next year, but I agree it feels like a "minimum" rifle. Basically, I'm using it because I don't have the cash for both a .375 and a 458Lott, etc.

I'd be interested in hearing informed opinions/experiences on the actual stopping power of the .375 at close quarters. Its a round proven to kill quickly and effectively under normal circumstances. However, what about under duress? Of course the larger calibers are better at this, but whats the reasonable limit of the .375?

 

[Art Eatman]

H&Hhunter has poisted numerous times of his experiences in African hunting with his .375 and other rifles. I strongly suggest you back off and use the search feature for information on the subject.

The differing circumstances of the hunting, IMO, makes the poll irrelevant. There is a lot more to it than just the cartridge.

Art

 

[freakshow10mm]

The .375 H&H is to the Dark Continent as the .30-06 is to the North American continent. It's a good all around cartridge that can take any game reliably from the smallest to the largest as long as the hunter does his job.

I am a huge fan of the .375 H&H. The 375 backs up pretty good, but is manageable. I've shot a 416 before and it is a noticeable step up in recoil.

Lurk over at accuratereloading.com forums. Hundreds of hunters using medium and big bore rifles on African game.

 

[Gordon]

1000 lbs KE for 200 pounds of thin skined deer for .223

less than 5000 lbs KE for 1500 pound s of thick skinned mean SOB for .375 H&H on a buff

 

[freakshow10mm]

I never went by KE figures. My grandfather still kills white tails out to 250y with a .32-20; single shot. I don't buy that X ft lbs stuff.