Nilgai and Fusion Ammo?

[scottfromdallas]

I'm considering a Nilgai hunt in South Texas. Most outfitters recommend or require a magnum rifle with premium controlled expansion bullet like a TSX, NP, A-frame, etc...

I want to use my Hawkeye 338 Federal with 200 gr Fusion Ammo. I know the caliber is ideal but will the Fusion bullet hold together and penetrate enough through the Nilgai's thick rubbery skin?

I've heard that the Fusion mimics bonded tipped premium bullets and even premium controlled expansion bullets at 338 Federal velocities.

Any opinions?

 

[MCgunner]

Only one way to find out. If it's accurate, I'd use it. If and when I ever get to run down there and do that, I'll probably take my 7 mag and some 160 Nosler Partitions. They say those things are big as an elk and tougher.

Good luck and don't forget the camera. I don't recall a Nilgai pic on this board.

 

[dullh]

Haven't actually shot anything with them, but I put some 165gr Fusions through my .300 Short Mag and they function fine and are just as accurate as better known bullets...mostly shot them up to get the brass to reload Sierras...FWIW.

 

[moosehunt]

MCgunner--from what I see, a lot of those outfits won't let you hunt Nilgia with a 7 Mag--.300 Mag minimum.

Scottfromdallas--could you please tell us more about your hunt. The outfitter, why selected, cost?

 

[scottfromdallas]

MCgunner--from what I see, a lot of those outfits won't let you hunt Nilgia with a 7 Mag--.300 Mag minimum.

Scottfromdallas--could you please tell us more about your hunt. The outfitter, why selected, cost?

Actually, I'm more in the research phase. I've been researching hunts on the internet. I had a buddy that hunted at the King Ranch about 12 years ago. He used a 300 mag with 200 gr TBBC with no problems.

King Ranch is $750 a day plus a $1,000 trophy fee. Most others have a $250-350 daily fee with a $1500 trophy fee. I think it's going to be around $2,500 to 3,000 depending on the outfitter.

Most recommend a 30 caliber or higher with controlled expansion bullets. From what I've read, the Nilgai are really tough. I guess I could use 210 NP but I read a post from gun writer Greg Rodriguez that said he used his 338 Federal in Africa loaded with 200 gr Fusions and swears by them.

 

[MCgunner]

MCgunner--from what I see, a lot of those outfits won't let you hunt Nilgia with a 7 Mag--.300 Mag minimum.

Well, I don't know if I'll hunt 'em, then. IMHO, 7 mag will do anything a .300 mag will. I could always rebarrel the gun (a Savage 110) to .338 Win Mag, but then again, maybe not. LOL. Easy to do on that gun with a new barrel, a barrel nut spanner, and a head space gauge set, though.

Hell, I know a guy that's taken big ones with a 6mm remington. He neck shoots 'em, though. Normal shot, that'd be a might small. I used to work with this idiot. Let's just say, he's going to do prison time someday if he keeps it up. Ain't no Nilgai worth that.

 

[scottfromdallas]

Well, I don't know if I'll hunt 'em, then. IMHO, 7 mag will do anything a .300 mag will. I could always rebarrel the gun (a Savage 110) to .338 Win Mag, but then again, maybe not. LOL. Easy to do on that gun with a new barrel, a barrel nut spanner, and a head space gauge set, though.

Hell, I know a guy that's taken big ones with a 6mm remington. He neck shoots 'em, though. Normal shot, that'd be a might small. I used to work with this idiot. Let's just say, he's going to do prison time someday if he keeps it up. Ain't no Nilgai worth that

.

I think you would be fine with a 7mm Mag. From what I've read, some recommend a "magnum rifle", some recommend a "300 mag or larger". These are recommendations. I don't think any outfitter would say that you couldn't use a 7 Mag. From what I've read, the 7 Mag with the right bullet would be plenty for Nilgai. I think a 175 gr premium bullet would be ideal with it's sectional density, it would penetrate deep.