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What's The Right Caliber For Africa

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Since the beginning of time it's been a topic of conversation. Five hundred years ago I'm sure it went something like this, "Will an oak arrow shaft or ash arrow shaft be big enough or strong enough to kill a whitetail." Now the question goes, "Is .243 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor better for whitetail?"  I am assuming if you're reading this, you're not exactly new to the outdoor industry and you're well aware of the "caliber" debates. If you ask twelve different hunters what's the best caliber to hunt, (fill in the blank) good chance you will get twelve different answers. 

For any new hunt you go on, "What's the best caliber?" is a great and extremely important question to ask. If you are looking into or have booked a hunt in Africa there are many more factors you have to consider that we don't think about here in the US. (Excluding Alaska and some western hunts.)  During whitetail season, you are hunting whitetail. You will grab 'ole reliable and you never ask, "Is this caliber the right one?" In Africa you will probably be hunting several species that drastically differ in size. And bringing multiple caliber rifles might not be a luxury you can do or afford. Here is a breakdown on rifle calibers to start you in the right direction.  


1. Small Plains Game (Duiker, Steenbok, Springbok, Impala)

  • .243 Winchester- Ideal for smaller antelope; mild recoil with precise shot placement.

  • .270 Winchester - Excellent for Springbok and Impala; long-range capability.

  • 6.5 Creedmoor / 6.5x55 - Swedish High ballistic efficiency, gentle recoil, and excellent penetration.

 

2. Medium Plains Game (Blesbok, Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu, Gemsbok)

  • .308 Winchester - Versatile, widely available, and adequate for most medium plains game.

  • .30-06 Springfield - A perennial favorite in Africa; handles Kudu and Gemsbok well with premium bullets.

  • .300 Win Mag / .300 WSM - Excellent for longer shots or tougher animals like Blue Wildebeest.

  • 7mm Rem Mag - Flat trajectory for open-country hunts.


3. Large Plains Game (Eland, Sable, Roan, Waterbuck)

  • .338 Win Mag - A common and effective choice with strong energy delivery.

  • .35 Whelen - A classic African performer for large plains species.

  • 9.3x62 Mauser / 9.3x64 Brenneke - Proven deep penetration and high reliability, especially at moderate ranges.


4. Dangerous Game (Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, Elephant)

Cape Buffalo & Hippo

Minimum legal calibers: often .375 H&H Magnum or equivalent.

Recommended Calibers

  • .375 H&H Magnum (minimum standard for buffalo in many countries)

  • .375 Ruger

  • .416 Rigby / .416 Rem Mag

  • .458 Win Mag / .458 Lott

Lion

Lion is dangerous but not as tough physically as buffalo.

Recommended Calibers

  • .375 H&H Magnum

  • .300 Win Mag (legal in some countries for lion)

  • .338 Win Mag


As we all know, its better to be underpowered but confident with shot placement than to be carrying a cannon but concerned about recoil. As your discussing a potential hunt with your outfitter hang on his every word. He has built a living on hunting Africa game. He knows the ins and outs of the hunting regulations and they can differ country to country. He knows the fortitude and the will to live that these animals have. He knows the average shot distance and terrain you will come against. Once you have settled on your weapon of choice, practice, practice, practice. You have spent your hard earned time, money and resources, so make every shot count.    


See Our African Plains Game Hunts Here:


 
 
 

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