South Africa 2028

[deer_shooter]

I attended a local SCI Banquet this past weekend and somehow managed to be the high bidder on a South Africa Cape buffalo hunt. I got it at a truly amazing price so I’m still in shock to some degree as I never thought I’d be able to pull of a hunt like this. I am planning on going April of 2028 and have the option to add plains game for the price of the trophy fees so I’ll most likely take advantage of that while I’m there. I have a 375 Ruger that I plan to take and will be spending the time between now and then practicing. I intend to load up some 270gr TTSX and 270gr or 300gr solids. The rifle right now wears a VX3 2.5-10x36 but I may upgrade to a Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 and take the Leupold as an emergency backup. Any critique of my rifle, bullet choice and scope?

For those who have hunted buffalo, any suggestions or advice? I welcome any and all feedback as this is a bucket list hunt for me.

 

[Chase0109]

Congratulations on winning your bucket list Hunt!

Now you have to wait, but it’s an exciting time as you research and learn lots of new things.

To answer your questions. 270 grain Barnes will be just fine for your Buffalo. I like to use 300 grain Barnes in my 375 H&H. You could also use swift bullets as well. You won’t need solids. These days you really only need solids if you’re doing elephant or hippo.

Your current scope will be just fine for both your Buffalo and Plains game. But if you’re feeling the itch to pick up another scope, then go for it. I do recommend whatever scope you run with has a lighted reticle. If you’re gonna run a scope and carry a back up then you’ll want to get 2 good sets of QD rings. I like talley personally, but I’ve heard good things about Leopold and Warne rings also.

If this is your first time going to Africa, you might wanna work with Gracy Travel to let them handle all the logistics. It’s pretty straightforward booking your own flights into Johannesburg. But they’ll help walk you through the process for your South African firearms permit and be able to set up a meet and greet as you get off the plane. It’s $300 for their service, $150 for the rifle permit, and usually another $100 or so for the meet and greet. I used them on my first trip to Africa and highly recommended. Now I do all my own arrangements having made multiple trips.

Spend your practice time shooting off sticks. That’s how you’re going to shoot all of your game in Africa. Your Buffalo is going to be close. 80 yards or less, possibly much closer. Plains game is probably gonna be a little longer. If your proficient to 200–300 yards of sticks you’ll be good to go.

Chase

 

[Salmonchaser]

Congratulations. I agree with Chase based on my experience. I’ve used the 2.5 x 8 to great effect out to 500 on my Kudu, on a 300 HH. I think for a one rifle trip it will be fine for your 375. Save the money you would use for a new scope to put towards a Nyala, Bushbuck or Kudu. I have Leupolds that have gone from Alaska to Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Africa and back again with out issue. If something bad happens your outfitter will have a rifle you can use.
My 375s love the 260 gr partitions and Accubonds as well as the 300gr partitions. It’s a great cartridge, even the Ruger variant, perfectly suited to an African hunt. You could end up shooting an eland (the size of a quarter horse), kudu and an impala all while looking for a buffalo on the same day!
Have a great trip.