ishootkittens
Well-Known Member
Short question. Can you shoot a water buffalo with a .30-06 past 500 yards? I always hear of guys using a .375 or 416 but wouldnt a .30 cal be as efficient at that range?
LR Water Buffalo
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ishootkittens
Well-Known Member
not even the "domesticated" ones?! hahahaha I am not talking about a cape buffalo.. just a water buffalo.. COME ON!
I changed it for ya because it sounds more like you are asking for permission.
liltank
Well-Known Member
For that size game, might want to look into a good bonded bullet like the Scirrocco, or mono metals like TTSX, TSX, GMX, or E-Tip. That would give you the best penetration and go with the heaviest bullet in your rifle. I would say stay between 180-200 grains.
Tank
Tank
The OP did say ........"Past 500 yards"
Alot of people have lost thier life, shooting buffs with alot more gun than a 3006! And most countries have a 375 cal limit. My friend almost lost his life to a cape buff that he made a good hit on with a 300 gr 375 h&h. He won't go back with out a 416 or bigger and I won't either.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
I definitely wouldn't try it with an -06.
300 Rum would probably be the minimum safe caliber for them.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
Theres a major, major difference in Cape buff and Water buff's. The Water buffalo isnt' any tougher than the average range bull. They have neither the skull thickness nor muscle mass of the Cape.
Not a species to be taken lightly, but not even in the same league as the Cape buffalo.
WildRose
Well-Known Member
They aren't taking dangerous game in Africa wisely or legally with a .270.
In most African countries it's illegal to use anything smaller than a .30 cal on any dangerous game and most PH's are going to limit you to shots under 250yds on any of them.
angus-5024
Well-Known Member
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the ol' 06 is good for 500 yards and no closer. that way you at least get a head start. up close there actually quite effective at culling out the herd, our herd... as in you.
in all seriousness I have no idea, if it was a Cape Buff then I would think that you have a death wish.
in all seriousness I have no idea, if it was a Cape Buff then I would think that you have a death wish.
captacademy
Well-Known Member
Two years ago we hunted water buffalo in the Outback and we were all using 375's. I normally use a 416 Rem mag, but took the 375 instead. I had my 96" buffalo at 75 yards and was using a 300 grn Barnes TSX. It took me 5 shots to bring him down. All my shots were fatal, but he just kept going. I did drop a Scrub bull at 100 yards with one shot of the 375 though.
It was pretty much the same for the other two hunters who I think were using Swift A Frames, multiple shots to bring them down, very very tough animals.
I am not saying they won't go down with one shot, but it just did not happen with our group.
Would I use a 30-06 at 300- 500 yards, absolutely not, that's just me and my experience with them. Not to say you could not take one within 200 yards with an 06. However, next time, I will be using my 416 Rem Mag.
Just my 2 cents.
It was pretty much the same for the other two hunters who I think were using Swift A Frames, multiple shots to bring them down, very very tough animals.
I am not saying they won't go down with one shot, but it just did not happen with our group.
Would I use a 30-06 at 300- 500 yards, absolutely not, that's just me and my experience with them. Not to say you could not take one within 200 yards with an 06. However, next time, I will be using my 416 Rem Mag.
Just my 2 cents.
