30-06 for Africa Safari Hunt? - Season 2: Episode 68

Welcome to the Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast! In this episode, I answer your questions about African safari hunting and more!
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Best rifle for Africa safari hunt?
02:34 - For Bolt-action rifles and other long arms, do you have a favorite brand(s) & model(s) of sniper scopes for precision shooting?
09:33 - I am heading on my first moose hunt in Newfoundland in October. I am having a very difficult time choosing which rifle to bring. I have a 270 with which I have shot many critters and I’m intimately familiar with, a 7mm Rem Mag that was my favorite last year, killing a black bear, an elk, an antelope, mule deer, and a great whitetail, a 358 Winchester with a great trigger and stainless barrel, and a 35 Whelen. Please help me break the tie!
14:02 - If you were going to start a gun collection of only American-made rifles ( in American calibers) and American-made shotguns what would be your top priorities?
19:00 - "Hunt honest, shoot straight" is a great slogan. Would you share why you choose these as the rules you live by?
21:42 - For your beloved .308., what bullet (type/weight/mfg) for a hand load would you suggest for deer?
26:10 - I've never hunted but want to start hunting for food. I don't know anything past getting my permit and rifle ready. Where do you suggest a new hunter start in their hunting education?
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Links:
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@jordanbrits3732]

I am from South Africa and can tell you the .30-06 is one of my favourite hunting rounds. Most people in South Africa use it. It is nearly perfect for all African plains game.

[@DJones476]

Jordan, my friend, you're absolutely right. The .30-'06, on non-dangerous, is the way to go! I'm leaving Trudopia for South Africa to become a PH, and I'm looking forward to becoming a naturalized South African citizen. If anybody asks me if I ever get homesick, my response will be: "WTF are you talking about? I *_AM_* home! I'll never set foot on Canadian soil again. Not to attend a funeral, not even to catch a connecting flight!" But anyway, the 200-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw or 220-grain Core-Lokt on a big-chested male leopard? Too heavy? What do you think? Here's hoping we meet.🍻

[@jordanbrits3732]

@@DJones476 200-220 will be a great choice. The 30-06 is legal to hunt leopard in South Africa( to my knowledge). I like using a 180 all copper bullet or bonded bullet for the larger choice. I never hunted with the 180s before but Eland, Kudu, Oryx, all fall well with a normal cup and core 165gr. Considering that a leopard is dangerous game, I would step up to a 180 and be perfectly comfortable.

[@DJones476]

@@jordanbrits3732 Thanks much, Jordan.

[@suemeade2471]

30-06 was always good in every place that allows it for hunting. It did the job 100 years ago and will do it today. Especially on the antelope.

[@DaveL9170]

The .30-06 with 165 grain Accubonds can take every plains game in Africa, no matter the size. It is truly the “do it all” round. Will be easy to find in camp and will cleanly take any animals re encounter.

[@thearbiter8568]

@Paul idk about 2000 yards but I heard 30-06 took an elephant in One shot.

[@jfess1911]

@Paul Paul, you forgot the part of the story that the elephant was behind a tree and two hippos!

[@bcallahan3806]

I couldn't agree more. Gun has a lot to do with it. But for 06 probably the best round. 165 boat tails in a partition or bonded bullet are the best I've ever shot for the caliber. I did jump up to 300 win mag. But 06 and ammunition manufactures upgrades make it the new 30-30 of the 20th century. Fast, flat and hard hitting out to 400 yards plus depending on gun and ammo. Definitely recommend anyone who's just getting into hunting. Especially north America. The caliber to have. Variety of ammo is endless. From light varmint loads to stop a freight train. Again it's gun ammo and shooter. No matter what caliber. I said it before and will say it again . Shooting targets is nothing like hunting. 06 is a very capable and proven round. Know your gun it's capabilities and it's limitations, be comfortable with it, practice. Know when it hits your shoulder your on and squeeze. If in doubt don't. Tomorrow's another day. 06 great caliber. Muzzle loaders know. I've done all . Make that first shot count. If opportunity get ready for second. Fortunately only once in my lifetime. But have cleaned up a lot of messes.

[@fedup3582]

I have hunted with the 30-06 using both 165 grain and 180 gr accubonds. Hunting multiple deer and antelope with both, at similar ranges and similar lung hits, I have had much more impressive performance with the 180 gr than the 165. Almost all hit with the 180 dropped in their tracks and all with the 165 ran 50 yds and farther. Damage to the vitals has always been more excessive with the 180's than the 165's. Will this trend continue? I don't know, but so far that has been my experience.

[@therealdestructicus]

Considering a .308win will launch the same bullet within 100fps, why use the longer, heavier rifle, in longer, heavier, more expensive .30-06?

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

As a South African, I can tell you that a 30-06 will kill anything I consider nice to eat very reliably (including Eland). Dangerous game is something else, and I really only shoot things that are good to eat.

[@blueduck9409]

Well said. Thats the thinking here in the USA. I only hunt what taste good.

[@paulsimmons5726]

The 30-06, always a good choice!

[@davidbones8947]

A friend of mine here in Oregon grew up and hunted south Africa took every animal with a .30-06 except the big 5 he said most locals there use .30-06

[@tdp7244]

Absolutely agree that your first "caller" should take his 30-06. I'm a 40 something South African and I've absolutely loved hunting everything we have to offer since the tender age of 7 with the 30-06 I inherited from my Dad. Often opting the 30-06 over the 270Win, 300WM and 375 H&H in the safe. Anything from 165gr-200gr would do everything you want. (I really like the 200gr ELD-X for all plains game but a flatter 180gr or 165gr would do just fine)

[@narendra7817]

What caliber would you recommend for the big 5? Would 220 grain 3006 with good shot placement be enough?

[@lourensrudman4614]

30-06 is the most popular cartridge in South Africa, just saying……

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Reading my Nosler Reloading Manual #7 and came across this “Ron S.”, Guy talking about the .280. Hmm? Not too sure that guy knew what he was talking about! 😆 Speaking of a “mentor”, I knew an old Olympian from the 1940’s-1950’s, named “Doc” Gillespie, man what a wealth of knowledge. Still own a Browning pistol he did a trigger job on for me. Also a friend of mine’s Dad was a 1K shooter and was good friends with Carlos Hathcock during the last 15(?), or so years of his life. I’ve heard stories that made me lay awake in bed at night sometimes!!

[@christopherpearson3511]

I lived in South Africa for a couple of years, and seen most every type of game animal there. I've also used the 30-06 for atleast 40 years. The 30-06 is more than capable of taking everything there (other than maybe an elephant or Cape Buffalo). Take the rifle you are most comfortable and lethal with. Choosing a bullet is the consideration you should be thinking about. If it were me, I'd use the 165 grain Nosler Accubond or Partition. Those bullets are lethal. You're going to love it there.

[@blueduck9409]

What do you think about the 8x57mm or the 8mm Mauser for Africa? Comparable to 30-06?

[@christopherpearson3511]

@Blue Duck I honestly don't have a lot of experience with the 8×57mm Mauser. But, the 30-06 is a 7.62×63mm and will shoot flatter. Not to mention, it is easier to find ammo. Both would work fine. African game are not as difficult to kill as many think... other than the dangerous game (the big 5). Believe it or not, most hunters that are from there use a .308. It's all about the bullet. Bullet placement, grain, and performance are what matters most. In my opinion, the best bullets for that type of hunting are the Nosler Accubond or the Nosler Partition. They've NEVER failed me. I also don't take reckless shots on an animal. If it were me, I'd use a 165 grain Nosler Accubond or Partition in 30-06. If you put that in his wheelhouse, he will be euthanized very quickly.

[@Brandenuzis]

A 30-06 will absolutely shit on everything. North America and Africa hunting but if you want a lil more horsepower I’d go with a 7 mag.

[@christopherpearson3511]

@@Brandenuzis Absolutely.

[@MrRufusjax]

I always knew that when you say "hunt honest and shoot straight" it meant more than the literal meaning of the words. That's a good way to live your life in all things.

[@NoThisIsPatrick_]

Most calibers around .30 can do everything fine. Here in Germany I do most my hunting with 7x64, 7x57R and .308. Many people waste too much time discussing calibers instead just taking a rifle you can shoot well and hunt

[@blueduck9409]

Here in the USA, i prefer the 8x57mm Mauser for most hunting here. I have had very good results with it

[@RichardEnglander]

yes 👍30-06 and .375 H&H not because they are the best at everything, but because they work and you can find ammo.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Could not agree more. I have used both extensively with great results 👍👍

[@tim7052]

I'd opine the 404 Jeff or 416 Rigby instead of the 375HH - as a bit of life insurance, just in case things go awry and you're facing a possible charge situation. 👍

[@RichardEnglander]

@@tim7052 harder to get that ammo in Africa

[@tim7052]

@Richard S Wrong!! Hunters in South Africa love the 9.3x62. The ammo is readily available, and they still use it for taking everything up to and including cape buffalo. (I've also taken cape buff with it) 👍

[@RichardEnglander]

@@tim7052 erm, it depends on where you go, South Africa isn't all of Africa, its massive!! Im not discounting your experience, but I have lived in Africa, and as we have all seen these last few years, some things are more likely to be on the shelves than others. No worries, its not a dick waving contest. In fact you are 100% right and you should not listen to me at all, you are probably always 100% right, you should be the next Pope! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@georgehardin3037]

Top performance modern 30-06 ammo matches early 20th century 300 H&H ballistics and YOU KNOW THE GUN. And a 375 for a big gun if needed. Tried and true.

[@kennardjohnson7875]

Back in the day 270 was big in Africa, I've seen brown bear drop 100 plus yards with a 270 and not twitch. I've seen guys air out browns with big belts mags reload several times. I load 200 grain partitions in big animal 3006. Got to get in your range. Crawling up close with a dirty 30ty is more exciting.

[@tim7052]

That's called "real hunting"!! 😊👍

[@larryvollmar8763]

My two go to guns for big elk & moose are 338-06 & 444 Marlin.

[@blueduck9409]

I take the 45-70 government for those.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

What a great answer Ron! My ‘06 became my “Go-To”, caliber & gun whenever heading into the woods. The .30-06’ gave me such a confidence I became a much better shooter & knew beyond any doubt that if I made the shot the game would be on the ground! Now, my rifle broke 3 scopes; crosshairs laying sideways in the tube, destroying turret components and so on. Hence a “Pac-decelerator”, was in order & smooth sailing for over30+ years! On the other side of that coin? I use & continue to use the more older I get is my .22 Hornet and bag a deer EVERY year without fail! I’m an “Oddball”, I know!! 😆

[@shootingthebreeze4432]

I’ve never been to Africa but my Model 70 .30-06 and 165 Accubonds have done everything I’ve asked on deer and elk in Oregon. I would feel perfectly adequate in using the combo on plains game too.

[@elgato9534]

I remember a 40 year old article about using a 270 with 170 grain Bitterroot bonded core bullets dropping every African plains game. Cool

[@bcallahan3806]

Ammo manufacturing has really stepped up their game. They've brought new life into older calibers. Better consistency and overall performance. "Flatter" faster harder hitting rounds than the old core lok soft points. There is a science to it. Ron does a great job explaining it. I've been a meat Hunter for years. I also process my game. So I can tell you ammunition matters. Because I've retrieved plenty of rounds while processing. My opinion any bullet that can maintain it's composition with controlled expansion upon impact is in the running. Several manufacturers out there. But your ft/lbs are usually heavier and you ruin less meat especially if your off a little, hit bone.

[@easttexan2933]

Excellent advice for the hunter going on his first safari to Africa. Even better if the rifle happen to be an old Browning Safari or a Pre64 Win Mod 70 or a Rem Mod 700 (early edition). 30-06 with 180gr partitions, accubonds, sierra game kings, Cor-Lokts, federal fusions, all great bullets.

[@tim7052]

I saw (and had the honour to use!) a Krupp made 404 Jeffery in Zimbabwe. Its full serial number was a single digit: "7" - meaning it was one of the very first manufactured by the Krupp Werks!! The company knows who owns this rifle and has offered him a LOT of money to buy it back to put it in their museum. But the guy (a PH with over 45 years' experience told them: "I can't sell it because I'm still using this rifle!!" This guy is this rifle's 7th owner - five prior owners having been killed by DG. Today, rifles with this provenance (and STILL being used as intended!!) are as rare as hen's teeth and don't come any better!! This Mauser bolt action rifle has a classic safari stock, octagonal 26" barrel, leaf sights - egraved in gothic scroll, from 50 to 400(!) yards - a hooded foresight with low-light ivory bead, barrel band, and engraved manufacturer's labelling with checkering down the receiver and express sights base. It simply is a beautiful workhorse of Africa - and still earning it's keep!! It has a genuine patina: the metal silvered and the stock smoothed and darkened from so many decades of continued use in Africa (and IMO, that's as how it should continue to be!!). 😊👍

[@mattdg1981]

I wanna add a caveat to the old shotguns. I had the priveledge of handling an old Winchester m21 that was made in Spain. It was an incredible shotgun. I would also look into the old ithicas. Had one as a kid that had nice engraving bit was very well used. My folks still use it to this day for pest control. It was the nicest pointing side by side shotgun I have ever ran.

[@craigschaefer8764]

Hey Newfoundland hunter. I’ve killed 6 bulls up there, from 50 to 330 yards. If I knew I’d be shooting at short range, one of your 35s would be super cool. But if the shot is longer (which it might be), I’d go with your 7 Mag. Just HUNT HONEST, and SHOOT STRAIGHT! 😄

[@bryanfox2735]

Fox Steven’s are good classic American side by side shotguns!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Great Q&A as always Ron. "Always dance with the girl you brought" was a saying my dad told me anytime I looked at some new tool to do a job I was already doing well with the tools I had. I would say that same thing to anyone planning a hunt far away from your normal hunting area. If the cartridge is up to the task and the firearm is one you have used extensively, stick with it. I made that mistake one elk season by taking a new rifle that I was not as familiar with. Missed a perfect shot at an elk because I didn't get the 3-position safety off. The ribbing in camp was unmerciful. Didn't do that the next year.

[@bekkerbosbeer3453]

30-06 perfect all round caliber for South Africa...ammo is cheap and readily available.

[@tim7052]

I use Woodleigh 180gr PSPs in my .30/06 and have taken African PG up to kudu and wildebeeste cleanly and effectively with it. The .30/06 with this bullet is so effective, my daugter took it to the Northern Territory (Australia) and took a superb 100-pt water buffalo with it!! IMHO the .30/06 is plenty adequate for PG - with an old PH even telling me: "it's also a very good ladies' lion rifle"!! 👍

[@crusiethmaximuss]

Jus' for the reason of ownin' more than one rifle, I want to have a 30-06 (:

[@scottsozmtns7534]

What about “La-Fever’s”? I enjoyed briefly collecting Ruger MK I’s, Remington Nylons 66, 77 & 10-C’s & Winchester Model 62’s! Lots of fun!

[@chrisaerts6489]

Great content like always. Thanks for sharing Ron.

[@allthingsconsidered3211]

The mil scale scopes are in .1mil incriments (about .35in/click@100yards) the moa scopes are in .25moa incriments (about .25in/click@100 yards)

[@erichermann7553]

That’s good u know ur stuff

[@DanielBoone337]

It makes me cringe a bit when people ask about sniper scopes... LOL Tract Toric UHD, Leupold Mark 5/6 HD, and Trijicon Credo/10 mile is my top 5 favorite optics for precision optics... but Kahles, Zeiss and Vortex is a few other phenomenal options as well.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Ron, what a great piece of advice!!! You are so right on the money. 👍👍 I handload 180 Swift Sirrocos to 2830fps. I get 1/2” groups, accubonds are good as well.

[@davidteague5461]

Great show!!! I love watching u.

[@markr.1984]

Some of those famous killer lions (forget where it happened) back in the day were dispatched with military FAL rifles firing the 7.62x51mm. So I'd have to say a 30.06, being a bit more powerful, should do oaky.

[@Ron-Swanson]

Uh… yeah, of course. I would take my 338 win mag instead, but the ol /06 will take em all?

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Thanks!

[@pamountains2]

Great video

[@donl3634]

Really appreciated this episode Ron! Particularly the Safari and new hunter questions!

[@anthonyjbargeman5280]

I love my 30-06 ( both of them). My Rem 700 is my fav. There are so many different bullets that can be used, for what ever game wherever.

[@blueduck9409]

The 30-06 is a classic, and its a good hunting cartridge. The 7mm mag however, out performs the 30-06 especially at long distance. Its really hard to beat the flat shooting 7mm mag.

[@charlesperry1051]

I have a comment on the .308 bullet question. Find a bullet your rifle likes that performs adequately in deer. My 30-06 likes the 150 grain Federal Classic. It is not a fancy bullet, but my rifle can shoot ragged holes at 100 yards with it. AND it has always performed very well on deer for me. I have never had to take a second shot, in 25 years. And I average just over one deer per year. In my other rifles I play with high end bullets but I for my trusty 30-06 I stick to the bullet it likes.

[@pierrethompson3074]

love your content ron, keep it up brother!

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

Thanks Pierre.

[@jack6136]

Oh C’mon! No Name has a perfect excuse to go purchase a Brand New Winchester model 70 in whatever the counter guy recommends for Africa!😂 ❤!

[@daveknowles3055]

Good podcast again, really liked the Hunt Honest, Shoot straight segment, hit home for me.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

Thanks Dave.

[@jerrywelch1370]

For Farmer Jones, I would suggest the Barnes 168gr. TSX, I personally load this bullet for my .308 & have always gotten perfect results from this bullet, they expand into a perfect mushroom, most always a pass thru out to 400 yards on whitetail, good luck with your choices.

[@2010johnking]

That bullet will go through an elk pretty well too. A great deer bullet and a whole lot more.

[@lylewalters909]

Ron you really need to look at Aken optics. The tracking is second to none and the glass is amazing. Those guys are retired seals and if anyone knows good optics it's those guys. Do yourself a favor and get a EP5 or the SH4 Gen 2.

[@Dwyer88]

Ron you forgot to mention Ithaca shotguns! I’ve got one that I have that’s made in 1923 and beautiful 20ga

[@open-debate]

Huting here in Africa and hunting pains game the 280 Rem and 270 Win will do the same job as a 30-06 (without the unecessary recoil) in Africa 150 gr (Ideally 150 -175gr) will do the job on all plans game ... I try and stay away from bullets with lead so a Hammer bullet is a decent choice if not a good bonded partition from Nosler or Swift A-frame will all do the job ... more importantly make sure you can shoot accurately up to 350 yards and you know how to use your rifle ... O and pick up your litter behind you !

[@davelenertz5912]

Arken 6x24x50 great scope

[@warrengreen3217]

I love BCD scopes for hunting gets you hitting dead on to 500 or 600 yards depending on how you site it in but its the best system for hunting no messing around with dialing

[@currituck]

The other American made double shotgun maker was Fox. Very nice.

[@Jesco2841]

For a budget long range "Sniper" scope. Check out SWFA Fixed 10x or 12x scopes.

[@allandavis8682]

Hi quick response to the scope question. You can also do post shooting for distance with regular cross hair scopes. Simply adjust your power and hold your shot on the post (where the thin cross hair goes to the thick line) if that makes sense. Would love to see a video on this technique to to see how you like it it's a quick and cheap option. Just write down what power you need to set it at for what yardage.

[@stormiewutzke4190]

Something for your new hunter is to remember that hunting tends to be regional. I moved from the west where I was at least and I like to think maybe a bit better than average and here in NY I don't even know where to find some public land to hunt.

[@michaelwilson9986]

If getting a another rifle get another 06 ..

[@NoHomo1776]

.30-06 SPRG - WWI and WWII Champion.

[@markkaff13]

Kolar is a great modern classic for a made in the U.S.A. maybe not quite the same as a Perazzi or Krieghoff, but certainly represents beautiful American craftsmanship.

[@globaloutdoors1882]

I’ve shot 22 different plains game in Southern Africa from eland to steenbuck with my blaser r8 30-06 180gn Sierra pro hunter homeload. Not mention many other species of game in 4 continents

[@twistednixon2911]

I've never liked off the shelf cartridge-specific BDC reticles because the cartridge that your rifle likes may not match the holdovers on the reticle. If you know your bullet's BC and velocity then that makes adjusting the dials for distance or using standard gradient mil or moa hashmarks more straightforward, especially if you're hunting in bitter cold or very hot conditions that'll effect trajectory.

[@miketyke9451]

Not to kill Ron's livelihood here, but most of these arguments were answered not too long ago by the bullet manufacturers upping their products. Ron say's .243 will take moose and no doubt it will. He's a very accomplished hunter with skill, self control, and ethics I would guess. However someone just starting to hunt big game might want a bit more leeway regarding lethality in cartridge selection. Maybe find some shooters that will let you try a few shots in various calibers to see if recoil is a problem. Mike Navy suggested to start hunting with a .22 and a shotgun. Practice is affordable and in many places small game hunting opportunities are nearly year round. As to 30-06 in Africa, Roosevelt took a lot of game with one in the dark continent when it was a new cartridge. Much slower then and the bullets wouldn't hold a candle to modern types in accuracy nor terminal effect. Capstick wrote of his friend saving their lives, killing a bull elephant with a .270 Winchester. Not at 2,000 yards 🙂, but under the circumstances an 06 or any number of cartridges could have done the same. I'm a fan of Roosevelt and the 30-06!

[@erichermann7553]

Yes I like his safari too great guy

[@camwinston5248]

The other 2 shotguns u were trying to remember were probably Lefevre and A H Fox.. ..

[@jonbomarito7863]

hi ron....I could of sworn winchester came out with the 264 win mag in 1958....I have a model 70 and i love the ole 264.....

[@fruitfarmfords8243]

American shotguns, if you wanted cool over fineness, the Winchester 1887, 1897 and the model 12..

[@Kandyman54]

To the .308 deer question: 150 grain Hornady Interlock flat base (#3031) over a max charge of 2520 Accurate ( per powder mfr’s data) have never failed me. Winchester Power Points work well also. That said, I got a good deal on Nosler 165 gr Ballistic Tips that I may try.

[@20cameron1]

The other shotgun you can’t remember is the Fox Stirlingworth.

[@TheEigerclimber]

284 winchester for africa!

[@michaelwilson9986]

On the New to Hunting Where to Start.. Suggest besides your answer which is great.. Check with the State Wildlife or DNR , See if have any classes on.. Am seeing some for beginners to learn different topics..

[@toddmurphy481]

Being from Newfoundland I’d recommend the 7mm from your options. It would be flat like your 270 but with bigger bullet options and harder hitting like Ron said. You have also had a lot of luck with this gun .. and without some luck on your side, you ain’t got nothing .. lol. 270 is a great gun and one of my hunting buddies swear by it for NL moose. You will want an accurate shot though with the smaller bullet .. but it will indeed get the job done. You should be able to get ammo for those guns here, though ammo options are scarce at this time. I can’t find any for my 3006, but that’s okay cause I have lots .. lol. I’d say the best gun in your options is the one you’re most comfortable with. This land is rugged and the weather can be tough. Best of luck in NL. Love your show Ron.

[@reloadnorth7722]

Hello Ron. I just traded an older Savage Axis in 308 Win for a Parker Hale 300 Win Mag. I will be using it for this years moose hunt. Do you have any knowledge/experience/comments to make on the Parker Hale rifles. Thankyou. Keep the great videos coming.

[@ChrisRand-gf7lz]

Hi Ron. I have a question for you: The .300 RUM: Yay or Nay?

[@skigdividerx4991]

Go with a Niteforce scope if your serious about the scope. Best period.

[@erichermann7553]

That’s debatable night force is great but there r others just saying good luck to u

[@skigdividerx4991]

@@erichermann7553 Check out what scope ALL the Winning Benchrest champions and F-class champions use. And the serious military.

[@erichermann7553]

@@skigdividerx4991 I’ll do that thank u for info

[@skigdividerx4991]

@@erichermann7553 🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@mefirst5427]

Recommend reading Hemingway's own account of his African hunt in the 1930's called "Green Hills of Africa"

[@henryfriesen8614]

Here I’m Canada there is literally no 7mm on the shells. I recently asked add a Cabelas for 7mm the answer I got was you be better off looking for gold

[@jamesfarmer63]

I myself agree with your choice I use to have a 3006 but had to sell it & if your 3006 is okay for plains hunting,than my 338 Lapua Magnum would be even better it will kill all dangerous game in north America including moose & bron. Bear

[@jamesfarmer63]

I miss spelled brown bear . To follow up I just wanted to include my thoughts on my 338 Lapua Magnum it's set up as a sniper system and will reach out a 1k with out even with out trying so my point is it would be great in Africa too. I just wish they would let me use my 45-70 government lever action & I can use a 405 gr 500gr bullets in this weight & if it will kill an American bison also called buffalo they weighed arouñd 2k are used by our PH's in Alaska. & Montana we have several ph"s allowed use of the 45-70 lever action I saw a hunter shot a cape bullelo take with one shot

[@anthonyhandspiker2084]

Definitely take two rifles and take the lightest rifle the terrain is rugged

[@anthonyjbargeman5280]

A H FOXy grandfather had one in 16 ga

[@theorangevestarmy4255]

In regards to scope selection, if No name is strictly bench shooting, well that's a trail with many forks. If hunting is the goal, then I think durability is the objective, to which I would recommend a U.S. made Leupold, my Savage 110 Timberline, chambered in 7mm. Rem. Mag. & Leupold 4x12x50 scope took a serious beating, area 18 in Newfoundland offers challenging terrain, from boulders to boggy drainages, this country is Not for the average Joe..

[@whatshaploing8256]

In his book "Cowboy Boots in Darkest Africa", Dr Bill Rice killed a bull elephant with a .357 Magnum revolver (the only gun he had on him for his trip). Said there is a spot between the eyes and the 'knuckles' on their foreheads that if you draw an X between them and aim for the middle - that was the softest part of their skull and the point of aim. The story was his small group walked into a village that had been terrorized by this elephant and it had already killed some people. They believed it was hiding in a tall grassy area so they went looking for it and finally found it and killed it. The locals immediately went to work butchering it in situ - with one guy literally diving into the animal with a machete and popping back up with cuts of meat / organs, etc.

[@jk-kr8jt]

I don't know this book, will look for it in the used book store, but that's a heck of a thing to do with a handgun. I guess with a extremely hard cast bullet it can happen. I'm guessing that the "knuckles " he's referring to are the ridges of the trunk where it joins the forehead. Shot placement on a head shot is critical, on all game, especially an elephant. An elephant has an enormous head with a relatively small and protected brain. The bone structure is "honeycombed" for weight reduction and shock absorption. The position of the brain, or angle to it, changes with how the animal is positioning it's head. Miss the brain and you may shock the animal or it may even drop, for an instant, then you'll have a very angry wounded elephant to deal with. I just can't imagine a 357 having the penetration needed for this. I wouldn't recommend it. Yes, elephants yeld a lot of protein. If you ever get the chance I recommend trying the temple. Tasteful and tender.

[@brianwilson4861]

Nobody is going to intentionally go try and kill an elephant while armed with only a 357 magnum revolver. I would guess that the book contained a typographical error and it was supposed to be a 375 magnum not a 357 magnum or you misread it and thought it said 357 magnum. I would maybe believe that someone dropped an elephant with a single shot to the head with a 357 magnum revolver if they were attacked by an elephant and by some miracle they happened to kill it. But no one, especially a person who is smart enough to be a doctor, would actively try and seek out an elephant to kill with a 357 magnum revolver. I've never killed an elephant but I have had to put down a fair amount of injured cattle and I can tell you from experience that a domestic cow can't be killed with a handgun chambered in 9mm luger or 45 acp shooting standard fmj ammunition with a single shot to the head from any distance or any angle. A 357 magnum is a step up and it might do it with a single shot, but it's not going to kill an elephant with anything less than a miracle occuring. My experience is this. My friend had a cow he needed to put down and asked me if I had a rifle because he said all he had was his 9 mm that he carried concealed. I asked him why he didn't use it and he told me that he tried using it once before and he couldn't kill the cow with a single shot. I accused him of being an idiot and I bet him that I could kill the cow with a single shot with any firearm. He asked me to show him how to do it. I pulled out my Colt government model and fired the chamber and the magazine from various angles and the cow is still breathing normally (the animal wasn't conscious when I fired the first shot. It has been on its side for more than a day unconscious but still breathing.). Realizing I might have started a job I couldn't finish I quickly reloaded and shot the animal between the eyes as quick as I could and keep them in the same hole, and my last shot blood gushed out the animals nose and it finally lay there silent. I looked at my friend and he said "it took me 15 with my 9mm.". It bothered me enough that I took a job feeding his cattle and I bought a Ruger Alaskan 454 casull the next day. Long story short a 454 casull will drop a domestic bovine from zero to 50 yards from any angle with Hornady 240 or 300 grain factory loaded hollow point ammunition 100% of the time with a single shot to the head although it won't kill the animal if it doesn't penetrate the brain. I can only recall one instance that two shots were required when using the 454 casull. I considered the animal still alive if it was still on its feet or attempted to inhale. I never had a bullet exit the animal. Neither of those loads would completely shoot through a cow with any shot I tried. An elephant's skull may or may not be twice as thick as a bovine skull. I've read that they are like a honeycomb and not solid bone. Going after an elephant with a 375 h&h magnum with no back up is a remarkable story that would require a lot of courage and nerves of steel and good shooting. And there are only certain places that you can hit on the skull that will reach the brain of an elephant no matter what caliber you're shooting short of using a 20 mm anti tank rifle. I'm sure that if you misread it. 375 magnum is reasonable but still impressive. 357 magnum is unbelievable and improbable and likely impossible.Ive heard people say that they know people who would slaughter a cow every year and kill it with a 22 long rifle. Slaughtering cattle is different than euthanizing cattle because you don't want the animal full of blood. Why exactly I don't know. Maybe it's the taste or maybe it's so they don't drip blood all over the place. But whatever the reason they stun the animal then cut the animals throat so it's heart pumps out all the blood, they hang the animal upside down and gravity removes the rest. So if you know someone that used to slaughter them after killing them with a 22 someone is mistaken or they didn't know what they were doing. It was this old wives tale that made me believe that I could kill a cow with my 45 and that my friend was an idiot. I decided to research the matter further and the authority on cattle euthanasia recommends a 12 gauge of any shot size between the eyes from less than 1 foot if you can approach that distance safely and if you can't use a 30-06 or larger. It said handguns of any caliber are not recommended. I can also say that in my experience a 45 acp fmj ball round will just barely penetrate a whitetail deer's skull. I read comments and articles about people carrying 9mm for bear defense and all I can say is that if bear skulls are as tough as cow skulls you're going to wish you had packed a bigger gun. When people sometimes suggest that you're just going to make the animal mad that is a real possibility. When the neighbors cattle come on our property we run them off on 4 wheelers. Sometimes a bull will get pissed off and decide he'd rather fight. We shoot them with 12 ga birdshot from 30 yards and they have always changed their minds. We always fire one above their heads before we shoot them. The birdshot won't penetrate their hide from that distance. I've only shot them with 8 shot dove load though and improved cylinder choke. If they were truly enraged I wouldn't be surprised if birdshot wouldnt turn them.

[@roperbrad93]

Still waiting on the 264 ron LoL Come on now if you bring it out next I will subscribe to your patron

[@ryanupchurch9683]

The 6.5 Swede was a favorite of ph ivory hunters at the turn of the century. Why couldn’t an ‘06 perform just as well

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Right on! I like where your going with this!

[@robertwatson818]

With the right projectiles it will.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

Ryan, I wasn't aware of many/any pro ivory hunters using the 6.5 Swede. Bell used the 6.5 Mannlicher-Schoenauer for a time, but gave it up because the narrow bullets too often bent en route to the brain. Do you know the names of any hunters who used the Swede? I'd like to read their comments on it.

[@charlessexton1719]

Hey Ron. What are your thoughts about the new Remington core lokt tipped 30-06 ammunition? Any information you have in it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all the information you provide to us. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast]

I find that bullet a pretty standard, typical cup-and-core. Poly tip increases B.C. a tiny bit and prevents the old lead tip deformation we used to get. Works fine with standard velocity cartridges and broadside chest shots, but not a deep penetrator should a raking shot be required. I've had them "explode" on major muscle groups and fail to reach the vitals.

[@charlessexton1719]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors-Podcast thank you for the information sir. This is very helpful to me and tells me they want to much for it. I will stick with my trusty federal power shock 150 gr sp.

[@bcpioneer59]

To think about mils and MOA seems a waste of time to me. I have a tactical scope and just had a custom turret made for my bullet and speed. So if I look at range finder and see it is 570 yards or 800 yards , I turn turret to that number, far simpler

[@erichermann7553]

I love those special turrets good luck to u

[@billbennett9537]

Hi there Mr Spomer, was curious if that is a Dall or Stone ram on your desk?

[@markchapman2585]

I didn't know you can bring a 30-06 to Africa

[@efrencarrasquillo1077]

You never mention the federal fusion, I've been using those a lot on my 7mm-08, son's .243 and lil one .223, and never have we needed a 2nd shot on South Texas deer 🦌 and they've (deer) never gone more than 35 yrds, why is the fusion such a ghost 👻 in the hunting woods? Accurate too...

[@Michael-rg7mx]

To the new hunter: go to the area that you want to hunt. From where you park always hunt uphill from the truck. Go in the summer and just look. Stop and watch more than walking. Have jugs of water in the truck to wash up. Have 2 sharp knives. Bring a whetstone. Get the hide off as soon as possible. Prop the ribs open for cooling. If you are cutting get the big chunks done. Put in trash bags for the drive out. If it's going to be an hour get bags of ice. Make sure to tag it right away!!! The secret to tasty meat is clean and cool. Get it off of the bones.

[@coreymerrill3257]

A " sniper scope " sounds mislead. Almost like they think all scopes are " sniper Scopes" which is a thing. Misinformation is paramount I'm the gun world. Actual sniper Scopes will have mills , will be made by one of a few brands like a Leupold mk4 and now mk5hd ,night force , Steiner, sig, u.s.optics, schmit and bender, Swarovski ,meopta,trijicon and certain proprietary "boutique"scopes . Honestly, get a Hi lux / leatherwood. For SxS shotguns ,Charles daily had late 1800s high end choices. Ballistic coefficient is how slippery a bullet is when it pushes through the air. B.C. is a measure of friction on a flying or falling object. The higher the number the less friction effects it. Sectional density is used as a basic measurement of penetration , but also has to do with velocity retention like b.c. does . A longer bullet for caliber is usually a heavier bullet , which will have more momentum, and recoil. Than a shorter bullet for caliber. They retain velocity better when ballistically efficient . Speer makes a few trophy Bondy bullets still. Those used to be my favorite for hand loading as made by speer... I'd advise anyone to try them . They are true trophy getters. It's basically a monometal bullet that's been drilled out, skived ,fluxed and molten lead is poured in for a bonded core ,Then it's profiled and cannelure added .

[@donlovell6708]

165gr and 180gr Nosler Partition

[@blueduck9409]

Hey Ron. Can you give us an honest review of the Remington 7mm Magnum? Is it as flat shooting at long distance as they say?

[@ronspomer4366]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5arf2Rmo96VgMU

[@bradbo3]

Several friends of mine have gone to Africa to hunt…they got mounts but said they couldnt send any meat home. But got to eat or sample some at the lodge. None have ever shot a Water Buffalo yet….I know you have and I just wonder what it taste like. Is it tough? Chewy ?

[@jk-kr8jt]

I believe you mean Cape Buffalo not Water Buffalo. There are a few imported Water Buffalo in South Africa and Namibia, but they are a Asian animal. I've eaten both and would say that in general they are not chewy or tuff. As with all meat (wild or domestic) it mostly depends on how it is handled at the kill site and in the kitchen. Unfortunately too many people overcook game meat, remember there's little fat and most are not marbled, also they don't handle the butchering and care of the meat properly.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

If I had money to burn I’d be updating scopes for several rifles that I know about. The owners are young and need good glass for their adventures.

[@HakunaMatata-gd7nc]

How well off would a Browning blr in 358win fair in Africa? Any thoughts welcome, being a pretty young and new gun owner my selection is pretty small 😅

[@fedup3582]

I really liked my 358. Pick a good bullet, put it where it belongs and I believe the 358 will serve you admirably.

[@steveshipkie1624]

I have a question for you, in all my years of hunting, I never used a scope, so what do I do now?

[@tim7052]

If your eyesight is the issue, then maybe a fixed low-power scope - or a variable set on low power) may help you, and then increase your magnification as needed. 👍

[@jamesfarmer63]

Pick up regulation booll ar Walmart and outher sports shop like bass pro shops & cabella's and others out there

[@talisikid1618]

7mm rem mag would be a far better choice. Even 280rem or 280ai would be better. If you just insist on 7.5ish caliber, then take 300h&h or 300win mag. All of which would be a better choice.

[@billhatcher2984]

Take the one your dad gave you won't work for me or so I have herd. My dad gave me a Remington 742 semiauto and I have been told that they won't let them in the country

[@mikenavy360]

For the salesman, I would say get a 22 and a shotgun and try your hand at upland game and squirrels.

[@miketyke9451]

Great advice, I borrowed it for my comment. He might find out that hunting is not for him. Easier to swallow with a .22 purchase.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

To Salesman : First stop should be a hunter safety class, you can't go wrong there. You might even locate a Mentor or hunting buddy.

[@demariomagee8906]

Do anyone hunt dangerous game in Africa with the 30-06 👀

[@texashunter664]

I am going in June of 23 for plains game hunt. Plan on taking my sporterized A303 springfield 30-06. Thinking about 180 gn Accubonds or Partitions or maybe the Federal Trophy bonded tips.

[@chriscunnane7596]

rifle==35% SHOOTER 65%