Which Ammo For African Plains Game ???

V

Vince

Handloader
May 26, 2012
4,665
1,189
Assuming they both shoot well enough in my rifle should I use the .338 Win Mag Norma Oryx or Hornady Outfitter for plains game?

The Norma round is a bonded bullet and the Hornady is a mono metal bullet. I’m going for Kudu, Nyala, Gemsbuck, Zebra, Warthog, Impala, and Wildebeest.

Vince
 
Are they both the same bullet weight?

The gemsbok, wildebeest and zebra are all tough critters known for their tenacity to life and reputation of being able to take a solid hit and keep on going...I would hedge towards the bullet with the higher weight and sectional density for mass, momentum, and penetration qualities on these tougher animals. (given that they both are accurate in your rifle)

I guess I am still more partial to bonded bullet designs than mono-metals, as the AccuBonds have so well for me over the past 20+ years!
I have also enjoyed great results with Norma's factory ammo over the years, and the brass is great; keep it for handloading! ( I would also lean in this direction for this reason alone)

I really like the on-game performance of the 338 Win Mag on larger, tougher big game animals such as elk and bison here at home. It has served me well when I did my part!
You should do well on your chosen animals with it in Africa!
 
Blkram said:
Are they both the same bullet weight?

The gemsbok, wildebeest and zebra are all tough critters known for their tenacity to life and reputation of being able to take a solid hit and keep on going...I would hedge towards the bullet with the higher weight and sectional density for mass, momentum, and penetration qualities on these tougher animals. (given that they both are accurate in your rifle)

I guess I am still more partial to bonded bullet designs than mono-metals, as the AccuBonds have so well for me over the past 20+ years!
I have also enjoyed great results with Norma's factory ammo over the years, and the brass is great; keep it for handloading! ( I would also lean in this direction for this reason alone)

I really like the on-game performance of the 338 Win Mag on larger, tougher big game animals such as elk and bison here at home. It has served me well when I did my part!
You should do well on your chosen animals with it in Africa!
Click to expand...
The mono metal is 225 grain and the bonded bullet is 230 grain.

Vince
 
Vince,
Have you considered the 225 gr AB for your 338 Win Mag?

JD338
 
JD338 said:
Vince,
Have you considered the 225 gr AB for your 338 Win Mag?

JD338
Click to expand...
Couldn’t find enough online to purchase.
I don’t reload anymore and using factory ammo. My other option is the Barnes TTSX.

Vince
 
Either bullet will be outstanding. Far more important than the projectile is where you put that bullet in the first place.
The other guy in my camp was shooting the eldx from a .300 wm and his son a 150 gr hot core from a .270. They both loved what they were slinging but they also made their first shots count.
Practice off sticks out to 300 yards with whatever you choose!
 
Last edited:
Just got back from 10 days of hunting in Namibia, with Dad and I hunting. I had my 7mm Wby, Dad had his 300 Wby.
3 oryx, 2 kudu, 2 impala, 3 springbok, 1 blue wildebeest, 1 Burchell's zebra in total.

All Barnes TTSX, no tracking needed. The PHs were thrilled.
 
I have some 210gr TTSX loaded up for my 338 WM , will be some time before I get to try them on game. I believe they would be an excellent choice.
 
I’m going to go with a 350 grain TTSX for Cape Buffalo if it shoots good in my .416 Taylor.

Vince
 
Last edited:
Vince said:
I’m going to go with a 225 grain TTSX for Cape Buffalo if it shoots good in my .416 Taylor.

Vince
Click to expand...
That's a confusing statement. Are you saying a 338 225 gr TTSX for Cape Buffalo? Isn't there a caliber restriction for Cape Buffalo?
Barnes has a 350 gr TTSX that would be pretty awesome in your 416 Taylor for Cape Buffalo.
Just curious...

JD338
 
JD338 said:
That's a confusing statement. Are you saying a 338 225 gr TTSX for Cape Buffalo? Isn't there a caliber restriction for Cape Buffalo?
Barnes has a 350 gr TTSX that would be pretty awesome in your 416 Taylor for Cape Buffalo.
Just curious...

JD338
Click to expand...
Brain Fart.
I fixed the statement. Thanks for catching that.
The confusing statement is just further proof that I am unable to walk and chew gum at the same time.
Yes, I was planning to use the 350 grain Barnes bullet in my .416 Taylor.

Vince
 
Vince said:
Brain Fart.
I fixed the statement. Thanks for catching that.
The confusing statement is just further proof that I am unable to walk and chew gum at the same time.
Yes, I was planning to use the 350 grain Barnes bullet in my .416 Taylor.

Vince
Click to expand...
All good buddy. Thanks for the clarification.
Can't wait to hear all about your safari.

JD338
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Blkram
Favourite cartridges based off the H&H Case?
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
PJGunner
P
Guy Miner
And... What game have you hunted?
Replies
16
Views
3K
Europe
E
C
First Safari
2 3
Replies
41
Views
14K
longrangehunter
longrangehunter
I
Building a 338 win mag for Plains Game
2
Replies
33
Views
6K
salmonchaser
salmonchaser
V
South Africa Hunt
Replies
19
Views
10K
Guy Miner
Guy Miner
AMMUNITIONAmmunition BULLETSBullets BRASSBrass FirearmsFirearms GearGear
Back
Top