Sighting in Specific Round for Africa

[hbibicoffvii]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

 

[Rjohnson.307]

Zero your gun at 100yds with cheap shit.

Shoot a 5 round group with each ammo you have, each ammo on a different target. Take your time shooting so every shot is consistant and the barrel isnt getting too warm.

Do not rest your barrel on a front bag/rest. Use a rear bag for stability and minor adjustments when your on the gun by squeezing it or sliding it fore and aft.

Whichever ammo prints the best group would be my choice, then tweek your zero so that ammo is dead nuts at 100.

Once you zero with your ammo of choice get off the bench and practice off sticks and off hand at all ranges. Get comfortable shooting out to 300yds and doing it fast.

 

[Bill Mazelin]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

First off, congratulations on going to Africa! It'll change your life in many ways. What did the rifle and you shoot well before the smithy work? What load & bullet weight? That'd be the best place to start. If that doesn't work, go to the range often and shoot one or two of the rounds you've collected so you don't get burned out. Staying fresh behind the rifle should help you get the best results. Stay on the gun and follow through after you press the trigger. Run the bolt, no need to baby it, use enough force, be deliberate. Keep a good cheek weld, don't try to see the hole in the paper, use your binos, or a spotting scope for that.
Do you have a chronograph (a Garmin Xero C1 is a great choice) so you can get accurate data, I'm assuming your Leupold VX6 at least has a MOA elevation turret and you can dial it for range?
Does your range have steel you can practice out to several hundred yards? If you can hit at 600, it's way easier to hit at 300. It's also a huge confidence booster.
No such thing as too much practice. Don't just shoot groups from the bench, after you find what ammo will be your go to. Shoot off of a bipod, tripod, shooting sticks. Standing, kneeling, braced on a post, prone, etc.
Get in shape if you're not already. Stronger is always better.

 

[Milo'sSyndicate]

Caliber, barrel length, and twist?

 

[Keith Wood]

Don’t get too hung up on group size. Terminal performance should be your priority. I’d take premium controlled expansion bullet that shoots 2” at 100 yards over a match bullet all day long.

I’d be looking at Partitions, TSXs, CXs, Terminal Ascents, etc.

Learning to shoot off sticks quickly and efficiently is gonna make or break your Africa experience. Dry firing is your friend. Establish a distance that you’re confident to and let the PH know that’s your comfort zone.

Have fun and good luck.

 

[Godfather]

The temptation to quote Blazing Saddles and say “Johnson is right!” is huge, which would then devolve from there, but @Rjohnson.307 is actually right!

When I did this, I used six inch reactive targets on a placard and placed them in strings vertically and then tried various ammo choices - just had a friend do the same in prep for his first Africa Safari - he laughed and discounted the “why”, until he saw the outcome. Your rifle will answer the question on what it likes best. Make them your best shots, no bias, keep the barrel from too much heat, take your time.

Now, to practice once you have the round: my routine is about mode and distance, so I’ll dial in at 100 as pure as possible, then work bench shots in 100 yard increments to 400, with a bipod and then a front bag, then rinse and repeat prone to 400 with bipod, then kneeling, then off sticks, same deal. If I can hit a pie sized piece of steel with high reliability in all those modes at that distance (100% at 100 and 90%+ at 400), I’m as ready as I can possibly be for the trip.

Crusader in May: part of the FE trip @hbibicoffvii ? If so, week 1 or 2? I’ll be on the Outrider FE Hosted with @Charlie Benton on week one. It’s an amazing trip, fun as all get out. Yes, find the right ammo. Yes, practice. Yes, be in shape, relatively. Yes, be prepared. But also, Yes, have some damned fun and don’t come wound tighter than a new Sangin/FE Overlord collab watch, it’s not a competition, it’s a hunting safari with great folks there to have fun!!

Zero your gun at 100yds with cheap shit.

Shoot a 5 round group with each ammo you have, each ammo on a different target. Take your time shooting so every shot is consistant and the barrel isnt getting too warm.

Do not rest your barrel on a front bag/rest. Use a rear bag for stability and minor adjustments when your on the gun by squeezing it or sliding it fore and aft.

Whichever ammo prints the best group would be my choice, then tweek your zero so that ammo is dead nuts at 100.

Once you zero with your ammo of choice get off the bench and practice off sticks and off hand at all ranges. Get comfortable shooting out to 300yds and doing it fast.

 

[Steven Donovan]

I don't want to jump to hard... as I do not know what your natural intuitive shooting experience is and I don't know you personally...

But I wouldn't overthink it.

Start with good bullets that are actually good at killing things (something you probably know). Good bullets are a necessity in Africa. Don't be the American that spends all your money and time on things that don't matter and forgets good bullets. There are several, but I am a fan of Barnes... they are probably some of the best hunting bullets out there. Federal as a second.

Get the cartridges with those bullets. Take them to the range and try them, and see which ones shoot best out of your rifle. Only you can answer that. Your job is to put said high quality killing bullet into an animal at ranges closer than you may expect... and be ready to shoot calmly and quickly. If you can shoot the rifle at 1 MOA off of shooting sticks you are going to be good to go.

...practice off of shooting sticks... as much as you can. Healthy dry fire with training rounds is good too. I know it was mentioned earlier, but if you are not good off-hand or on-sticks, it does not matter what type of rifle you have.

If you are hunting something dangerous, definitely do dry fire drills and training in off-hand reaction shooting.

Be physically fit.

Study the biological diagrams of the animals so you have good shot placement–good shot placement is king. Study this so under pressure you are increasing your chances of naturally hitting the animal in the spot it must be hit.

You are going to be tired/excited from flying, and depending on your background, you may have adrenaline spikes from the overall excitement. So, shoot/kill something "cheap" first. Also... you will have mess-ups. Personal experience with this.

Focus on the basics with a solid rifle... and practice the basics intensely.

The joy of Africa is not long-range lazy plinking... the joy of Africa is the true stalk and leaving civilization.

You should be asking questions of/communicating with your PH (I hope you found a good one).

In Africa, like with anything, the more you prep and put effort into practicing, the better your experience will be.

 

[Terry Houin]

Yep the crew is on point. Put more preferential weight on a quality terminal performance bullet over minor differences in group size.

Your rifle will quickly tell you what it doesn’t like which will help narrow it down to a few options.

For the 300WM I prefer a heavier for caliber bullet like 190ish range. This gives you flexibility on animals and you’ll know the distance so speed if not a critical factor.

Keep the questions coming as this forum is a wealth of knowledge.

 

[hbibicoffvii]

First off, congratulations on going to Africa! It'll change your life in many ways. What did the rifle and you shoot well before the smithy work? What load & bullet weight? That'd be the best place to start. If that doesn't work, go to the range often and shoot one or two of the rounds you've collected so you don't get burned out. Staying fresh behind the rifle should help you get the best results. Stay on the gun and follow through after you press the trigger. Run the bolt, no need to baby it, use enough force, be deliberate. Keep a good cheek weld, don't try to see the hole in the paper, use your binos, or a spotting scope for that.
Do you have a chronograph (a Garmin Xero C1 is a great choice) so you can get accurate data, I'm assuming your Leupold VX6 at least has a MOA elevation turret and you can dial it for range?
Does your range have steel you can practice out to several hundred yards? If you can hit at 600, it's way easier to hit at 300. It's also a huge confidence booster.
No such thing as too much practice. Don't just shoot groups from the bench, after you find what ammo will be your go to. Shoot off of a bipod, tripod, shooting sticks. Standing, kneeling, braced on a post, prone, etc.
Get in shape if you're not already. Stronger is always better.

I used Hornady ELDX 200 Gr. Grouping was great, but didn't kill the way I expected on my NM Orxy off-base hunt this past July. After doing some reading, i'm moving on to a different round. I do have a Garmin Xero, and steel range out to 300 yds. Once we get out from under all this snow, there will be plenty of scheduled practice time for shooting off sticks, off hand, kneeling, ect. Typically always remain in pretty good shape, and will plan to continue training weekly. Learned on my first elk hunt the 1 thing I CAN control, is how physically fit I am.

 

[hbibicoffvii]

The temptation to quote Blazing Saddles and say “Johnson is right!” is huge, which would then devolve from there, but @Rjohnson.307 is actually right!

When I did this, I used six inch reactive targets on a placard and placed them in strings vertically and then tried various ammo choices - just had a friend do the same in prep for his first Africa Safari - he laughed and discounted the “why”, until he saw the outcome. Your rifle will answer the question on what it likes best. Make them your best shots, no bias, keep the barrel from too much heat, take your time.

Now, to practice once you have the round: my routine is about mode and distance, so I’ll dial in at 100 as pure as possible, then work bench shots in 100 yard increments to 400, with a bipod and then a front bag, then rinse and repeat prone to 400 with bipod, then kneeling, then off sticks, same deal. If I can hit a pie sized piece of steel with high reliability in all those modes at that distance (100% at 100 and 90%+ at 400), I’m as ready as I can possibly be for the trip.

Crusader in May: part of the FE trip @hbibicoffvii ? If so, week 1 or 2? I’ll be on the Outrider FE Hosted with @Charlie Benton on week one. It’s an amazing trip, fun as all get out. Yes, find the right ammo. Yes, practice. Yes, be in shape, relatively. Yes, be prepared. But also, Yes, have some damned fun and don’t come wound tighter than a new Sangin/FE Overlord collab watch, it’s not a competition, it’s a hunting safari with great folks there to have fun!!

Actually there the week before the Outrider Trips. We're in camp 11th-22nd. I do plan on being prepared as much as possible with everything you mentioned, but yes most importantly, I just want to have fun. I've dreamed about going to Africa since I was a kid and I cant believe it is actually happening.

 

[hbibicoffvii]

Yep the crew is on point. Put more preferential weight on a quality terminal performance bullet over minor differences in group size.

Your rifle will quickly tell you what it doesn’t like which will help narrow it down to a few options.

For the 300WM I prefer a heavier for caliber bullet like 190ish range. This gives you flexibility on animals and you’ll know the distance so speed if not a critical factor.

Keep the questions coming as this forum is a wealth of knowledge.

Perfect. The 6 rounds I have waiting for the snow to melt a bit are all in that 190-200 gr range. Might be a 180 in there as well if I remember correctly.

 

[Godfather]

I’m the first of the two weeks @hbibicoffvii and I think we may be overlapping a day, which would be cool.

I went with the FE group 2 years back, had never contemplated anything like it, set goals around it, went alone, came home with tons of new friends, a huge change in my experience set, and life. It was amazing, so I’m excited for you. This year will be my third trip, and I’m trying to do this as long as my health and pocketbook allow. I had all sorts of uncertainties the fist trip, in the end none mattered, I just had fun and made connections and hunted hard, and the epilogue was multiples better than imaginable.

On rounds, again, go through the process and see what your rifle says. My first year I shot the Hornady ELDX 200GR with great success, from a Vaale size animal with one round at just under 500 yards in a high wind, to a single shot takedown of a huge Cape Eland, in total brought 16 animals of to the salt in half as many days, and the count didn’t matter, the experience was amazing.

Last trip I did the work at the range and the Barnes (Vortex, not hand load) 180GR TTSX put a much tighter pattern on the target, so I took that and in country I had even higher degree of success, felt like the best hunting I’ve ever achieved.

No matter what you end up doing, it will be great.

Actually there the week before the Outrider Trips. We're in camp 11th-22nd. I do plan on being prepared as much as possible with everything you mentioned, but yes most importantly, I just want to have fun. I've dreamed about going to Africa since I was a kid and I cant believe it is actually happening.

 

[Dave Costarella]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

S. Switzer? or Jordan Switzer? Our guy in Reno?
If it's Jordan, by definition, given the work, he will test shoot your rifle. He will tell you which .300 Win Mag bullet / cartridge shoots best out of your reworked rifle. Call him to have that conversation.

To echo everyone else - practice: sticks, prone, sitting, offhand - standing and kneeling.

First African Safari and you will be bringing your own gun and ammunition:
a. You will need a South African gun permit.
b. South Africa has an ammunition limit of 100 rounds per gun you bring. 11 lbs. maximum – this weight limit is a most airlines requirement. No, boxes of ammunition cannot travel in your locked gun case when flying internationally.

 

[switzerjordan]

So I’m about to get my Winchester Model 70 Super Grade back from S. Switzer after having the barrel cut, irons added, barrel band sling mount and LOP adjusted. Lords Caliber, and it’s going with me for my PG hunt at Crusaders this May, first ever Africa Hunt.

My question is what is the procedure for seeing which round this gun really likes. To be honest, I’ve asked guides, done internet research, asked Sunday Q&A to pick a round in the past for whatever hunt I’m going on this year, sight it in (I’m not a pro level shooter), and head off on my trip. With this rifle I’ve taken all of your advice from a different post on FE Society, bought the accubonds, A frames, ect., and now have 6 rounds to try out and see what groups best.

Do I shoot 3 rounds from a cold barrel, do I heat the barrel up and check the grouping then? I really have no idea what the “proper” way is. Rifle is topped with a VX6 3-18 x 44. Let me know what you guys recommend.

I'll shoot it with a few different rounds to sight it in with prior to shipping back. Terry is right about not getting hung up in the small things is a great place to start. Heavy well constructed bullets are where I land for every caliber. I've had great luck with Barnes, Swift, and Nosler. Practicing off sticks is the best advice people don't talk about enough though. You'll do great and have a blast amigo!

 

[Charlie Benton]

All of the above is great advice. I'll reiterate that @switzerjordan will get you pointed in the right direction with ammo and @Terry Houin is correct that your rifle will quickly tell you what it prefers so you can finalize your decision. Developing comfort with shooting off sticks is imperative, too. I'll add that I've never met a PH at Crusader who wasn't top notch. I guarantee you your PH will set you up for success by putting you the best possible position and guiding your shots as much as possible - you just have to listen, be ready to react, and put rounds into vitals. You're going to have the best time you've ever had in your life. Congratulations, amigo.

 

[hbibicoffvii]

S. Switzer? or Jordan Switzer? Our guy in Reno?
If it's Jordan, by definition, given the work, he will test shoot your rifle. He will tell you which .300 Win Mag bullet / cartridge shoots best out of your reworked rifle. Call him to have that conversation.

To echo everyone else - practice: sticks, prone, sitting, offhand - standing and kneeling.

First African Safari and you will be bringing your own gun and ammunition:
a. You will need a South African gun permit.
b. South Africa has an ammunition limit of 100 rounds per gun you bring. 11 lbs. maximum – this weight limit is a most airlines requirement. No, boxes of ammunition cannot travel in your locked gun case when flying internationally.

Thanks, working with PWP Travel and Andrew who has me all set up for gun permits, requirements, ect. Lots of practice shooting is already on the schedule over the next 84 days. Thanks again for the quick response about Taxidermy/export trophies. Seriously, top notch professionalism. Appreciate that.

Jordan Switzer has my gun and has been incredible to work with. Really took care of everything from basic questions to honest recommendations. Just another outstanding recommendation per usual from Field Ethos, and someone who I will be working with again on my next project.

 

[Dave Costarella]

Thanks, working with PWP Travel and Andrew who has me all set up for gun permits, requirements, ect. Lots of practice shooting is already on the schedule over the next 84 days. Thanks again for the quick response about Taxidermy/export trophies. Seriously, top notch professionalism. Appreciate that.

Jordan Switzer has my gun and has been incredible to work with. Really took care of everything from basic questions to honest recommendations. Just another outstanding recommendation per usual from Field Ethos, and someone who I will be working with again on my next project.

No worries - give FE Outrider a shot for setting up your next adventure(s).

In fact, what are you doing 146 days from now? Have you ever been to Spain? Do you like sangria and tapas? Large bovines with pointy horns you can't shoot..?

 

[hbibicoffvii]

No worries - give FE Outrider a shot for setting up your next adventure(s).

In fact, what are you doing 146 days from now? Have you ever been to Spain? Do you like sangria and tapas? Large bovines with pointy horns you can't shoot..?

I wish. I've got a Kansas Whitetail muzzy hunt booked for September and that covers all my free time for 2026 being married with 3 kids under 6 at home. I do like everything you mentioned and have a Gredos Ibex on my bucket list for one day...

 

[bill_5d3d]

We were near Sterkstroom back in August, and totally unprepared for the wind. 40 - 50 mph ALL THE TIME. Largest SA wind farm is there, so I guess it's normal. Distances were farther than expected, they always are.

Get proficient with rifle. We used loaners from PH because traveling with guns is more and more of a pain. I put together the same Tikka rifle in .308 and optic (VX-6) here at home so our boys could practice.

Take your time at the practice range. We had targets out to 400 m, and we should have spent a few more rounds there. Keep a high power scope dialed down 4x- or so stalking.

We used a Jumbo bag more than sticks, so try that out too.

Ammo was kinda an assortment, we didn't take our own. Hornady Professional Hunter worked very well.

 

[Dave Costarella]

I wish. I've got a Kansas Whitetail muzzy hunt booked for September and that covers all my free time for 2026 being married with 3 kids under 6 at home. I do like everything you mentioned and have a Gredos Ibex on my bucket list for one day...

Copy that and good luck in September too!

So, FE Outrider is good at helping to fill buckets... We can put that Gredos in there along with a Beceite, a Southeastern and a Ronda ibex... Spain is an awesome country to hunt! Red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, mouflon, Cantabrian and Pyrenean chamois, wild boar and a red legged partridge driven hunt is a wing shooting experience, steeped in tradition.