Page 29 - Safari Trails Dec 2020

The frontal brain shot can be difficult. If the distance is 40-50 yards, place the shot just below
a line between the eyes. If the distance is closer, 20-30 yards, place the shot 12-16 inchers lower. If
your shot is fatal the elephant will sit down before rolling over. However, if the animal is only stunned,
quickly try to get a broad-side shot at the heart or brain. If the trunk is raised and facing the hunter,
aim low for the center of the chest to hit the heart and lungs. I have used the .375 H&H Mag (300 gr.
solid) and the Rem .416 Mag (400 gr. solid) with equal success. I feel much safer with the .416 in
the case of a charging or wounded animal. The .470 and .500 calibers would also be a good choice
for dangerous game. Always use the gun that you can shoot accurately.Test fire any large calibre
rifle before you buy it. You may be sensative to the recoil.

Lions are seen most often in the open savanna or by baiting with Wildebeest or Zebra.
They have mediocre eyesight, excellent hearing and smell; they can run 100 yards in about
six seconds. Place the shot just above the knee joint to reach the heart. A shot through the
shoulder will also reach the heart and further cripple the animal. A charging lion can best be
stopped with a shot to the chest or to the nose is fatal. The 375 H&H Mag with 300 gr Nosler
or Swift A-Frame pointed soft point is very effective.

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