Guns for Africa?

[grayghost]

Mr.16 gauge, as mentioned, nothing on your wish list is too big for your 30-06. However, unless you want only a skull mount, I'd avoid taking a Steenbok with it. You can attempt a mid-body shot and that usually will leave enough for a shoulder mount, but watch your shot angle. You'll need a perfect broadside shot to avoid hitting the shoulder. Those little guys tear apart easily. Many PH's will lend you a small caliber rifle to hunt the pygmy antelopes. Just check with your booking agent, he should be able to sort this out for you. Anything in the .22 Hornet - .223 is perfect but avoid the rapid expanding "varmint" bullets. I use Nosler Partitions (60 gr) in my .223. I would advise you to buy a book: "The Perfect Shot." It covers Africa's game animals and is excellent to show shot placement on African game. You'll feel a lot more confident on your first trip if you understand the differences between North American and African vital organs, and how they are shaped. Broadside shots that would quickly kill a deer, may only wound an African animal. Lungs are located differently.
Good hunting,
grayghost

[tim416]

Greyghost is giving good advice regarding shot placement.
Most african game animals have vitals that are typically further forward and in some cases higher than most North American game.
This sometimes causes problems for North American deer hunters who typically shoot just behind the shoulder. Most African species are better taken with a shot on the shoulder as opposed to behind. You need to remember in Africa if you draw blood on game you pay for it whether recovered or not. It pays to do your homework and know the kill zones on the species you are hunting. Your PH is there to help you along as well.