Suitable calibre for Lion?

[libensvolenspotens]

I am in the process of renewing my FAC and have added a .375H&H mag to the wish list.
I predominantly wanted a double rifle for Boar, but have just had the spark of an idea to visit Africa for hunting rather than work!
I am beginning to get the idea of taking a lion as a once in a lifetime experience.
Would a .375 H&H mag be enough gun or do I need to look for something bigger?
Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Pine Marten]

I regularly take lions at 300-400m with my .22. Just a question of shot placement.

 

[pilgrimmick]

I regularly take lions at 300-400m with my .22. Just a question of shot placement.

That is a stupid thing to say!

You should NEVER shoot a Lion with a 22 above about 250m.

 

[libensvolenspotens]

Ah but I want to get closer than 250 metres.
I'm more of a stalker than a sniper!

 

[patjack]

Hope you are using the correct bullets A.max's...

 

[Cut+Squirt]

The HMR is a well proven Lion round . . .just be sure to check the necks for cracks as you don't want to take risks. . .

 

[Mungo]

Don't bother.

They taste horrible.

 

[jimbo123p]

Quite seriously I used to shoot lions on a regular basis. In fact they were one of my first spicies shot. Great with a bit of breaze. I used .177 Diana model 27. The skill was to cut the stalk and watch the head drop. We are talking the dandy sub spicies are we not?

 

[Oh6]

Quite seriously I used to shoot lions on a regular basis. In fact they were one of my first spicies shot. Great with a bit of breaze. I used .177 Diana model 27. The skill was to cut the stalk and watch the head drop. We are talking the dandy sub spicies are we not?

I shot many in the back garden at home when I was growing up and can confirm that a .177 air rifle is definitely man-enough for the task.

The other challenge was neatly perforating the petals of daffodils and the like, going round the clock before sticking one through the middle. That definitely counted as a dangerous-game though, as I got into lots of trouble if caught

 

[saddler]

I always adhere to the school of thought, that when shooting Lions or other dangerous game species, the caliber is a secondary consideration....the most important thing is to make sure that you are accompanied by at least one other person, two is even better - suitably qualified in not being able to run as fast as you can.

That way if you mess up the shot, the dinner is on them...or IS them...as the case may be

 

[PeteL1]

A 375 H&H will be more than adequate. Putting a properly constructed bullet in the right place is the most important part.
However, you may be aware of the cost of such a hunt, the price of lions is considerable.
Go to: Shakari Connection | African Hunting Information for more info and good sound advice.
Peter

 

[JRoe]

Don't you just love this sort of thread !! - -

 

[Tarkan]

I always adhere to the school of thought, that when shooting Lions or other dangerous game species, the caliber is a secondary consideration....the most important thing is to make sure that you are accompanied by at least one other person, two is even better - suitably qualified in not being able to run as fast as you can.

That way if you mess up the shot, the dinner is on them...or IS them...as the case may be

 

[libensvolenspotens]

Many thanks for the info & the link!
Yes i am aware of the costs. It was an advert in "Sporting Rifle" that whet my appetite.
I think that link will keep me reading for quite a while! Thanks

 

[david1976]

Having looked at the previous answers on this post, it has come to my attention just what a bunch of pansies my fellow stalkers are.
.177 is big enough for an elephant and has way too much for a lion. What you need is one of these lightweight bad boys:

 

[tackb]

The Masai managed fine with a spear ya big Jessie !

 

[Safari Hunter]

375 will be fine, i'm going in September and will be using a CZ Safari Classic. It's the minimum legal calibre required for dangerous game. If you want to come with me let me know.
Cheers Adrian

 

[paul o']

hhhmmmmm the word BIG comes to mind ask your PH
or
a ph quote [The best African safari hunting rifle calibers for hunting the Big 5 start at 375 as the minimum allowed caliber. It is our experience that the best big caliber rifles are the 400 range – 416 Rem, 416 Rigby, 458 WM, 458 Lott and 470 because these safari rifle calibers are what most dangerous game hunters use. This is our experience; if you have bigger or other dangerous game rifles that you are comfortable with .] good luck feller don't eat raw meat the night before

 

[libensvolenspotens]

375 will be fine, i'm going in September and will be using a CZ Safari Classic. It's the minimum legal calibre required for dangerous game. If you want to come with me let me know.
Cheers Adrian

Many thanks for the invite, much appreciated. However I think that this will be next year at the earliest.#
​Cheers!

 

[libensvolenspotens]

hhhmmmmm the word BIG comes to mind ask your PH
or
a ph quote [The best African safari hunting rifle calibers for hunting the Big 5 start at 375 as the minimum allowed caliber. It is our experience that the best big caliber rifles are the 400 range – 416 Rem, 416 Rigby, 458 WM, 458 Lott and 470 because these safari rifle calibers are what most dangerous game hunters use. This is our experience; if you have bigger or other dangerous game rifles that you are comfortable with .] good luck feller don't eat raw meat the night before

Sounds like a good excuse for another rifle! Thanks!