Thread: Sambar Calibre

What's everyone's opinions of what is the best calibre for sambar (and why over any other calibre)?

I know I'll get contrasting opinions. Wanting to think this through before adding another gun to the safe

243 and 6.5 creedmoor are a bit light for the sambar (knew I shouldn't have got rid of my 270)

Last sambar I got with the creedmoor using 143 ELD-X took 2 into the heart and 2 in the lungs and still went for a bit of a walk. I was surprised when gutting it at the state of the heart that it didn't drop earlier

308 with 150g Nosler Accubonds @2900 fps

For consistent kills I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 7mm cal. They are bigger than reds.

Originally Posted by Allizdog

For consistent kills I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 7mm cal. They are bigger than reds.

Ok so that would rule out the 270 then

Would you go 7mm08 that seems a new popular choice, 7mm rem mag or 7mm wsm

Or else the tried and tested 308?

Either of the last three you mentioned would be my first picks. The 7mm08 would probably be ok too but last on that list.

Originally Posted by Allizdog

Either of the last three you mentioned would be my first picks.

Ok, thanks. What's your thoughts between them?

308 would be good at reasonably close range. 300wsm and 7mm mag better out to longer ranges. The 300wsm would be my pick of the bunch because it can take heavier pills but still have plenty of velocity. I'm talking factory ammo here.

Originally Posted by JemO

What's everyone's opinions of what is the best calibre for sambar (and why over any other calibre)?

I know I'll get contrasting opinions. Wanting to think this through before adding another gun to the safe

243 and 6.5 creedmoor are a bit light for the sambar (knew I shouldn't have got rid of my 270)

Last sambar I got with the creedmoor using 143 ELD-X took 2 into the heart and 2 in the lungs and still went for a bit of a walk. I was surprised when gutting it at the state of the heart that it didn't drop earlier

my two cents worth spot a sambar stag the trophy for Kiwi hunter's of a life time - smack him with something really solid - 7mm rem mag 300 win mag big stuff dont fuck around wirh 308 243 7mm08 - no -put your sambar stag down - takes a lot to even get a chance at one

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

my two cents worth spot a sambar stag the trophy for Kiwi hunter's of a life time - smack him with something really solid - 7mm rem mag 300 win mag big stuff dont fuck around wirh 308 243 7mm08 - no -put your sambar stag down - takes a lot to even get a chance at one

Hmmm I'm leaning towards either a 7mm rem mag or 300 wsm

7mm mag and above.

9.3x62 is great option

Originally Posted by JemO

What's everyone's opinions of what is the best calibre for sambar (and why over any other calibre)?

I know I'll get contrasting opinions. Wanting to think this through before adding another gun to the safe

243 and 6.5 creedmoor are a bit light for the sambar (knew I shouldn't have got rid of my 270)

Last sambar I got with the creedmoor using 143 ELD-X took 2 into the heart and 2 in the lungs and still went for a bit of a walk. I was surprised when gutting it at the state of the heart that it didn't drop earlier

Hit them in the middle of the shoulder with the creedmoor and 143 eld-x and they won't go far at all. 7mm08 & 140 grain core-lokt work very well on sambar also.

As Barry said, the 300win mag is another good option too @JemO.

30 cal and up.

300 wsm blg gun for big deer,
i have shot them with a 22 hornet

Originally Posted by SmokeyJason

300 wsm blg gun for big deer,
i have shot them with a 22 hornet

You must be one hell of a shot with the 22 hornet mate