XPB vs A Frame - 454 Casull - African Plains Game

I'm in the planning stages for a African hunt which will target plains game up to and including Kudu, Nyala and Eland. I'm seeking advice specifically related to which projectile will be the better performer. The platform will be a 7.5 inch .454 Casull. Maximum shooting distance to 125.

Due to supply situation in my country, projectile choice will come down to either a 250 gr Barnes XPB or a 300 gr Swift A Frame. Normally I would go for the heavier projectile because of better penetration, however many claim the XPB has similar penetration to the heavier projectiles.

In my revolver the maximum velocity I've been able to get out of the XPB is 1700 fps. Acceptable accuracy at 25 with this load but haven't tested at longer range yet (you wouldn't believe how expensive these bullets are out here).

Haven't been able to acquire the A Frames yet as they will need to be a special order from the importer. (generally the importer only stocks A Frames in rifle calibres.)

I HAVE DONE 10 AFRICAN SAFARIS WHERE MY PRIMARY WEAPON WAS A FREEDOM ARMS 454 LOADED WITH 454 EQUIVALENT 45 COLT LOADS OR 454 LOADS. I USED A VARIETY OF BULLETS, BUT NONE OF THE 2 YOU ASK ABOUT, HOWEVER, IF I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE 2 I WOULD CHOOSE THE SWIFT A-FRAME WITH THE BARNES XPB NOT EVEN A CLOSE SECOND. THE XPB's ARE LIGHT FOR LENGTH AND LIGHTER THAN THE SWIFTS. THEY MAY BE AN OK CHOICE ON DEER BUT PERSONALLY I WOULD NOT CHOOSE THEM FOR BIG PLAINS GAME, NOR FOR THE LONGER SHOTS YOU CONTEMPLATE.

Walkingthemup,

TradMark would be one of the more knowledgeable users of the Barnes XPB on this site from what I know.

Barnes did update their load data for this bullet and cartridge on their website if you haven't checked it out yet.

I like the XPB from the limited amount I have used it (killed one mule deer a few years back with it, see added picture)
But, If I were after Eland, I would feel more comfortable with the 300gr Swift. then you know you'd have it covered.

You are asking in the right place though, so much experience on this site!

I have only used the XPB in my 454 and only for deer. I recovered one bullet from a doe that I shot at 152 yds. Entrance was on the high shoulder and bullet was recovered on the opposite side at the base of the neck just under the skin. Expansion was about as perfect as you could get. However with seeing the amount of penetration and recovering the bullet I would be very hesitant to use that bullet for larger plains game. IMO

I've never shot any really big stuff with my .454 FA. Always used .475 and .500s. But, I've tested a lot of .454 bullets on deer. I always felt if a .454 bullet wouldn't completely penetrate a whitetail, then I wouldn't use it on larger game. I've dug several bullets from whitetails, but never a AFrame. That's what I'd use. The extra weight should help a little more with penetration.
Elands are big, tough animals. Dropped mine with one shot, but with a .375/.284 XP.
Kudus not so tough. Dropped 2 with 125/130 gr. 6.5/.284. Did wound my first one in 1985 at 250-300 with a .375 JDJ. Trailed him up. Did not look sick. Dropped him hard with a 310 gr. SSK lead in a RSB at 60 yds. Caliber and weight help a lot with big animals.

I've used both in .454 on game. The XPB does a lot of internal damage and penetrates reasonably well. That said, I prefer the A-frame as it definitely penetrates deeper and does quite a bit of damage also. I used A-frames in .454 on a nyala and red lechwe and they performed admirably.

between the two bullets you listed I would choose the Swift bullet without hesitation....

A big thanks for all the advice. Now to try and get the Swift distributor to import some A-Frames so I can start load development.