 South Africa gun choice
#70426
06/03/2010 2:22 PM
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Black Forest HP
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I am in the planning stages of a South African Safari for plains game. I am interested in Gemsbok, Eland, Kudu,zebra, impala,and warthog.
I intend to use either my Contender or Encore, but can not decide on caliber. I have a 309 JDJ and a 45/70 for the Contender and do not have a pistol barrel for the Encore at this time.
I am considering either getting a 375 JDJ for the Contender or a 375/06 JDJ for the Encore.
I love the trigger on my Contender as it is much better than the Encore which has had a trigger job, but I am entrigued with the 375/06 JDJ.
Any suggestions from those who have been there done that will be helpful.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70428
06/03/2010 2:28 PM
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Recoil
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I really like my .375-06 JDJ as it is my favorite cartridge for the Encore. It is very accurate. I sure would give it my vote.
Recoil.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Recoil]
#70429
06/03/2010 2:35 PM
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Darrell H
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Recoil,
Would you mind posting a pic of your gun? I'm currently having an XP-100 built in .376 Steyr. In the past, I have had two MGM Encore barrels chambered for .376 Steyr and was very impressed with this round. I think that it is very similar in performance to the 375-06 JDJ.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Darrell H]
#70430
06/03/2010 2:44 PM
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Black Forest HP
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What does the 375/06 kick like? I am used to my 45/70 with a muzzel tammer. I have loaded 405 gr max loads and can handle it fine, just not 50 shots off the bench in one session.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70437
06/03/2010 4:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Gary
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I think either choice with a 270 grain soft point would be excellent. The first time I went I took my 309 and my 375 JDJ and after checking zero the 309 never saw the light of day. The 375 JDJ will handle any of those you list with ease. The 375-06 would give you more reach but depending on where you're hunting most PH's will get you within 200 yards with little difficulty. Most of my shots were over 100 yards but none over 220. Getting used to shooting accurately off of standing shooting sticks is more important than which 375 you choose. 3 legs work better than 2.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Gary]
#70442
06/03/2010 5:12 PM
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Black Forest HP
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Thanks Gary. I am in the TX/OK Panhandles, so shooting long range is common. I am very accustomed to shooting whitetail and muledeer at 200+ yards off of shooting sticks or a backpack rest.
I am just trying to decide Contender or Encore, as I know both will do everything I would ask it too.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Darrell H]
#70443
06/03/2010 5:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Recoil
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I would if I had a camera. I lost mine during my Bison hunt and I have not replaced it as of yet.
Recoil
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Recoil]
#70444
06/03/2010 5:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Recoil
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As far as recoil is concerned I do not find the .375-06 JDJ to be very offensive. It is a handful but not as bad as my untamed 500 S&W BFR.
Recoil
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Recoil]
#70447
06/03/2010 7:38 PM
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Black Forest HP
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Gary
You said you took your 309. What bullet were you using. I use a 165 Ballistic tip here, but figure if the 309 makes the trip I would switch out to a Partition. Thoughts?
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70456
06/03/2010 10:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Franchise
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Either of the .375 rounds will work great. I have a Competitor SS in 376 Steyr, which is very similar to the 375/06, recoil is NOT a problem. If you can handle the 45/70, either of the 375's will be fine.
The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Franchise]
#70458
06/03/2010 11:23 PM
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wtroper
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I have experience with the 375 JDJ in the contender. I have no experience with the 375/06 JDJ. When I ordered a bbl for my encore, I ordered a 338/06 JDJ from J D. It is currently enroute from SSK. May be here tomorrow.
I have a friend (in Ohio who is also a very close friend of J D's) who shot J D's first 375-06 JDJ. It did not have a break on it. He went through about 50 rounds one afternoon. He had a bone in his hand broken. Based upon his advice, I ordered the 338. I am hoping for 2600 with a 210 partition from it. If it will do that, I would not hesitate to use it on your intended animals.
BTW -- where in the panhandle do you live? I live in Hereford & have a little range down near Clarendon. Maybe we can get together & shoot sometime.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70469
06/04/2010 2:34 AM
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Gregg Richter
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Factory ammo is available for the .375 JDJ but not for the 375-06 JDJ, if that matters.
The .375 JDJ has accounted for all of Africa's game, from what I have read. And as for personal experience:
...I really like mine, and I have killed several bull elk with it...however...
...on the other hand, one of my hunters showed up once with an Encore in 375-06 JDJ, and he dropped his bull elk with it just fine, but not any faster than my .375 JDJ did. The speed of gravity was about the same! 
In all seriousness, either caliber works on the big stuff fine so go with the one you want to, unless reloading is a factor.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70470
06/04/2010 2:38 AM
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Gary
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I had it loaded with 150 bt's but I can also say that every PH I've ever talked with have a pretty low opinion of the partitions but their experience is with rifles. Really I would take a 375 and a 44 single action for shooting warthogs and such or even a bigger critter or two. 
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Gary]
#70473
06/04/2010 3:26 AM
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Black Forest HP
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Thanks for all the input from everyone. Reloading is not a problem so either would be fine from that standpoint. I now just need to make a decission. I talked to JD on the phone and either one would do anything I will ever attempt.
Wtroper, I am in the extreme NE corner of the Panhandle. I was raised in Booker and still work there, however I live 10 miles north in the OK Panhandle.
I am always looking for someone new to shoot and hunt with. I will be very interested to hear how your 338/06 shoots.
Last edited by Black Forest HP; 06/04/2010 3:27 AM.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70474
06/04/2010 3:52 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 20
scott ambler
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Black Forest or Wtrooper... I live north of Beaver, OK... just into Kansas. How is the selection of "goodies" at Otasco in Beaver?
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: scott ambler]
#70475
06/04/2010 4:06 AM
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Black Forest HP
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Scott
Where in KS? I am 15 miles south of Beaver.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70476
06/04/2010 4:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Black Forest HP
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Do not get to Otasco very often
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70477
06/04/2010 4:20 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 20
scott ambler
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Meade county. 30 miles north of Beaver. I've heard there are a few reloading components at Otasco, but have never stopped in.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: scott ambler]
#70488
06/04/2010 2:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
old hand
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Wow!!!! Booker brings back memories. Used to go there a lot --- even banked there, back when. Don't suppose that you know Bunny Mitchell?
Even further back I lived in Finney County, KS. If either of you get down toward Amarillo, give me a shout. Maybe we can get together sometime.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70489
06/04/2010 3:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Black Forest HP
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I know her. It is hard to live in Booker and not know everyone.
Let me know what you think of that 338/06. What length, brake, scope mount, finish etc. did you order.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Franchise]
#70493
06/04/2010 3:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
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I prefer the .375 JDJ, which is what I used on most of the plains game I took on my first safari 20 years ago. It will do everything that needs done, with less recoil than the .375/06 JDJ, and of course is Contender compatible, which I also prefer over the Encore.
I've used the 270 gr. Hornady on 15 lb. steenbok, up to 1800 lb. buffalo.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: 500WE]
#70494
06/04/2010 4:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Darrell H
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I've used the 270 gr. Hornady on 15 lb. steenbok, up to 1800 lb. buffalo.
500WE, Would you care to elaborate on how well the .375 JDJ worked on buffalo? Where did you hit him, how many shots, how far did he run, etc.? What is your opinion on the maximum range that you would feel comfortable taking a shot on dangerous game with the .375 JDJ? Like you, I prefer the Contender over the Encore. The G-2 is my favorite Contender. Thanks in advance!
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70497
06/04/2010 6:51 PM
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wtroper
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I will confirm when it gets here, but it should be 15" with an arrestor brake & a TSOB. I have known J D for 15 years or more & left some of the decisions up to him. My other friend in Ohio actually recommended a standard 338-06. Even though I have a semi-custom rifle in that caliber (that I have not fired in 15 yrs), I chose to go with the JDJ ---- primarily because I have several JDJ contenders and wanted a "JDJ" bbl for the encore frame.
Booker was quite a little town back in early 80s. Before the "bubble burst" the bank was very aggressive and a lot of business flowed through that little place.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70498
06/04/2010 7:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Black Forest HP
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Yep... those were the days. I will never forget the day that "Our Bank" became "Their Bank"! The night the FDIC came in to take over, the sign out front was changed, complete with the exact same stencil as was used on the original sign. It took many years for me to find out who was the one that pulled it off so well.
What were you doing up in this area at that time? I was finishing High School graduated '87. My parents owned the grocery store
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70499
06/04/2010 7:14 PM
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Posts: 5,512
Ernie
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If you go with the 338-06 or wildcat version like it I would get one of Holland's new Radial muzzle brakes.
In reality you do not need to use a 338, 35 or 375 for Africa.
I like the 338's the best out of the bunch above, but I wouldn't hesitate using a 280 AI with the proper bullets after having a good friend who has hunted in Africa a number of time with a 7mm-08 rifle.
I would take a big 7mm or a 338 myself (both) if or when I get to go.
Need to clarify, that I am talking about plains game.
Ernie the Un-Tactical 
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70501
06/04/2010 8:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
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Black Forest -
Sent you a PM.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: wtroper]
#70502
06/04/2010 8:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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wtroper
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Delivery received. 15" stainless w arrestor & TSOB along with the dies & loading data.
J D's loading data shows 200 gr Hornady up to 2693 fps, 225 gr Speer up to 2643 and 250 gr Grand Slam up to 2481. Looks like 4064 is the powder. That should be more than I need it to do.
Better get home & see if I can find some brass to resize and get a scope on it.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Darrell H]
#70504
06/04/2010 9:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
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I've used the 270 gr. Hornady on 15 lb. steenbok, up to 1800 lb. buffalo.
500WE, Would you care to elaborate on how well the .375 JDJ worked on buffalo? Where did you hit him, how many shots, how far did he run, etc.? What is your opinion on the maximum range that you would feel comfortable taking a shot on dangerous game with the .375 JDJ? Like you, I prefer the Contender over the Encore. The G-2 is my favorite Contender. Thanks in advance! Darrell: 1st shot: frontal to chest @ 35 yds, ran 35 yds; 2nd shot broadside to lungs @ 35 yds, ran 35 yds; 3rd shot using Hornady 300 gr. FMJ, broadside to lungs 35 yds. (actually, the shot was unnecessary but I didn't know that at the time), fell dead. Several other buffalo and bison have been shot at distances from 35 to 76 yds. with the .475 Linebaugh and .500 WE and ran from 5 to 75 yds., depending upon the animal. Two Cape buff that I shot @ 50 yds. in Tanzania with a .416 Rem. Mag. M700 died after 1 shot each, but ran 100 yds or so. In general I like to be @~ 50 yds. with dangerous game if the situation permits, but sometimes it doesn't. Shooting @ 100 yds. or more robs you of a lot of excitement, in my opinion. Most of my bears were shot @ 55 yds. or less, with 2 a bit further, my lion @ 55 yds. Treed moutain lions of course are shot very close, generally.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: 500WE]
#70505
06/04/2010 10:13 PM
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Darrell H
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Thanks for the additional details 500WE! While it is nice getting other folks' opinions on what they think will work, it is very nice to hear actual field experiences. Thanks again!
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Darrell H]
#70510
06/04/2010 11:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
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One distinct advantage in my opinion of the 375 JDJ over the others is that you can tip the barrel up and dump the spent case. That makes for much quicker reloading.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Darrell H]
#70523
06/05/2010 5:37 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 41
bothbarrels
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I've used the 270 gr. Hornady on 15 lb. steenbok, up to 1800 lb. buffalo.
500WE, Would you care to elaborate on how well the .375 JDJ worked on buffalo? Where did you hit him, how many shots, how far did he run, etc.? What is your opinion on the maximum range that you would feel comfortable taking a shot on dangerous game with the .375 JDJ? Like you, I prefer the Contender over the Encore. The G-2 is my favorite Contender. Thanks in advance! Are you a daisy? LOL 
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: bothbarrels]
#70526
06/05/2010 12:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378
Darrell H
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I don't guess I understand your question?  The original poster stated: I am considering either getting a 375 JDJ for the Contender or a 375/06 JDJ for the Encore.
Any suggestions from those who have been there done that will be helpful.
500WE has obviously "been there, done that." Just like the original poster, I was curious to hear actual field performance of the .375 JDJ since I've only shot mine at paper.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70541
06/05/2010 2:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
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I am just trying to decide Contender or Encore, as I know both will do everything I would ask it too. The best way to answer that question is to get your hands on both of them and shoot. There are quite a few users here that LOVE their Contenders and G2’s, I have them, but I just prefer my Encores. My vote is for the 375-06 JDJ… JHMO though
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin 
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: TCTex.]
#70717
06/07/2010 1:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Black Forest HP
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TCMan
I am in the process of doing just that as soon as possible. I know with either one I can not make a bad decission.
Thanks to all for the input.
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Re: South Africa gun choice
[Re: Black Forest HP]
#70752
06/07/2010 11:10 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
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