[TML] 20mm cannons and bulky aliens

[John Kwon]

On 1/23/08, Andy Slack <sablemage at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I read somewhere that the Cape Buffalo is the most dangerous of the big
> game
> to hunt. What do people hunt those with?
>
> IIRC in "Footfall", one of the President's guards has to escort him into
> the
> presence of the elephant-aliens, and refuses to do it unless he can carry
> at
> least a .30-06.
>

The best shot placement for buffalo is to hit vital organs, hopefully
breaking bone somewhere in the process. Any experienced PH (Professional
Hunter) will rebuke head or neck shots and advise to go for the "boiler
room". If hit well, the animal will take off at a gallop, usually signaling
death with a characteristic bellow. Very few shots, regardless of caliber
will pull a mature bull to the ground unless the shot hits the spine. If in
a herd, the wounded animal will break away. Buffalo are one of the only
animals that purposefully circle back onto their own trail to "hunt" the
pursuer. Usually they will circle back on their trail near an ant hill, a
fallen tree or any area that provides decent cover.

Cape Buffalo hunting and their dangerous nature when wounded have been
documented by all the great white hunters and on various video footage. Do
Not Be Fooled - each situation is unique and Cape buffalo are one of the
most dangerous animals when wounded. Despite their size they are extremely
quick and cunning at camouflage, as they remain absolutely still until one
is right upon them.

Cape Buffalo are thick-skinned animals and the minimum safe caliber is the
.375 Magnum. Many people have killed Buffalo with a well placed shot from
.270s and 30-06's, one old frontiersman even claimed a head shot with a .22
hornet. However, with Buffalo you can never have too much gun. Today's
hunter prefers the large bore double rifles (if you can afford it) as most
shots are less than 50 yards and in heavy cover.

Most PH's swear by the .375 Magnum as a starting point, with the .416s &
.458s being a good compromise on price and power. Some hunters will load a
soft-nosed round for the first shot, followed by solids as the animal moves
off. Remember, you want to do as much damage as possible with your first
shot and heavy grained, good quality soft-nosed bullets are essential.