Indholdsfortegnelse for Sept/Oct 2025 i Man Magnum

IF YOU ask Google when the .300H&H Magnum was introduced, you’ll get a dozen or more sites telling you it was in 1925. And that’s true – terminologically. But actually the cartridge first appeared in 1920, only it was then designated “Holland’s Super .30”. American manufacturers began making the ammo in 1925, but chose to call it the .300H&H Magnum, and after that, even Britain’s Kynoch used this designation on their ammo boxes, with “Holland’s Super .30” in small print within brackets. Holland & Holland also named this cartridge the .300 Belted Rimless Magnum (H&H) in catalogues, so it was somewhat confusing. The .300H&H got off to a slow start. Firstly, the Brits’ main big game hunting destinations were India and Africa. However, intercontinental travel in those times was by…

MODERN shooters and hunters are spoilt for choice. In our era of mass production and plastic components, some might bemoan quality control – even of some well-known brands – but the fact is we have never had it so good: there are firearms for every conceivable task or taste. However, many a first-time buyer invests in a firearm only to discover later that it is unsuitable for the purpose required. With such a wide range from which to choose, how does the beginner select the right firearm for his or her particular needs? New cartridges and firearm designs appear almost every year; even experienced shooters are occasionally bewildered by the options. It is insightful to read the selection criteria of certain experienced shooters, hunters and law-enforcement officers over the years.…

NEW PRODUCTS UTG Optics and Accessories In the world of firearms and shooting sports, having the right equipment can make all the difference to your shooting experience. UTG from Michigan, USA, a renowned brand in the industry, offers a range of innovative products designed to meet the needs of shooters, hunters, and tactical professionals. From high-quality scopes to sturdy bipods, UTG’s products are engineered to deliver precision, reliability, and durability. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, UTG is a top choice in the firearms and shooting sports community. UTG Integrix Scopes feature advanced optics, rugged construction, and intuitive design, making them an excellent choice for hunters, tactical shooters, and competitive marksmen. The Integrix series offers a range of models, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences.…

.22LR Ammo Selection I enjoyed the article on the Tikka T1x in the July/August edition. In our community long-range shooting with the humble .22LR has really taken off during the last two years. However, stretching the little cartridge to 200m and beyond, certainly separates the quality ammunition from that which is only average or mediocre. For many years my top choice was CCI Target which impressed with very small groups at 25m and 50m, but it is now simply not good enough, falling apart beyond 100m or so. Of course this ammo was not made for the distances we shoot at today and still works well for its intended purpose. I read that you had some very good results with SK Long Range Match but am unable to find this…

OUR open plains once teemed with springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) and at times they gathered in their millions to trek across the country. Severe droughts, rinderpest and indiscriminate shooting by traders and farmers who cleared the land of game because it competed with livestock for grazing, decimated springbuck numbers. Despite these obstacles the hardy springbuck prevailed and today (with the help of conservation minded farmers), it is a valued game animal and once again plentiful in South Africa. Springbuck are endemic to the drier parts of our country such as the Karoo, Free State, Griqualand and other parts of the far Northern Cape. They are also common in Namibia and Botswana. Game farmers have introduced them to areas that lie outside of their original distribution areas. The springbuck was named for…

THE SHOTGUN is one of the most versatile firearms a hunter can own. Although a short-range weapon, when appropriately loaded, it can take anything from flying pigeons to eland. With a pocketful of cartridges in different shot sizes, a stealthy hunter can exploit any opportunity that presents itself. A shotgun cartridge is a self-contained unit comprising a primer, propellant, a wad (plastic or fibre) and shot, encased in a plastic or paper hull with a brass or steel base. The shot – in our country, spherical lead pellets – determines the cartridge’s effectiveness for a given task. Shot size is measured by pellet diameter, numbered inversely: larger numbers (e.g. No. 8) indicate smaller pellets, while smaller numbers (e.g. No. 4) or lettered designations (e.g. AAA or SSG) indicate larger…

WHEN you have a passion for something, it never leaves you. I operated a small safari business taking clients to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and the Timbavati. However, when there was free time or a holiday, I would take my family and friends to the bush. My safari business was up-market and I specialised in night-vision game-viewing. I also did animal capture, working alongside a vet. This often included fitting satellite tracking collars on lions and rhinos, and ear notching rhinos for identification purposes. So, when I took a break, it would either be for meat hunting purposes or just to relax and explore the beautiful bush. A close friend and business associate of mine owned a nice stretch of protected land on the Olifants River,…

SOME 20 years ago, on a hunting ranch near Umfolozi, we came across an elderly Zulu, bare-footed and weather-beaten, leading a dog on a raw-hide leash. The sight of the dog warmed my heart, for I had not seen one quite like it for many years, and I’d recently been reading about its type. It resembled a whippet (greyhound-like but smaller) with the same long, narrow head and snout, half-cocked ears, long legs and body, and very slender stomach. This painfully skinny dog had seen a hard life. Its short, brindled coat was patchy and scarred, and half of its slender tail was missing. The ranch manager, Alec, knew the old man, and after a brief exchange in Zulu, we went our separate ways. That evening, around the fire, Ralph,…

KUDU BULL! The two words that send an electrifying thrill coursing through the body of every hunter. After a lifetime in the bush, I still feel the same surge of excitement when confronted by this majestic animal. That magnificent pair of spiral horns makes the kudu bull one of the most desirable species to hunt and it tops many a trophy hunter’s wish list. But I’ve learned some lessons. During my years as a professional hunter, I would collect an overseas client from the Port Elizabeth airport and, on our inland journey, I’d ask him what animals he was after. In every case he’d say, “A kudu bull.” Well, that was great because I really enjoyed kudu hunting, but sometimes the fellow would spoil it by saying he’d already shot…

THE springbuck is a symbol of our national pride and resilience. It holds a special place in the hearts of all South Africans. It is also popular among hunters and venison lovers because spring-buck meat is really good – it has a wonderful, natural flavour. If you are a keen cook or even just someone who enjoys springbuck meat, sosaties are a great option. Our food culture is part of our rich heritage. Being an original Cape Malay dish, sosaties (sate meaning skewered meat) have become a common feature of a classic South African braai. Here is a well-tested and easy-to-follow recipe that works for our family. It’s perfect for the braai. Use good quality meat for the best results like deboned springbuck leg or backstrap. FOR THE MARINADE 100ml…

’N JAGSTORIE wat my altyd gefasineer het is die van Harry Manners wat olifante vanaf ’n leer, of staande bo op ’n spoorsnyers se skouers, geskiet het tussen die papirus in die Zambezi Delta. Hy het dit glo gedoen om ’n beter skoot op die diere te kry. Ek het die storie altyd met ’n knypie sout geneem – tot na my jag ervaring in die Delta. Ek was gelukkig om hier ’n buffel jag aan die einde van die seisoen (November maand) te bekom in Coutada 11 saam met Zambeze Delta Safaris. Toe die Airlink vliegtuig se deur op Beira se lughawe oopmaak, het ek dadelik besef dat die humiditeit en hitte ’n groot rol gedurende die jag sou speel. ’n Kort vlug van Beira het my by die…