What caliber to shoot Buffalo with?

[Timothy]

Nice to know at least someone knows they're bison, not buffalo!

Kidding, don't bunch up yer panties...

[emoji3]

[tombogan03884]

Timothy got me curious so I asked.

http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-bison-and-buffalo/
(it isn't the only difference, just the most noticable)


Appearance
Bison ‘“ have a shaggy winter coat that sheds to create a lighter summer coat. The largest bison can top 6 ½ feet tall, be 10 feet long, and weigh one ton. They have stocky legs and short horns that extend sideways and back from their heads.

Buffalo ‘“ have short, glossy coat. Both varieties are similar in size to the bison, but with much larger horns. Some water buffalo horns have been known to grow up to the entire length of the animal.

Read more: Difference Between Bison and Buffalo | Difference Between http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-bison-and-buffalo/#ixzz4OUySWks2

[Big Frank]

When the white man saw bison they reminded him of buffalo and when he saw pronghorn he thought they looked like antelope. Most people know what you're talking about whether you use the right term or not because they know what's on this continent and what's not. I would go with the .308 if it's not a single shot. You may need a couple of follow up shots. And use the sturdiest bullets you can get at the highest weight available.

[tombogan03884]

Frank also triggered curiosity.
According to "difference between" the various antelope of Africa have hollow horns they do not shed.

[Ranger Dave]

Well it's been a busy day at camp. I was able to check Wal-Mart this morning and all they had was 150gr HP & SP, already head them. I called the local farm & ranch store (Atwoods) they had 168gr HP. I called a friend  in Claremore and asked him to look for ammo for me.  All he could find was 168gr HPBT. So I guess I will be using Winchester 168gr HPBT.

We are supposed to go hunt Monday morning so I will sight in my rifle with the 168's tomorrow.

Appreciate all the advice I will update as things go along

RD

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

My fear would be that an HP would expand too rapidly before reaching vitals on that type heavy game. Of course, better jacket technology greatly increases weight retention on today's rifle ammo.

Best bet would have been a Barnes or A-Square, but I understand the time factor...so going with what you can get is what you have to do in this case.

All that being said, I would chose BOTH.
Load the .50 with a good heavy bullet and pound him with the first shot, and have the .308 on immediate standby for a follow-up if necessary.

[crusader rabbit]

Timothy got me curious so I asked.

http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-bison-and-buffalo/
(it isn't the only difference, just the most noticable)

I thought the MOST noticeable difference was that bison are exclusively a North American ruminate while buffalo are found in Asia and Africa.  (Yeah, I know some have been imported as a food stock and for hunting...  We even have some here in Florida, but they ain't native.)

The ones I came across in Vietnam would work tirelessly for the locals without incident.  But, they would charge, chase and gore any round eye within smelling distance.  Nasty beasties that way.  But, they don't taste bad sliced into steaks and grilled over a wood fire.  Bison tastes better... if you don't overcook it.

Crusader Rabbit

[Timothy]

I had a science teacher in the 60's that was as strict on the American Bison and buffalo distinction as our friend Haz is about clips vs magazines!  There was a small herd in north central MI we used to visit regularly on our trips to the deer camp outside Leroy.

I buy bison quite often in our local markets.  Farm raised I'm sure but a nice alternative when done right.

[Ranger Dave]

Well I went to the farm & ranch store and picked up a box of 168gr. .308 Browning BXC controlled expansion terminal tip. The box claims it's good for elk, moose. mule deer, bear and boar.

[ellis4538]

I'm no expert, but I would think you would need deep penetration vs. expansion.  The .50 would probably be better for that.  The 168 seems a bit light for me even though it is recommended for Moose and such.

Richard