I have never used the A frame as they were a little hard to get here in Australia but I’ve had great success with the various Woodleigh offerings in my 9.3x 62.
I’ve been having trouble finding partitions anywhere so I picked up some of these for 9.3x62 to hand load. 286 and 300 grain. I didn’t realize they were that different than the partitions. Planning on using them on Moose and Elk. Thanks for the video awesome content!
Enjoyed this very much. Good timing too. I just picked up several boxes of Norma ammo loaded with 286grn A-Frames for my rifles in 9.3X62. If I get an LEH Moose tag this season, I'll use that ammo. I'm thinking of doing a Bison hunt in either Northern B.C. or Alberta next year. Will definitely use that Norma ammo for that. Sako Classic for the Moose. Ruger No.1 for the Bison.
I second that statement the the Swift A-Frame is the gold standard in hunting bullets at close to mid range shots. My camp rifle when hunting is bear country is a .35 Whelen with 250gr A-Frames @ about 2500 fps MV. This is also my stalking/still hunting rifle for moose and elk. When I use my .300 RUM or .300 Win Mag I always have A-Frames in the chamber and magazine box but I also carry rounds loaded with 180gr Swift Sirocco II’s for the mid to long range shots out to 700 yards. I have worked up the best loads for my rifles in the past. I quit using Nosler Partitions and Accubonds for the Swift bullets in all my rifles. Swift is right here in Kansas and Bill Hobber has always treated me well and I can always get Swift bullets. To those of you out there Swift Bullets is a small business that makes a premium product and you should do business with them directly. For what it’s worth I’ve been hunting for over 50 years and have tried almost every bullet at least once but nothing beats Swift Bullets. Thanks @Desert Dog Outdoors
I’ve never used swift bullets but I will be now since I found out by another comment on this video that they are in Kansas. I’m a North Carolina native but I’ve spent considerable time in your state and I love it there. It’s one of if not my favorite state that I’ve been to.
What is the loading you are using in the 300 RUM? I have shot up my factory ammo from years ago, but have let it lay for a few years. What is the heaviest bullet you have experience in with the 300 RUM? I would think there;s enough powder for 225-250 grains? My 300 Win Mag has used nothing over 180 grains, given my bean field whitetail hunting distances. I hope to use the 300RUM on a grizzly.
@@johnshields9110 I use only 180gr Swift Siroccos and A-Frames. My rifle which is one of a matched set I built for my cousin and I, is built on a modified and machined M1917 action with a PAC-NOR barrel, 28” with integral muzzle brake machined into the last 2”, 1:10 polygonal. The cartridge box is 3.90” long to take advantage of the case capacity and seating the bullets out for that purpose. I use US369 powder behind the A-Frames at close to 3300 fps with an ES of 4fps obtaining -1/2 moa for a three round string. The Siroccos I use H1000 for about the same velocity ES and accuracy. The difference is in the long range trajectory where the Siroccos have a flatter trajectory at long rang out to 800 yard. I don’t often shoot further than that and don’t consider anything further as ethical. Every rifle is different and when it comes to primer/powder/bullet combination every rifle varies. Heavier bullets in the .30 caliber category lack advantage because of velocity/trajectory drops. Years ago at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds it was discovered the optimum bullet weight for the .30 cal was between 172gr and 177gr with a secant ogive and that holds true today.
@@richardkramer1094 Thanks for that detailed reply. My 300 RUM is a REM 700 stainless that shoots your near 1/2 MOA, with a tweak to its bedding. I worked up a 264 Win Mag as a varmint rig for 600 yards shooting years ago. I knew about Aberdeen study, as my older brother had a bench rifle in 30-06 with a Springfield action put together by a gunsmith who was a Korean era sniper, who used the 176 gr AP round as his preferred ammo. I favor the 180 grain for a better carry over distance, and for equal energy delivery to the 200 gr. Thanks again for your insight. Nice to hear from people who know their stuff by experience.
@@johnshields9110 My COAL for both is 3.800” that is why my magazine box is 3.900”, I seat the base of my bullets just to the bottom of the neck to take advantage of the cartridge capacity.
Excellent video! I have never used the A-frame bullets personally, but that’s what my PH told me to bring for my buffalo hunt this upcoming fall. An interesting sidenote, the Swift bullet company is two hours from my house and in a town with a population of less than 1000 people.
I love the A-Frame. I have used them in my .375 H&H and my 7mm mag. I have had good luck with the 7 on Elk and Moose. But you are right, the cost is high. Thanks, great topic.
I shoot the 140 gr 7mm Swift A-Frame. For some reason, Nosler Partitions were hard to come by So I bought these and loaded them for my 7 x 57. I work seasonally in Alaska at the time, After my work for the season was over, I went moose hunting. The 7 x 57 was a good 3 lbs lighter than the 375 H+H I had at the time. It worked better than good on that Bull I shot. Yeah, they are not cheap, but then again I am still shooting game with the ones I bought in 1997 I ordered 4 boxes, and the gun store screwed up and I ended up with 15 boxes of them. Outside of load work, it didn't take much, other than checking zero, I shoot game not paper with them. I got enough of them to keep me going for another 30 years which will put me at 98. I doubt I will still be hunting then but you never know.
I hope to be hunting at 98 but if I cannot I will be fishing. I don’t punch paper but I still had to sight in with my rifle. Each trigger pull I felt my wallet get lighter. That said, worth the money!
I have to agree with you Chris 1000%. Swift-A-Frame is definitely one my favorite bullets to use. I have never seen one Fail. For Dangerous Game I would say they are superior and have a lot of punch behind them causing massive trauma. A great watch Chris!!!
Great discussion on a great bullet! In my view, A-Frames are inexpensive because of what you get for the money. Driving up the mountain to lay in your winter's supply of meat is one thing but flying across ocean's for dangerous game is another. The bullet's cost is miniscule. A disappointment for me is that some of the newer A-Frames lack a cannulure. The old ones all had them I believe and were perfect for the Lee Factory Crimp. Bill Steigers Bitterroot Bonded Core bullets were very good but I did have one fail to expand in old magazines. I caught it and it looked good except for the rifling marks. I actually re-reloaded it and fired it again. This time it did expand. It had lost the small disc that forms the meplat and was essentially a hollow point. Thanks Dog!
Very informative post, as always! With no safari experience to rely on, it’s good to hear your thoughts and opinions on DG ammo. The Swift A-Frame sounds like the go to for buffs, nice to know!
I think the point is you need the right bullet for the task of the day. I had great luck with Trophy Bearclaw bonded bullets on Elk and Mule deer. But I used them because I bought a large quantity of 300 Weatherby when I bought my rifle. Having shot up those 400 rounds, I use Nosler Accubond bullets in my reloads.. In my 7X57 I use Remington Core-locs, because I got a great deal on them price wise. What I believe is for thin skinned game, buy a bullet you can afford in quantity, and create the ability to use the exact same load in your rifle for hundreds up to over a thousand shots. Then you will do the thing that maximizes bullet performance, you will place it in the correct spot. I believe that heavy for caliber bullets also minimize the need for expensive designs. In the end, few of us can afford enough $2.00 per shot (or more) bullets in enough quantity to really be proficient using field positions. Most of us fool ourselves by shooting from a bench, and at short ranges. The proof is the money some pay for accuracy, when a good field shot can take home the game consistently with a 2 MOA rifle.
When you spend $15-$20k to fly to Africa and kill a buffalo; a $2 bullet is a small price to pay. Especially when that animal might kill you if everything isn't done right. Going cheap on bullets and saving money has no place in hunting dangerous game.
Hy Guys, I would like to say , I use this excellent bullet on French Pyrénées réd deer hunting, Norma manufacturer ammunition in 300 winchester magnum, and each Red deer shoot, all down in historique track , it 's true , each bullets deep penetration, and high weight rétention. Sorry for orthographe mistake, I 'm french and my american isn't good. God bless Amérique
I wish you would of mentioned the powders and bullet weights you use in different cartridges. I know it might seem common knowledge, but for those of us with limited experience, any bone you can throw us is invaluable. I have my 300 grain A-Frames waiting for load development in the 375 H&H. Still trying to get my hands on some H4895.
IMR 4064 is also a great powder for 375h&h. I've done some 300gr loads with Varget, but it's sometimes a compressed load before you get to 2500fps. With Varget, you'll probably end up using between 66-68 grains with the A-Frame (depending on what your rifle likes). H4350 gives good velocity with 300gr bullets, but your loads will definitely be compressed.
I never made it to Africa but love the stories that come from adventures there. I enjoy hunting stories of every type actually, but a well told tale from a far off land that I have never visited captures my imagination every time. As an aside, have you ever used cast bullets or other premium jacketed bullets in your large caliber rifles? If so, can we look forward to a feature on these?
I've always liked Sierra bullets. I've loaded 180 gr spitzer boattails for .30-06, so it seemed natural to go with the 300 gr SBT when I got my .375 H&H. What do you think of the Sierra 300 gr SBT in the .375 H&H?
Several years ago, two friends planned a trip to Africa, both shooting 375 H&H. One was a Kimber Caprivi, the other a Blazer R8. I loaded them 200 rds of practice ammo using new PPU brass, IMR 4350 and 300gr Sierra's. My handloads proved more accurate in both their guns than the Federal Premium 300gr Partition that they had planned to take. So they took my practice ammo to Africa and took all kinds of game with it. I am not 💯 sure if they took dugga boy, and frankly, I wouldn't have recommended it. I have tested 300 gr Sierra's, and more recently, old Winchester 300gr Power Points. Both produce large balls of twisted lead and jacket but nothing can match the beautiful, classic mushroomed Swift A-Frame.
The reason they do way more damage on a water jug is the moment they encounter mass at high speeds, they explode and disintegrate. If you try a shoulder shot on elk, you will have very little penetration, and risk injuring the animal. A Partition gives you the best of both world, it fragments but also penetrates. It works well in the boiler room and on the shoulder. Just my 2¢ worth of advice.
@@desertdogoutdoors1113 Thanks, as I see, it's too much energy and cumbersome equipment. I asked this because many years ago, I visited a hunter lodge in my country, and his locker-chamber of weapons between H&H's, Weatherby's and other rifles of many calibers, he had a custom vertical two-barrel "rifle" chambered in .50 BMG that was heavy as hell. The owner never said he hunted with that, and since he was a very "exotic" person and a weapon collector (including military equip) I always wandered if that was used for hunting. I am not a hunter, unfortunately, but that weapon sticked to my head since.
I've shoot Swift A frame in my 8 Rem Mag for Elk, they worked excellent. But damn they are hard to find. Every year I struggle to find them and always end up with Barnes or Nosler.
Knowledge is power listen and learn excellent video 👍
I have never used the A frame as they were a little hard to get here in Australia but I’ve had great success with the various Woodleigh offerings in my 9.3x 62.
I’ve been having trouble finding partitions anywhere so I picked up some of these for 9.3x62 to hand load. 286 and 300 grain. I didn’t realize they were that different than the partitions. Planning on using them on Moose and Elk. Thanks for the video awesome content!
9,3x62 is my favorite caliber.
Very universal.
From roe deer to elephant NO PROBLEM...
Enjoyed this very much.
Good timing too.
I just picked up several boxes of Norma ammo loaded with 286grn A-Frames for my rifles in 9.3X62. If I get an LEH Moose tag this season, I'll use that ammo. I'm thinking of doing a Bison hunt in either Northern B.C. or Alberta next year. Will definitely use that Norma ammo for that.
Sako Classic for the Moose.
Ruger No.1 for the Bison.
Great cartridge and great bullet for moose and bison.
I second that statement the the Swift A-Frame is the gold standard in hunting bullets at close to mid range shots. My camp rifle when hunting is bear country is a .35 Whelen with 250gr A-Frames @ about 2500 fps MV. This is also my stalking/still hunting rifle for moose and elk. When I use my .300 RUM or .300 Win Mag I always have A-Frames in the chamber and magazine box but I also carry rounds loaded with 180gr Swift Sirocco II’s for the mid to long range shots out to 700 yards. I have worked up the best loads for my rifles in the past. I quit using Nosler Partitions and Accubonds for the Swift bullets in all my rifles. Swift is right here in Kansas and Bill Hobber has always treated me well and I can always get Swift bullets. To those of you out there Swift Bullets is a small business that makes a premium product and you should do business with them directly. For what it’s worth I’ve been hunting for over 50 years and have tried almost every bullet at least once but nothing beats Swift Bullets. Thanks @Desert Dog Outdoors
I’ve never used swift bullets but I will be now since I found out by another comment on this video that they are in Kansas. I’m a North Carolina native but I’ve spent considerable time in your state and I love it there. It’s one of if not my favorite state that I’ve been to.
What is the loading you are using in the 300 RUM? I have shot up my factory ammo from years ago, but have let it lay for a few years. What is the heaviest bullet you have experience in with the 300 RUM? I would think there;s enough powder for 225-250 grains? My 300 Win Mag has used nothing over 180 grains, given my bean field whitetail hunting distances. I hope to use the 300RUM on a grizzly.
@@johnshields9110 I use only 180gr Swift Siroccos and A-Frames. My rifle which is one of a matched set I built for my cousin and I, is built on a modified and machined M1917 action with a PAC-NOR barrel, 28” with integral muzzle brake machined into the last 2”, 1:10 polygonal. The cartridge box is 3.90” long to take advantage of the case capacity and seating the bullets out for that purpose. I use US369 powder behind the A-Frames at close to 3300 fps with an ES of 4fps obtaining -1/2 moa for a three round string. The Siroccos I use H1000 for about the same velocity ES and accuracy. The difference is in the long range trajectory where the Siroccos have a flatter trajectory at long rang out to 800 yard. I don’t often shoot further than that and don’t consider anything further as ethical. Every rifle is different and when it comes to primer/powder/bullet combination every rifle varies. Heavier bullets in the .30 caliber category lack advantage because of velocity/trajectory drops. Years ago at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds it was discovered the optimum bullet weight for the .30 cal was between 172gr and 177gr with a secant ogive and that holds true today.
@@richardkramer1094 Thanks for that detailed reply. My 300 RUM is a REM 700 stainless that shoots your near 1/2 MOA, with a tweak to its bedding. I worked up a 264 Win Mag as a varmint rig for 600 yards shooting years ago. I knew about Aberdeen study, as my older brother had a bench rifle in 30-06 with a Springfield action put together by a gunsmith who was a Korean era sniper, who used the 176 gr AP round as his preferred ammo. I favor the 180 grain for a better carry over distance, and for equal energy delivery to the 200 gr. Thanks again for your insight. Nice to hear from people who know their stuff by experience.
@@johnshields9110 My COAL for both is 3.800” that is why my magazine box is 3.900”, I seat the base of my bullets just to the bottom of the neck to take advantage of the cartridge capacity.
Excellent video! I have never used the A-frame bullets personally, but that’s what my PH told me to bring for my buffalo hunt this upcoming fall. An interesting sidenote, the Swift bullet company is two hours from my house and in a town with a population of less than 1000 people.
You should visit them!
I love the A-Frame. I have used them in my .375 H&H and my 7mm mag. I have had good luck with the 7 on Elk and Moose. But you are right, the cost is high. Thanks, great topic.
A small price though for the trophy of a lifetime.
I shoot the 140 gr 7mm Swift A-Frame. For some reason, Nosler Partitions were hard to come by So I bought these and loaded them for my 7 x 57. I work seasonally in Alaska at the time, After my work for the season was over, I went moose hunting. The 7 x 57 was a good 3 lbs lighter than the 375 H+H I had at the time. It worked better than good on that Bull I shot. Yeah, they are not cheap, but then again I am still shooting game with the ones I bought in 1997 I ordered 4 boxes, and the gun store screwed up and I ended up with 15 boxes of them. Outside of load work, it didn't take much, other than checking zero, I shoot game not paper with them. I got enough of them to keep me going for another 30 years which will put me at 98. I doubt I will still be hunting then but you never know.
I hope to be hunting at 98 but if I cannot I will be fishing. I don’t punch paper but I still had to sight in with my rifle. Each trigger pull I felt my wallet get lighter. That said, worth the money!
Thank you this informative and to the point video. Suddenly the A-Frame makes sense.
With love from Alaska
With love from Africa
I like these type of videos. I'm learning so much.
Great video about a great bullet! I have them loaded for my .375 and .300 H&H rifles!!!
Great pun “the bullet was an instant hit”.😂. Another fabulous informative video DD.
Great video, thanks.
I’ve been using Hard cast, Woodleigh’s, North Forks ( these are some impressive bullets also )
Hi DD , good episode on Swift A Frame projectiles , some interesting historical facts , keep up the good work.
Take care
Great Show.
Great presentation DD. I learned much as is usual from your videos.
I have to agree with you Chris 1000%. Swift-A-Frame is definitely one my favorite bullets to use. I have never seen one Fail. For Dangerous Game I would say they are superior and have a lot of punch behind them causing massive trauma. A great watch Chris!!!
Great discussion on a great bullet! In my view, A-Frames are inexpensive because of what you get for the money. Driving up the mountain to lay in your winter's supply of meat is one thing but flying across ocean's for dangerous game is another. The bullet's cost is miniscule. A disappointment for me is that some of the newer A-Frames lack a cannulure. The old ones all had them I believe and were perfect for the Lee Factory Crimp. Bill Steigers Bitterroot Bonded Core bullets were very good but I did have one fail to expand in old magazines. I caught it and it looked good except for the rifling marks. I actually re-reloaded it and fired it again. This time it did expand. It had lost the small disc that forms the meplat and was essentially a hollow point. Thanks Dog!
I'm excited for this video.
What a great opening photo of a Dagga-Boy and SWIFT A-FRAME...
Love your videos
Very informative post, as always! With no safari experience to rely on, it’s good to hear your thoughts and opinions on DG ammo. The Swift A-Frame sounds like the go to for buffs, nice to know!
I love A-Frames and Sciroccos. They are awesome and THATS A FACT. Facts are very stubborn things. text book performance.
Another super interesting presentation Desert Dog!
I think the point is you need the right bullet for the task of the day. I had great luck with Trophy Bearclaw bonded bullets on Elk and Mule deer. But I used them because I bought a large quantity of 300 Weatherby when I bought my rifle. Having shot up those 400 rounds, I use Nosler Accubond bullets in my reloads.. In my 7X57 I use Remington Core-locs, because I got a great deal on them price wise. What I believe is for thin skinned game, buy a bullet you can afford in quantity, and create the ability to use the exact same load in your rifle for hundreds up to over a thousand shots. Then you will do the thing that maximizes bullet performance, you will place it in the correct spot. I believe that heavy for caliber bullets also minimize the need for expensive designs. In the end, few of us can afford enough $2.00 per shot (or more) bullets in enough quantity to really be proficient using field positions. Most of us fool ourselves by shooting from a bench, and at short ranges. The proof is the money some pay for accuracy, when a good field shot can take home the game consistently with a 2 MOA rifle.
When you spend $15-$20k to fly to Africa and kill a buffalo; a $2 bullet is a small price to pay. Especially when that animal might kill you if everything isn't done right. Going cheap on bullets and saving money has no place in hunting dangerous game.
Swift makes great bullets every time I get a box in 30-06 my bank account cries because they are expensive
That’s what the Winchester XP3 was built off of
Amazing amazing bullet for all animal sizes
Swift A Frame 225gr .338 made for Moose also !
I agree
Great video. Commenting to help with the algorithm gods
Hy Guys, I would like to say , I use this excellent bullet on French Pyrénées réd deer hunting, Norma manufacturer ammunition in 300 winchester magnum, and each Red deer shoot, all down in historique track , it 's true , each bullets deep penetration, and high weight rétention. Sorry for orthographe mistake, I 'm french and my american isn't good. God bless Amérique
They are really good bullets but here in Australia we are spoit with Woodleigh bullets for big game or even dangerous game and reasonable price
Woodleigh hydro stabilized solids are my favorite
I wish you would of mentioned the powders and bullet weights you use in different cartridges. I know it might seem common knowledge, but for those of us with limited experience, any bone you can throw us is invaluable.
I have my 300 grain A-Frames waiting for load development in the 375 H&H. Still trying to get my hands on some H4895.
IMR 4064 is also a great powder for 375h&h. I've done some 300gr loads with Varget, but it's sometimes a compressed load before you get to 2500fps. With Varget, you'll probably end up using between 66-68 grains with the A-Frame (depending on what your rifle likes). H4350 gives good velocity with 300gr bullets, but your loads will definitely be compressed.
I never made it to Africa but love the stories that come from adventures there. I enjoy hunting stories of every type actually, but a well told tale from a far off land that I have never visited captures my imagination every time. As an aside, have you ever used cast bullets or other premium jacketed bullets in your large caliber rifles? If so, can we look forward to a feature on these?
I'm glad they make 10mm projectiles. They work great for 38wcf (38-40).
I've always liked Sierra bullets. I've loaded 180 gr spitzer boattails for .30-06, so it seemed natural to go with the 300 gr SBT when I got my .375 H&H. What do you think of the Sierra 300 gr SBT in the .375 H&H?
Please don't use that bullet on cape buffalo.
Several years ago, two friends planned a trip to Africa, both shooting 375 H&H. One was a Kimber Caprivi, the other a Blazer R8. I loaded them 200 rds of practice ammo using new PPU brass, IMR 4350 and 300gr Sierra's. My handloads proved more accurate in both their guns than the Federal Premium 300gr Partition that they had planned to take. So they took my practice ammo to Africa and took all kinds of game with it. I am not 💯 sure if they took dugga boy, and frankly, I wouldn't have recommended it. I have tested 300 gr Sierra's, and more recently, old Winchester 300gr Power Points. Both produce large balls of twisted lead and jacket but nothing can match the beautiful, classic mushroomed Swift A-Frame.
How do you like the Scirocco?
It's a good quality bullet. Similar performance to the Accubond, but the Accubonds are easier to find accuracy nodes IMO.
👍👍👍
What do you think about woodleigh bullets ?
Their factory was unfortunately destroyed but they are rebuilding.
Many africa Ph's consider them "too soft" for buffalo. In the next hunt camp mail. I'll show you the bullet from a broadside shot on a buff.
@@desertdogoutdoors1113 What about hasler ? thank's for replying :)
What is your opinion on match bullets on elk? I've noticed they do way more damage than accubond or ttsx on lines of gallon jugs.
I don't recommend them and consider them unethical.
The reason they do way more damage on a water jug is the moment they encounter mass at high speeds, they explode and disintegrate. If you try a shoulder shot on elk, you will have very little penetration, and risk injuring the animal.
A Partition gives you the best of both world, it fragments but also penetrates. It works well in the boiler room and on the shoulder. Just my 2¢ worth of advice.
I have 2 boxes of A frame for a 7mm iv been saving for 10 years, just in case I ever get to go on a special hunt
So my 378 for deer I should use a spritzer or nosler.
Any experience with the old Speer African Grand Slam Tungsten-Core Solid?
most states don't allow the use soilds or fmj tmj or regulated game
Solids are legal for Cape Buffalo and Elephant in every country where those animals can be legally hunted.
I can never find them in stock.
Most of us order directly from their website. You rarely find them in stores.
Legitimate question from a non-hunter here: looking at the toughness of the Buffalo, why not go straight for a .50 BMG? it's too much?
Because 50 BMG rifles are gigantic and cannot be carried by hand.
.50 bmg is an anti material round. Not really suitable for flesh, either.
you are not going to carry a 50bmg on a 20km per day stalk . Also, it's way overkill and unnecessary.
Do you see many Gatling machine guns in safari camps? Would they prove useful on a tough old Dugga Boy?
@@desertdogoutdoors1113 Thanks, as I see, it's too much energy and cumbersome equipment. I asked this because many years ago, I visited a hunter lodge in my country, and his locker-chamber of weapons between H&H's, Weatherby's and other rifles of many calibers, he had a custom vertical two-barrel "rifle" chambered in .50 BMG that was heavy as hell. The owner never said he hunted with that, and since he was a very "exotic" person and a weapon collector (including military equip) I always wandered if that was used for hunting. I am not a hunter, unfortunately, but that weapon sticked to my head since.
I've shoot Swift A frame in my 8 Rem Mag for Elk, they worked excellent. But damn they are hard to find. Every year I struggle to find them and always end up with Barnes or Nosler.
I order directly from the Swift website.
What do you think 🤔 about using a 375cal 300gr A-frame for moose 🫎???
A little overkill, but it would work great.
Would 250 grain aframes be better?
👍👍