Best bullet for impala at 150-200m — what PHs actually recommend
Here is what you need to know for the current season.
Season: April–October in most provinces. Check your specific province's proclamation on the SA Hunters (sahunters.co.za) or PHASA (phasa.co.za) website — dates and quotas vary by province and can change year to year.
Best destination: Limpopo or KZN. Abundant populations and a well-established hunting industry with reputable operators.
Calibre: .243 Win or 7×57. At typical bush distances of 60–120m, this is entirely adequate with the right bullet. I use any good premium soft point — penetration and weight retention are consistent even at steep angles. The calibre debate on forums goes on forever but honestly, bullet placement matters far more than calibre for all plains game.
Cost: Trophy fees for this species run around R1721 on most reputable farms. Add R1061/day for accommodation and meals if you are going full package. Day hunt options exist from R1149/day plus trophy fees if you are self-catering nearby.
Landowner permission: Written letter, your ID number, farm details, and the species you are licensed for. A WhatsApp message does not satisfy the legal requirement. The nature conservation officers do check.
Most common plains game species. Good starting point for new hunters — abundant, fair price, forgiving shot placement.
Any questions about specific areas or farms — I hunt Limpopo or KZN every season and know most of the reputable operations.
5 Replies
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting KZN for 14 years and the conversation never changes. Premium bonded bullets changed the game — calibre selection became less critical once I switched to Barnes TTSX.
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting the Eastern Cape for 14 years and the conversation never changes. Premium bonded bullets changed the game — calibre selection became less critical once I switched to Barnes TTSX.
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting the Eastern Cape for 14 years and the conversation never changes. Premium bonded bullets changed the game — calibre selection became less critical once I switched to Barnes TTSX.
— riaan_bezuidenhout
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting Limpopo for 26 years and the conversation never changes. .308 with the right bullet has put down everything I have aimed it at cleanly.
Good info. On the calibre debate — I have been hunting the Eastern Cape for 18 years and the conversation never changes. .308 with the right bullet has put down everything I have aimed it at cleanly.
Which PH did you use in that area? I am planning a self-hunt trip to the Waterberg and am looking for a reliable contact who knows the area and runs an ethical operation. Can you share contact details via DM?