I have a dilemma of sorts. A lot of friends and clients of mine show me their hunting photos from African safaris, and are very proud of them. I also see a lot of people showing off photos on this forum, and whilst some are lucky and shoot some beautiful animals, others come back with animals which, sooner or later, they will realise they should never have been charged trophy price for.

I have done 17+ safaris of my own, and I am an official SCI measurer, and so I know what good trophies...

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Stage 1: Cast a batch of 85 caliber round balls.

My basic casting equipment:


The fruit of my labor:

The USA has labelled both Canada and the EU as threats to their "National Security" in order to justify new duties declared by their military Commander-in-Chief on the international trade of steel and aluminum. So I suggest that USA made products such as firearms and ammunition should be sold exclusively within the USA so Canada and Europe can help our esteemed neighbour defend themselves and improve their national security. Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that Canadians and Europeans...

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I'd owned a ZKK 602 in .375 H&H, and a Win Model 70 in .416 RM (which I took on my first African safari).



The .416 RM (400gr/2400fps) is a fine medium, but I really wanted a .458 for its extra edge. Buffalo seems to stay down more reliably with that larger caliber.

When I was planning my second Cape Buffalo hunt, I wanted a 500gr .458 which was shouldered/nonbelted/noncompressed, and easily capable of 2300-2450fps. It did not have to be in a standard length action. I don't...

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We normally read about the horror stories that happen with taxidermy, whether in the US or abroad. This is one of those horror stories with a "happy ending". This was a true test of the reputation, integrity and backing from this one South African taxidermy. Completely change my mood and I realized and was great to know that there are still businesses out there who do care about the customer and go out of their way to make things right.

This post is about Lauriston Taxidermy, in the...

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