Please choose dangerous game rifle!
- Thread starter TK73
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Black Snowman
Member
Given an unlimited budget I'd have to say a custom safari style rifle with express sights in .408 CheyTac or one of the Nitro Express cartridges. But I'm an armchair hunter so don't listen to me 
Your poll is flawed. It does not include the 45-70. With slamming Garrett or Buffalo Bore loads (the 500gr FMJFP).
in the Marlin M1895 (quick followup shots) or 458WM equivalent loads in the Ruger No. 1 all of those game animals are toast 
in the Marlin M1895 (quick followup shots) or 458WM equivalent loads in the Ruger No. 1 all of those game animals are toast Cosmoline
Member
I was also surprised to see the .375 H&H off the list. It's far less expensive than many of the other cartridges listed, as are the rifles chambered for it (you can get a very fine CZ 550 safari for $600). It's also ubiquitous, and is still very popular in safari country. And it can be used for medium size game without ripping it or your shoulder to pieces. The last I checked, .375" was still within specs for safari in most places. So why the .400" limit?
Dan the Man
Member
I'm just back from hunting cape buffalo in Africa. My rifle was a double in .475 nitro express #2. The other client in camp used a 'hired' .375 H&H. The PH's used a .470 NE, a .500 NE, and .450 Ackley. Of the lot of them, the .500 NE was the most powerful, but my wonderful .475 had the largest cartridges. They are quite imposing. You don't list the .475 NE #2, so I didn't vote, but it is my choice...
Regards
--Dan
Regards
--Dan
Tamara
Senior Member
.416 Rigby kicks quite hard enough for me, thanks.
Anything it won't kill, I don't need to be shooting at.
Anything it won't kill, I don't need to be shooting at.
chetrogers
Member
I'm sorta looking for the same rifle as you.But i dont think i would ever go to Africa i just want something that will stop those big worms that are coming up through the ground like in that movie Tremors.My price range and got me leading towards the .416 rigby..But i need to do some more research.Good luck choosing and let us know if and when you get one.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
First, I'd like to thank you all for voting and posting your interesting comments so far.
____________________________________________
Dear Cosmoline:
I also regard the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum as one of the grandest cartridges ever developed for hunting big game, too. I agree, given good shot placement it'll do the job on virtually all dangerous game animals. However, I just wouldn't be entirely comfortable carrying the .375 H&H Mag. (or the ballistic similar 9,3x64 Brenneke for that matter) when hunting heavy, thick-skinned and big boned animals like elephant, buffalo, rhino or hippo. I am aware that many of these animals have been successfully and humanely killed by the .375 H&H, though, but it's still one of the least powerful, "serious" dangerous game calibers. For hunting the big cats, bears, large antelopes, the .375 is about ideal, I'd believe.
Just my personal opinion.
______________________________________________
Dear Dan:
Actually, I thought about including the British .475 N.E. No. 2 into the poll, but then, I'd should have included many other calibers as well, including numerous "wildcats"(like the .450 Ackley you've mentioned). I know, it's not completely fair, but I wanted to stick to the better known rounds.
How effective was your .475 N.E. No. 2 on dangerous game and who's the maker of your double?
I hope, you've enjoyed a successful hunt and that you've also got yourself some fine trophies. I'd be happy if you'd be willing to share your hunting experience here. Thank you in advance.
Many thanks to you all and take care.
TK73
First, I'd like to thank you all for voting and posting your interesting comments so far.
____________________________________________
Dear Cosmoline:
I also regard the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum as one of the grandest cartridges ever developed for hunting big game, too. I agree, given good shot placement it'll do the job on virtually all dangerous game animals. However, I just wouldn't be entirely comfortable carrying the .375 H&H Mag. (or the ballistic similar 9,3x64 Brenneke for that matter) when hunting heavy, thick-skinned and big boned animals like elephant, buffalo, rhino or hippo. I am aware that many of these animals have been successfully and humanely killed by the .375 H&H, though, but it's still one of the least powerful, "serious" dangerous game calibers. For hunting the big cats, bears, large antelopes, the .375 is about ideal, I'd believe.
Just my personal opinion.
______________________________________________
Dear Dan:
Actually, I thought about including the British .475 N.E. No. 2 into the poll, but then, I'd should have included many other calibers as well, including numerous "wildcats"(like the .450 Ackley you've mentioned). I know, it's not completely fair, but I wanted to stick to the better known rounds.
How effective was your .475 N.E. No. 2 on dangerous game and who's the maker of your double?
I hope, you've enjoyed a successful hunt and that you've also got yourself some fine trophies. I'd be happy if you'd be willing to share your hunting experience here. Thank you in advance.
Many thanks to you all and take care.
TK73
Dionysusigma
Member
I have no idea as to the various performances these cartridges have.
My vote is .50 BMG...
Or (only from what I've heard) .600 Nitro Express
My vote is .50 BMG...
Or (only from what I've heard) .600 Nitro Express
Not on the list...
But a .45-70, using Level III loads, with either a Garrett Hammerhead or Beartooth superhard cast bullet. Rifle would be either a Ruger #1, or a Siamese Mauser conversion.
(I'm doing the above combination for a Cape Buffalo in the not-too-distant future, similar to what Rich Lucibella did)
But a .45-70, using Level III loads, with either a Garrett Hammerhead or Beartooth superhard cast bullet. Rifle would be either a Ruger #1, or a Siamese Mauser conversion.
(I'm doing the above combination for a Cape Buffalo in the not-too-distant future, similar to what Rich Lucibella did)
Desert Dog
Member
None of the above.
Handloaded 45/70 in a modern lever rifle. Bullet weights from 440 to 505 grains...
Handloaded 45/70 in a modern lever rifle. Bullet weights from 440 to 505 grains...
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Well I own and have used both the .458Lott and the .470NE on dangerous game. For practicality the .458 Lott wins hands down but for cool factor and handling a well fit double in .470NE is tops..
The .458Lott.
The .470NE
AHH choices choices HMMMM..
The .458Lott.
The .470NE
AHH choices choices HMMMM..
Dan the Man
Member
TK73-
My .475 NE#2 was made by Jean Bury (Belgium) in the early 1920's. The barrels have been re-blacked, all else is original. There is plenty of rifling, and the gun locks up tight. When we were sighting in our guns, the target was a 12"x12" cardboard box with a 2"x2" paper towel taped to the front. From the bench at 50 meters, I put both barrels into the paper towel. When we were just goofing around (shooting each other's rifles), I put both barrels into the paper towel shooting offhand at 50 meters. So the gun shoots good.
I'll just give the abbreviated performance report, but another client had a bit of a mixup and accidentally shot two buffs. He put five .375 H&H solids into his second buff and it went down. Then it stood back up and came at us. By this time, I was 20 yards from the buff and a bit behind it. As it turned to come at us, I hit it behind the front shoulder with a woodleigh 480 grain soft. His knees buckled, and he went down for good. Once it came time to hunt my own buff, I shot him offhand at 70 yards (perfect broadside). The soft hit 1/3 of the way up on the point of the shoulder and penetrated to the far ribcage, taking off the top of the heart and getting both lungs in the process. I hit him with the other barrel as he was running about 80 yards. The solid hit just behind the ribcage and travelled up to the front of the chest. This shot knocked him down, but he got up and staggered another five yards before going down for good.
I'll post more thorough hunting reports in the hunting section as time permits!
Regards
--Dan
My .475 NE#2 was made by Jean Bury (Belgium) in the early 1920's. The barrels have been re-blacked, all else is original. There is plenty of rifling, and the gun locks up tight. When we were sighting in our guns, the target was a 12"x12" cardboard box with a 2"x2" paper towel taped to the front. From the bench at 50 meters, I put both barrels into the paper towel. When we were just goofing around (shooting each other's rifles), I put both barrels into the paper towel shooting offhand at 50 meters. So the gun shoots good.
I'll just give the abbreviated performance report, but another client had a bit of a mixup and accidentally shot two buffs. He put five .375 H&H solids into his second buff and it went down. Then it stood back up and came at us. By this time, I was 20 yards from the buff and a bit behind it. As it turned to come at us, I hit it behind the front shoulder with a woodleigh 480 grain soft. His knees buckled, and he went down for good. Once it came time to hunt my own buff, I shot him offhand at 70 yards (perfect broadside). The soft hit 1/3 of the way up on the point of the shoulder and penetrated to the far ribcage, taking off the top of the heart and getting both lungs in the process. I hit him with the other barrel as he was running about 80 yards. The solid hit just behind the ribcage and travelled up to the front of the chest. This shot knocked him down, but he got up and staggered another five yards before going down for good.
I'll post more thorough hunting reports in the hunting section as time permits!
Regards
--Dan
AZTOY
Member
4 Bore Double Rifles
I chose the traditional .416 Rigby, but only because the .375 wasn't on the list.
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