Big Bore Addiction Group

375 200gr over 77gr varget averaged 2850. Max speed is 3200 according to Gerard so sounds like I can push it more. I was also loading horbady interlocks 270 gr and I am about 2550 fps so more can be done there. GS are too expensive to practice with but the plan is to have them in hand when we see each other.
 
I'm probably just paranoid, but I go through this same thing most everytime I plan a project, I start researching a car 2 years before I actually need one. I think the internet is a help and also a hinderance way to many opinions out there. You big bore guys and PHs are the ones who have the solid advice that finally brings me some resemblance of sanity........I think
 
Yeah, the interwebs can be a blessing and a curse!
 
375 200gr over 77gr varget averaged 2850. Max speed is 3200 according to Gerard so sounds like I can push it more. I was also loading horbady interlocks 270 gr and I am about 2550 fps so more can be done there. GS are too expensive to practice with but the plan is to have them in hand when we see each other.

So, how was the grouping from the GS? Mine leaves the barrel out of the 375 around 3150fps and is probable my most accurate rifle in the safe. Think you need to push it up a little a tad closer to 3000fps. Mine shoots a 3 leaf clover at 100yds.
 
So, how was the grouping from the GS? Mine leaves the barrel out of the 375 around 3150fps and is probable my most accurate rifle in the safe. Think you need to push it up a little a tad closer to 3000fps. Mine shoots a 3 leaf clover at 100yds.

I only loaded the starting load because I wasn't sure how it would go and I had a bunch of the Hornady loaded too. I am now going to get them as close to 3200 as I can. I hope the accuracy is there because the magazine length limits the C.O.A.L. to about 3.632. This leaves only just over half of the top groove exposed ( shown as minimum O.A.L on the website.) As you know, accuracy with these GSC is affected by OAL and not velocity, so I don't have much to play with.

I also have the 264gr GSC to try but I think I will keep those for a future buffalo hunt. Or would the heavier ones be preferred for eland?
 
I only loaded the starting load because I wasn't sure how it would go and I had a bunch of the Hornady loaded too. I am now going to get them as close to 3200 as I can. I hope the accuracy is there because the magazine length limits the C.O.A.L. to about 3.632. This leaves only just over half of the top groove exposed ( shown as minimum O.A.L on the website.) As you know, accuracy with these GSC is affected by OAL and not velocity, so I don't have much to play with.

I also have the 264gr GSC to try but I think I will keep those for a future buffalo hunt. Or would the heavier ones be preferred for eland?

Pheroze, those 200gr will do the job on the Eland. I've used those 200's on numerous Cape Buffalo from guys renting my rifle.
Yes, you are correct. The way GS Custom works is to get the speed that you require, then you play with the OAL to get your grouping tighter.
I would stick to around 3000fps. I came down from 3200fps, used less powder, as it started getting a nasty snap in the recoil. If I had the time, I would probably play around with them to bring them down even a bit more closer to the 3000 mark. Even 2950 will do.
With that bullet diameter and weight at that velocity, it really hits hard and will be enough on the Eland.
 
I was shooting at a used target but I believe the two shots at 100 yards were quite overlapped. I love this 375 H&H caliber. It is really accurate and with one bullet for all it makes it more flexible...unless it will devastate the smaller antelopes (?). Have you tried the GS in your 416 Rigby?
 
You are spot on about the flexibility. The GS is a great bullet in that caliber. I have had no problems with them on the smaller antelope.
No, I have not used them in the .416Rigby. Until recently, the Rigby was my primary backup rifle, so I wanted to shoot the 400gr bullet.
 
Yes... I was bitten many moons ago by the 375 bug... always wanted a double but never got the courage to just do it!! Progressed to 458 WM and now seriously looking at a double... not much availability in RSA and when they come up are really expensive in Rand terms..fortunately, I now own a gun shop so can access such deals at a better price.. my guys are looking out for me. Then, it becomes the never ending licensing issue here in RSA...
 
Yes... I was bitten many moons ago by the 375 bug... always wanted a double but never got the courage to just do it!! Progressed to 458 WM and now seriously looking at a double... not much availability in RSA and when they come up are really expensive in Rand terms..fortunately, I now own a gun shop so can access such deals at a better price.. my guys are looking out for me. Then, it becomes the never ending licensing issue here in RSA...

Took the leap to a double rifle two months ago. What are you on the lookout for Bruce?
 
Took the leap to a double rifle two months ago. What are you on the lookout for Bruce?
470 or 500 double... as I will not use it forever on DG ( not a PH ) I keep telling myself it is a " nice to have " and rather spend the money on hunting trips!! I almost bought a Verney carron double in 470 NE at the Huntex show 2 xs years ago.. with the Huntex special price and dealers discount it worked out quite reasonable..too late now that I did not take the opportunity.
With the idea of limited use, I was seriously looking at the Sabatti range locally...again not sure of the product reliability and quality etc!! The double I used in Zim to hunt my first elephant was an old Chapuis.. shot like a dream but the ejectors were shot... not good when you hunting ellies and the shells don't oit too easily!!

Do you have any ideas/ suggestions here?

Bruce
 
470 or 500 double... as I will not use it forever on DG ( not a PH ) I keep telling myself it is a " nice to have " and rather spend the money on hunting trips!! I almost bought a Verney carron double in 470 NE at the Huntex show 2 xs years ago.. with the Huntex special price and dealers discount it worked out quite reasonable..too late now that I did not take the opportunity.
With the idea of limited use, I was seriously looking at the Sabatti range locally...again not sure of the product reliability and quality etc!! The double I used in Zim to hunt my first elephant was an old Chapuis.. shot like a dream but the ejectors were shot... not good when you hunting ellies and the shells don't oit too easily!!

Do you have any ideas/ suggestions here?

Bruce

Bruce, I don't think that this is something that I can suggest to you. You have to go with your heart. Once it becomes a nice to have, it makes the decision a lot more difficult. If you're going to be working with it, then other factors comes into play.
To tell you the truth, I would have much rather bought a used rifle over a new one and nothing to do with the price. I wanted one where the blue on the barrels had been carried off, that the stock, although in good condition, already had stories attached to it. The only one that I could get was this new one.
I went with the Merkel 500N.E for three reasons. 1) The Germans don't build crap, and the Merkel is in that "working rifle" price range, much like the CZ. Great quality just before you get that big jump in price.
2) I got the last one in the country, imported at the old Forex rate.
3) I was looking for a .470 for two years, but heard enough stories about the difference in knock down effect that the .500 holds over the .470. Yes, I know you have to put the bullet in the right place and all that, but stories about the effect on the animals from these two rifles when the shot was not in the right place. The difference being a second or two extra time to make sure of your second shot.

I looked at the Sabatti, because they are really affordable. I'm not entirely sure that I trust their actions. I have heard some stories about some of their rifles from a few who have them. I think there is a thread somewhere on AH as well. Rather wait a little bit longer, and get yourself what you really want. You're going to be looking at it a lot, and especially if it's a nice to have, going with something that does not make your stomach flutter, just won't cut it.
 
Bruce, I don't think that this is something that I can suggest to you. You have to go with your heart. Once it becomes a nice to have, it makes the decision a lot more difficult. If you're going to be working with it, then other factors comes into play.
To tell you the truth, I would have much rather bought a used rifle over a new one and nothing to do with the price. I wanted one where the blue on the barrels had been carried off, that the stock, although in good condition, already had stories attached to it. The only one that I could get was this new one.
I went with the Merkel 500N.E for three reasons. 1) The Germans don't build crap, and the Merkel is in that "working rifle" price range, much like the CZ. Great quality just before you get that big jump in price.
2) I got the last one in the country, imported at the old Forex rate.
3) I was looking for a .470 for two years, but heard enough stories about the difference in knock down effect that the .500 holds over the .470. Yes, I know you have to put the bullet in the right place and all that, but stories about the effect on the animals from these two rifles when the shot was not in the right place. The difference being a second or two extra time to make sure of your second shot.

I looked at the Sabatti, because they are really affordable. I'm not entirely sure that I trust their actions. I have heard some stories about some of their rifles from a few who have them. I think there is a thread somewhere on AH as well. Rather wait a little bit longer, and get yourself what you really want. You're going to be looking at it a lot, and especially if it's a nice to have, going with something that does not make your stomach flutter, just won't cut it.

Marius, did the 416 leave you wanting at times, or is this change just part of the addiction ;)
 
Bruce, I don't think that this is something that I can suggest to you. You have to go with your heart. Once it becomes a nice to have, it makes the decision a lot more difficult. If you're going to be working with it, then other factors comes into play.
To tell you the truth, I would have much rather bought a used rifle over a new one and nothing to do with the price. I wanted one where the blue on the barrels had been carried off, that the stock, although in good condition, already had stories attached to it. The only one that I could get was this new one.
I went with the Merkel 500N.E for three reasons. 1) The Germans don't build crap, and the Merkel is in that "working rifle" price range, much like the CZ. Great quality just before you get that big jump in price.
2) I got the last one in the country, imported at the old Forex rate.
3) I was looking for a .470 for two years, but heard enough stories about the difference in knock down effect that the .500 holds over the .470. Yes, I know you have to put the bullet in the right place and all that, but stories about the effect on the animals from these two rifles when the shot was not in the right place. The difference being a second or two extra time to make sure of your second shot.

I looked at the Sabatti, because they are really affordable. I'm not entirely sure that I trust their actions. I have heard some stories about some of their rifles from a few who have them. I think there is a thread somewhere on AH as well. Rather wait a little bit longer, and get yourself what you really want. You're going to be looking at it a lot, and especially if it's a nice to have, going with something that does not make your stomach flutter, just won't cut it.
Good advice...I kick myself regularly over that Verney Carron, as I could have got it ( 2nd hand but immaculate) and in left hand stock, as I shoot left handed.. for R 145k!!
I will stay on the alert for another bargain passing by..
 
Marius, did the 416 leave you wanting at times, or is this change just part of the addiction ;)

Pheroze, I catch your drift. To tell you the truth, I'm in love with my .416Rigby. It is a great cartridge, but this is my job, and last year I was in a situation on a Buffalo hunt where I realized that it did not matter that I had one in the pipe and two in the magazine on a bolt action. There are a lot of great PH's who use a bolt rifle, and can do it fluently, but it's never going to be as quick as a double.
You just don't have the time to cycle that bolt for the second shot as quickly as having that second barrel on hand.
Will tell you more about it around the campfire next year.
 
Good advice...I kick myself regularly over that Verney Carron, as I could have got it ( 2nd hand but immaculate) and in left hand stock, as I shoot left handed.. for R 145k!!
I will stay on the alert for another bargain passing by..

Bruce, I'm not sure if that is your price range that you are looking at, but that's a lot of money. I've seen a few Heyms going for that. You will cry if you hear what I picked up my Merkel for. Won't want to post it. Probably get locked up for theft. :D
If you want, PM me your cap on what you want to spend, and I can keep an eye out for you.
 
Yes... I was bitten many moons ago by the 375 bug... always wanted a double but never got the courage to just do it!! Progressed to 458 WM and now seriously looking at a double... not much availability in RSA and when they come up are really expensive in Rand terms..fortunately, I now own a gun shop so can access such deals at a better price.. my guys are looking out for me. Then, it becomes the never ending licensing issue here in RSA...

i have an inexpensive 450 NE 3.25" double for sale, check out the classifieds. I have a friend who could probably help you get it into SA.

Marius, did the 416 leave you wanting at times, or is this change just part of the addiction ;)

Marius was tired of his clients having bigger guns them him. it was one of my friends who set him up with the 500 NE. :p

-matt
 
470 or 500 double... as I will not use it forever on DG ( not a PH ) I keep telling myself it is a " nice to have " and rather spend the money on hunting trips!! I almost bought a Verney carron double in 470 NE at the Huntex show 2 xs years ago.. with the Huntex special price and dealers discount it worked out quite reasonable..too late now that I did not take the opportunity.
With the idea of limited use, I was seriously looking at the Sabatti range locally...again not sure of the product reliability and quality etc!! The double I used in Zim to hunt my first elephant was an old Chapuis.. shot like a dream but the ejectors were shot... not good when you hunting ellies and the shells don't oit too easily!!

Do you have any ideas/ suggestions here?

Bruce

Bruce , which is your shop in SA ?
 
Parow Arms & Ammo PTY LTD.. situated in Parow, Cape Town. Small, friendly family business
that keeps some of us busy some of the time..when I eventually retire, I will be full time in the shop and hunting and fishing and....
Bruce , which is your shop in SA ?
 

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Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

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