Best Rimmed Double rifle cartridges for plains game?

Andrew NOLA · Aug 4, 2026

I’m not a sales representative for George at Chaplin but the chapuis that he has that is a 9.3 x 74 with the extra 30-06 barrels is a gun from an estate and the stock was cut for a female so it might fit just fine

Bandera · Aug 4, 2026

I would also stick with the single shot. Build the skills. Then let him decide later what he likes. I would also consider going with a different single shot due to the limited cartridge choices by this maker.
My curiosity is peaked, who is the gun maker?

Andrew NOLA · Aug 4, 2026

I’m sitting in Africa right this second thinking about this.

Considering the shots on planes game can be quite far. I’m wondering if a double is the best choice

There’s a lot of romance associated with doubles but I’m not sure if there’s a lot of long distance accuracy associated with them

I would like to go with a bolt action.

Your mileage may vary

AZDAVE · Aug 4, 2026

I currently have a 405 win (Being restocked), 9.3x74, and 8x57JRS doubles. have owned a 7x65R.
Would love to have a 303 double (Would trade or sell the 405 and 8x57 to get one, but the 303's are rare and hard to find) Would be nice if one of the manufactures started making one.

The 8x57 is scoped and the 9.3x74 has a red dot. I am comfortable on PG out to 150 with the 9.3 and to 200 with the 8x57.

In your shoes I would look at the 9.3 as first choice. Will take any of the PG and can be used on buff in a pinch.

Then the 7x57rn 7x65R as the small round.

odonata · Aug 4, 2026

Mountaineer said:
@odonata were you able to get the RWS 187’s as component bullets or only loaded ammo.

Back during the pandemic when ammunition was unobtainable, NECG received a large order of hard-to-find cartridges from RWS. So I grabbed some pricey boxes simply because nothing else was available. When they started to run out, I emailed them to ask if they were going to acquire more but the answer I got was RWS wasn't going to be selling in the USA. That distribution was going to be handled by similar offerings from Norma.

So while I see some Norma bullets that resemble the RWS bullets, there's definitely some that are missing. I was only able to buy a few boxes of the lighter weight 184gr bullets but I've never seen anything similar since as either ammo or components.

IvW · Aug 4, 2026

9.3x74R/7×57R OU Bergstutzen (two calibers one gun)

And then to balance it out

7x65R in a Kipplauf single shot

Sorted.....

Miletic · Aug 4, 2026

7x57r is quite weak for a double rifle. 7x65r is somewhat stronger, but I don't think that 7mm nullets make sense for a double rifle. From Eu I think the 9.3x74r would be a good choice. I also think the .30r Blaser is excellent. Most doubles are not accurate enough to shoot at some serious distances, so I don't think it is recommended to shoot with them more than 150m (yds). .30r Blaser with heavier grains penetrates well through branches and has good ballistics, so in my opinion it would be the middle between 7mm and 9.3 bullets.

rookhawk · Aug 4, 2026

Noah Hutchens said:
Hello, in addition to my large bore double rifle I talked about commissioning in another thread, I am considering speccing out a smaller bore plains game/white tail double rifle for my son for when he comes of age. I understand completely a bolt action would be a lot more suitable and a lot cheaper but I am committed and admittedly like the less common options on many things in life and lean towards traditional rifles, so no comments on “you should just get a bolt gun” please .

Right now in contention in my head is 9.3x74r, 7x57r, 303 British, 30-30 am I missing any obvious others?

Sadly the cartridge has to be rimmed for this fellows design or else I would undoubtedly choose the 375 H&H with an additional smaller barrel set. I could think about dabbling with the 375 Flanged, I guess once brass is obtained it’s as easy as a 375 H&H to reload, same components and everything correct? Only reason I’m leaning away is because every other cartridge has easily accessible factory ammunition.

I would be thinking a two barrel set possibly a third with 20 gauge barrels.

What makes most since to me would be a either

375 flanged/9.3x74r
+
7x57r/303 British/30-30

Am I missing anything? Thoughts? Thanks!

P.S. I currently have a Single Shot rifle for my son already priced and specced out from the same fellow that CAN use rimless cartridges. Currently have the 375 H&H and 7x57 specced with both barrels being threaded for a suppressor. I don’t think a single shot shotgun barrel would be super useful/worth the extra money so I wouldn’t do one on a single shot. However I’m thinking about spending ~40% more to make it a double, only downside other than the additional cost is it then could not be threaded for a suppressor, which I feel in the modern era is becoming a necessity(I also don’t want my son to lose part of his hearing at a young age like I have), but again decisions decisions….

375 H&H Flanged is probably the absolute ideal, able to handle all the PG including Giraffe, Eland, and other large PG. It also has the energy to easily handle leopard and in some jurisdictions you can use it for lion or to brain a hippo. Wonderful caliber.

7x65R is another, a rimmed 7x64 brenneke which is a popular option with more oomph than a 7x57R.

The other options are too obscure to be built today and finding dies and brass can be a major chore, such as 333 Jeff Flanged, 240 Apex Flanged, etc.

Noah Hutchens · Aug 4, 2026

Bandera said:
I would also stick with the single shot. Build the skills. Then let him decide later what he likes. I would also consider going with a different single shot due to the limited cartridge choices by this maker.
My curiosity is peaked, who is the gun maker?

I can do whatever cartridge I want for the single shot, it can be rimmed or rimless. The only limitations are on his doubles they must be a rimmed cartridge, which makes sense to me. Gun maker is Bailey Bradshaw. https://bradshawgunandrifle.com/

rookhawk · Aug 4, 2026

I’d mention that a forum member has a one of a kind Heym that is over the top custom and stunning. It’s in 375HH and 7x65R. I think the only thing that could make that two barrel combo better would be if it were 375 Flanged and 7x65R.

I don’t think you can fit a 20 gauge barrel to that smaller action type, but they might be able to squeeze a 28 bore on it. I’m unsure if Heym offers 28 bore tubes at all, however.

Keep in mind, when you order 20 gauge barrels, they are putting them on the frame that is typically used for the 470NE/500NE/450NE. The smaller frame can do the PG calibers and 375HH, I do not know if the smaller frame can handle the 375 Flanged, the rim may make it too big.

Noah Hutchens · Aug 4, 2026

wildwilderness said:
Q2- if you do against better judgement upgrade the kids gun to a double for plainsgame- what 2 barrel set? My question is why do you need 2 different calibers for plains game? The answer to that is you don’t, unless you want a lower recoil round for smaller stuff and to learn to shoot.

My reasoning would be so he can grow and age with the rifle. I’m not only trying to commission something he can shoot while younger but also commission a nice high quality fine rifle he can use as a grown man and feel proud using.

Obviously I could wait until he is grown and older to do that however the future is always uncertain and my financial stability could change so while I have the opportunity and available funds now I would like to get a rifle for him he can grow up with and build a legacy around and memories with.

The thought behind the two barrel set is that there can be a lighter carriage he can learn to shoot on(I.e. 7x57r, 30-30, 303 British) but then have a more powerful second barrel set(I.e. 375 H&H/Flanged or 9.3x74r) that he can shoot when he grows up and target larger game with the same rifle. Also, the vast majority of use the lower power secondary barrel set he will get is hunting whitetails at less than 100 yards, which I’m sure most would prefer a lighter cartridge for as well.

Tanks · Aug 4, 2026

I chose 9.3x74R for mine.

Was also good for leopard

Noah Hutchens · Aug 4, 2026

375 Ruger Fan said:
One of the things to consider about a DR, it needs to properly fit the shooter. If you are planning to get a DR for your young son (who is likely still growing), getting the proper fit will be a challenge.

I would have a smaller youth size buttstock be made in conjunction with a standard size buttstock to accommodate.

318AE · Aug 4, 2026

rookhawk said:
I’d mention that a forum member has a one of a kind Heym that is over the top custom and stunning. It’s in 375HH and 7x65R. I think the only thing that could make that two barrel combo better would be if it were 375 Flanged and 7x65R.

I don’t think you can fit a 20 gauge barrel to that smaller action type, but they might be able to squeeze a 28 bore on it. I’m unsure if Heym offers 28 bore tubes at all, however.

Keep in mind, when you order 20 gauge barrels, they are putting them on the frame that is typically used for the 470NE/500NE/450NE. The smaller frame can do the PG calibers and 375HH, I do not know if the smaller frame can handle the 375 Flanged, the rim may make it too big.

Do you realize he is specifically talking about a double rifle action completely different than the Heym (or any other Boxlock, Sidelock etc) you keep bringing up?

318AE · Aug 4, 2026

Noah Hutchens said:
Hello, in addition to my large bore double rifle I talked about commissioning in another thread, I am considering speccing out a smaller bore plains game/white tail double rifle for my son for when he comes of age. I understand completely a bolt action would be a lot more suitable and a lot cheaper but I am committed and admittedly like the less common options on many things in life and lean towards traditional rifles, so no comments on “you should just get a bolt gun” please .

Right now in contention in my head is 9.3x74r, 7x57r, 303 British, 30-30 am I missing any obvious others?

Sadly the cartridge has to be rimmed for this fellows design or else I would undoubtedly choose the 375 H&H with an additional smaller barrel set. I could think about dabbling with the 375 Flanged, I guess once brass is obtained it’s as easy as a 375 H&H to reload, same components and everything correct? Only reason I’m leaning away is because every other cartridge has easily accessible factory ammunition.

I would be thinking a two barrel set possibly a third with 20 gauge barrels.

What makes most since to me would be a either

375 flanged/9.3x74r
+
7x57r/303 British/30-30

Am I missing anything? Thoughts? Thanks!

P.S. I currently have a Single Shot rifle for my son already priced and specced out from the same fellow that CAN use rimless cartridges. Currently have the 375 H&H and 7x57 specced with both barrels being threaded for a suppressor. I don’t think a single shot shotgun barrel would be super useful/worth the extra money so I wouldn’t do one on a single shot. However I’m thinking about spending ~40% more to make it a double, only downside other than the additional cost is it then could not be threaded for a suppressor, which I feel in the modern era is becoming a necessity(I also don’t want my son to lose part of his hearing at a young age like I have), but again decisions decisions….

IF we step away from doubles for just a moment and talk about plains game, and IF, I was to bring two rifles for a plains game safari, it would probably be a 25’06 and 338’06 or similar (could also be a 257 WBY and a 338 Win Mag etc). The 25 would be ideal for gazelles, impala, blesbuck etc, especially at distance, and the 338 is potent for kudu, eland etc. Early in my hunting I did such things, but eventually found the hassle of two rifles, two sets of ammo tedious and always seemed to have the wrong rifle in hand anyway. A fast 30 (with my favorite being the 300 H&H) works very well for all of it, and keeps things quite simply and easy to manage.

I think a double in 450/400 3” and a single in 300 H&H from Mr Bradshaw is an elegant solution for all that Africa has to offer. For buffalo, in thick cover, through the shadows etc, you may want a low powered scope on the double, or be prepared to pass on some shots (that’s where the scoped 375 really does it all well.)

rookhawk · Aug 4, 2026

318AE said:
Do you realize he is specifically talking about a double rifle action completely different than the Heym (or any other Boxlock, Sidelock etc) you keep bringing up?

We’ve talked about them all. Including Bradshaw. The principle remains the same that smallnore actions and 20 gauge shotguns don’t go together .

Daryl S · Aug 4, 2026

Noah Hutchens said:
Hello, in addition to my large bore double rifle I talked about commissioning in another thread, I am considering speccing out a smaller bore plains game/white tail double rifle for my son for when he comes of age. I understand completely a bolt action would be a lot more suitable and a lot cheaper but I am committed and admittedly like the less common options on many things in life and lean towards traditional rifles, so no comments on “you should just get a bolt gun” please .

Right now in contention in my head is 9.3x74r, 7x57r, 303 British, 30-30 am I missing any obvious others?

Sadly the cartridge has to be rimmed for this fellows design or else I would undoubtedly choose the 375 H&H with an additional smaller barrel set. I could think about dabbling with the 375 Flanged, I guess once brass is obtained it’s as easy as a 375 H&H to reload, same components and everything correct? Only reason I’m leaning away is because every other cartridge has easily accessible factory ammunition.

I would be thinking a two barrel set possibly a third with 20 gauge barrels.

What makes most since to me would be a either

375 flanged/9.3x74r
+
7x57r/303 British/30-30

Am I missing anything? Thoughts? Thanks!

P.S. I currently have a Single Shot rifle for my son already priced and specced out from the same fellow that CAN use rimless cartridges. Currently have the 375 H&H and 7x57 specced with both barrels being threaded for a suppressor. I don’t think a single shot shotgun barrel would be super useful/worth the extra money so I wouldn’t do one on a single shot. However I’m thinking about spending ~40% more to make it a double, only downside other than the additional cost is it then could not be threaded for a suppressor, which I feel in the modern era is becoming a necessity(I also don’t want my son to lose part of his hearing at a young age like I have), but again decisions decisions….

My choice would be the 9.3x74, regulated for either 232 ORYX at about 2,600fps, an easy load. The .375 Flanged Magnum would aslo please.

Kharn · Aug 4, 2026

I think .303 British is a good start but that will likely change as your son grows older & physically larger.

I also think it's important to start him out on a Double Rifle as soon as you can because my views are slightly different to others.

In my mind...

10years using a double rifle (correctly incorrectly successfully unsuccessfully) will yield better long term results than using a single shot for 10years JUST to train for a Double and discard the single shot?

Bit like driving a car to learn to ride a motor bike? (At least in my mind).

I also wonder how many people don't want your son to have a double to start with just because those people themselves don't have a double rifle and are jealous and don't want to see some "young inexperienced kid" get something that they themselves salivate over, cause there's a lot of that too...

Noah Hutchens · Aug 4, 2026

Kharn said:
I think .303 British is a good start but that will likely change as your son grows older & physically larger.

I totally agree and that’s my thought process on multiple barrels, sure he won’t want to shoot a 375 Flanged at 10 years old but when he’s 16 why not? Something in the 303 British/7x57r range for younger beginner practice(and for when he’s older for smaller game) and then something larger I.e. 375 H&H or Flanged for more serious hunting and first buffalo or bear situations.

Kharn said:
I also wonder how many people don't want your son to have a double to start with just because those people themselves don't have a double rifle and are jealous and don't want to see some "young inexperienced kid" get something that they themselves salivate over, cause there's a lot of that too...

I doubt that on this forum, I feel most people are just giving good advice from their POV, but then again I’m the sort that believes that all people are naturally good. I haven’t gotten that vibe from anyone who has commented.

When I was growing up my father didn’t (and still doesn’t) have any interest in hunting or firearms, I got all my interest from my mothers side of the family(cousins and grandparents) they lived in very rural West Virginia where I could visit for weeks each summer and run around the woods shooting squirrels, rabbits and whatnot else, and then visit every thanksgiving for deer season. I didn’t receive my first rifle from my parents until I was 12 years(a cheap 150 single shot 243) after I had already taken deer and squirrels with borrowed rifles. I wish dearly I was able to have a fine rifle to call my own at a young age, to learn to shoot properly, to grow from a boy, into a man with, and to learn to take care of and respect a firearm. That to me is the true heirloom and treasure. That whole mindset is what is driving me to commission a finely crafted rifle for my son, so he can grow up and learn to treasure and hunt with something that can carry a lifetime of memories.

Now that was a ramble lol…..

Huvius · Aug 4, 2026

I owned a Genossenschaft 7X65R double - brother’s gun now - that would print both barrels 1-1/2” at 100yds. This rifle is better regulated than any British double we’ve ever owned.
That is a superb plains game double in a very capable cartridge.
They are out there at far lower prices than their British counterparts.

Best Rimmed Double rifle cartridges for plains game?

Andrew NOLA

Bandera

Andrew NOLA

AZDAVE

odonata

IvW

Miletic

rookhawk

Noah Hutchens

rookhawk

Noah Hutchens

Tanks

Noah Hutchens

318AE

318AE

rookhawk

Daryl S

Kharn

Noah Hutchens

Huvius

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