Most Coveted Dangerous Game Calibers

John Camp · Feb 19, 2019

HWL said:
I would fall victim to the 9,3x74R......

I still have some rifles/calibers from childhood on my wish list that need addressing before I will be vulnerable to all the continental calibers. If it was not in the 1978 Gun Digest then I can more easily push it aside. Now an ou/combo rifle would be different. I always wanted a Savage combo gun in 22 hornet and 20 gauge until I saw some of the European offerings. (The Savage was made by Valmet) I really like the most recent incarnation of the same gun. Valmet 412/Savage 2400/Tikka 512. It is now made by Marocchi and designated the Finn612. Improved looks, flexible side rib to make it look like a traditional double gun, and choke tubes. So, an OU with 9.3x74R/9.3x74R would get my attention. Throw in 12 gauge/12 gauge and 12 gauge/222/223/308.30-06/6.5×55, or 7x57R barrels and I might be all in. Since this is a part of my newer European romance, I think I would prefer to stick with 6.5×55, or 7x57R for the combo barrel caliber. However now that I think about it I believe I would opt for the 7x57R because a break action rifle really should have a rimmed cartridge. Now you know what goes on in my tangled mind.

HWL · Feb 19, 2019

John Camp said:
HWL, I really do not laugh that much these days. I do smile and chuckle I believe at least some each day. But that made me bust out. So, LOL. You are right. Right now however my son and I are planning for DIY spring bear and fall elk/deer in Idaho. This is our first time going west and let me tell you the gear we need is a major investment. I don't think I will buy another gun until after these hunts. So, Miss Whelen will just have to wait. Otherwise, I would be powerless against her charms.

Miss Whelen will wait for you, for sure...

Let us know, how it goes on....

Meanwhile, I will work on my love affair with the 9,3x74R....

HWL

John Camp · Feb 19, 2019

HWL said:
Meanwhile, I will work on my love affair with the 9,3x74R....

I think this is an intriguing caliber. It possibly has the same type of mystique as the 375 H&H For hunters in Germany/Austria and the German colonies. One day.

HWL · Feb 19, 2019

I had to look for, what "intriguing" means, and...... you are right!

I already have rifles in this 9,3..... an still feel the demand for a Ruger No. 1!

...it really is a :K Date:

...

HWL

John Camp · Feb 19, 2019

HWL said:
I had to look for, what "intriguing" means

OK, I just now looked over and saw that you are from Germany. First question: why is there a comma instead of a decimal mark in 9,3x74R? Second question: am I correct that the 9,3x74R has a similar reputation/charm/mystique as does the 375 H&H in Anglo/American areas?

Red Leg · Feb 19, 2019

John Camp said:
OK, I just now looked over and saw that you are from Germany. First question: why is there a comma instead of a decimal mark in 9,3x74R? Second question: am I correct that the 9,3x74R has a similar reputation/charm/mystique as does the 375 H&H in Anglo/American areas?

Europeans use a comma - they can't figure out why we use a period (or decimal "point".)

I'll let @HWL provide his own answer from a Continental perspective, but it does not occupy exactly the same niche. Though they were developed around the same time, the .375 was created in the UK primarily as a general purpose African caliber. The 9.3x&74R, on the other hand, was primarily used initially in combination guns (drillings, bochbuchsflinte, etc) as a caliber perfectly suited for red stag and wild boar. It is still very popular in that role - particularly in modern OU "bateau" style double rifles by the likes of VC. It did make it's way to German East (Tanzania) and Southwest Africa (Namibia) before WWI, but the loss of those colonies after the war limited its African usage.

gizmo · Feb 19, 2019

My 9,3x74R

John Camp · Feb 19, 2019

gizmo said:
My 9,3x74R

GROOVY

HWL · Feb 20, 2019

Red Leg said:
Europeans use a comma - they can't figure out why we use a period (or decimal "point".)

I'll let @HWL provide his own answer from a Continental perspective, but it does not occupy exactly the same niche. Though they were developed around the same time, the .375 was created in the UK primarily as a general purpose African caliber. The 9.3x&74R, on the other hand, was primarily used initially in combination guns (drillings, bochbuchsflinte, etc) as a caliber perfectly suited for red stag and wild boar. It is still very popular in that role - particularly in modern OU "bateau" style double rifles by the likes of VC. It did make it's way to German East (Tanzania) and Southwest Africa (Namibia) before WWI, but the loss of those colonies after the war limited its African usage.

I can not explain it better - thanks for this!

HWL

HWL · Feb 20, 2019

John Camp said:
OK, I just now looked over and saw that you are from Germany. Second question: am I correct that the 9,3x74R has a similar reputation/charm/mystique as does the 375 H&H in Anglo/American areas?

My personal opinion.... both are real classics....

My personal experience with this cartridges...... is limited to european hunting only.

In Germany, the .375 H&H is considered as an African cartridge, for bolt actions, easy to shoot, capable of doing everything.

The 9,3x74R is "The Queen of break open guns", but with european hunting in mind.

It's my personal choice for hunting in forest, with a Drilling or an O/U.

Nontheless, the Ruger No. 1 in 9,3x74R would complete the battery....

HWL

1dirthawker · Feb 20, 2019

coveted by me....450 nitro in a 9.5# double. o/u or side by side.

the rest of you are just, well....wrong.

John Camp · Feb 20, 2019

HWL said:
My personal opinion.... both are real classics....

My personal experience with this cartridges...... is limited to european hunting only.

In Germany, the .375 H&H is considered as an African cartridge, for bolt actions, easy to shoot, capable of doing everything.

The 9,3x74R is "The Queen of break open guns", but with european hunting in mind.

It's my personal choice for hunting in forest, with a Drilling or an O/U.

Nontheless, the Ruger No. 1 in 9,3x74R would complete the battery....

HWL

Thank you. Now I want one.

Timbo · Mar 7, 2019

Ok. I'll say it - because I use one - the .458 Win Mag. But I wonder just how many guys who recommend the 404J actually have one as their "go to" rifle for DG? Just asking.

spike.t · Mar 7, 2019

Coveted by me.....any I don't have apart from any those .375 things.....or weatherby things........

Atrox · Mar 17, 2019

My 1920 Johann Springer 9.3X74r

Nevada Mike · Mar 17, 2019

Timbo said:
...But I wonder just how many guys who recommend the 404J actually have one as their "go to" rifle for DG? Just asking.

A .404 Jeff is exactly what I am having built as my first 'true' DG rifle. After doing research I liked the capabilities and lower recoil compared to bigger, harder recoiling rounds.

CAustin · Mar 17, 2019

tarbe said:
Yum Yum 470NE.
View attachment 268133

Now your talking. I see you had to make a loading block/tray too! I didn’t make mine quite as large though!

colorado · Mar 18, 2019

500 Jeffery. Anything smaller would just be ... smaller .

IvW · Mar 18, 2019

Bolt actions

9,3 x 62, 375 H&H, 404 Jeff, 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby, 505 Gibbs 500 Jeff

Doubles

9,3 x 74R, 375 Flanged magnum, 450/400 3", 500/416 NE 3 1/4, 450 3 1/4 NE, 450 Nr 2, 470 NE, 500 NE 3"

tarbe · Mar 18, 2019

gizmo said:
I need a smoke and a nap after what just happen when I saw the pic of the 404.

Seriously nice dark wood on that 404!

Most Coveted Dangerous Game Calibers

John Camp

HWL

John Camp

HWL

John Camp

Red Leg

gizmo

John Camp

HWL

HWL

1dirthawker

John Camp

Timbo

spike.t

Atrox

Nevada Mike

CAustin

colorado

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