Should the caliber start with a "4" or is a 375 enough gun? What about a 375 with solids? Or a 338 magnum with 250 grain solids or monolithic bullets for that matter? Double rifle or magazine fed? Will a shot that doesn't penetrate into the brain or spine still "turn" a charging animal? Will a shot with a 30 caliber that does penetrate the brain or spine still "stop" the charge? Open question, but particularly interested in buffalo.
I am hardly an expert. My experience is 375 HH buffalo brained, down, on spot. 416 ele, brained. Down on spot. By me. But also in both occasions it was not a charge
In both occasions, it was bolt action rifle for me.
I think that overall consensus on the forum about the definition for "stopping rifle", that it is caliber over .45, in a double rifle platform, that can be considered as "stopping rifle".
I am under impression that 458 win mag is marginal in this role by overall opinion as stopping cartridge, but I can be wrong on that
While many times discussed, I have never noticed a true definition of what actually is a stopping rifle.
What I think is the closest thing to definition of stopping rifle (or caliber) is Taylor knock down value.
It is based on shocking effect on head shot on elephant (not brain shot).
So, when the caliber becomes stopping, it is yet to be determined, but Taylor gives some indications, Where we will draw the line, your estimate is as good as mine.
The Taylor Knock-Out Factor (TKOF) is an empirical formula developed by John Taylor to evaluate the stopping power of big-game rifles, particularly for dangerous game. It is calculated as:
(Bullet Weight (grains) x Velocity (fps) x Diameter (inches)) / 7000 = TKO Factor.
Starting from the .375 H&H Magnum, here are typical TKO values for popular large-caliber cartridges based on common loads:
Taylor Knock Down Values (375 H&H and Up)
.375 H&H Magnum (300gr @ 2400-2500 fps): 38.8 - 41.0
.378 Weatherby Magnum (300gr @ 2925 fps): ~47.0
.400 Jeffery Nitro Express (400gr @ 2100 fps): ~49.2
.450/400 Nitro Express (400gr @ 2150 fps): ~49.8
.404 Jeffery (400gr @ 2300 fps): ~55.0
.416 Rigby (400gr @ 2400 fps): ~57.0
.416 Remington Magnum (400gr @ 2400 fps): ~57.0
.425 Westley Richards (410gr @ 2350 fps): ~57.0
.450 Nitro Express (480gr @ 2150 fps): ~66.0
.458 Winchester Magnum (500gr @ 2140 fps): ~70.0
.470 Nitro Express (500gr @ 2150 fps): ~72.0
.458 Lott (500gr @ 2300 fps): ~75.0
.500 Nitro Express (570gr @ 2150 fps): ~86.0
.505 Gibbs (525gr @ 2250 fps): ~88.0
.577 Nitro Express (720gr @ 2050 fps): ~120.0
.600 Nitro Express (900gr @ 2000 fps): ~159.0
.700 Nitro Express (1000gr @ 2000 fps): ~180.0+
TKO is constantly disputed, never proven, always discussed, but at least it gives some indication.
I couldnt find any better measuring stick.
If you aim true, even 375 H&H will be proven as stopping caliber. If you dont, than any caliber is useless.
If you consider the dynamics of possible DG charge, imperfect shots, close range, the nature of two quick shots of double rifle, it is up to you where you will draw the line on stopping caliber, and rifle platform (double or bolt).
I do not break my head about all this.
For me: my job is to place the first bullet in proper place with adequate and legal DG caliber.
If the situation happens, PH will have his stopping rifle to stop the charge.
For me, DG hunt is team work: PH, trackers, game ranger, and me. Each has duty, and tool to work with. If the thing happens, and if I failed to make good shot, PH duty is to manage the situation, It does not mean I will not shoot in case of charge, but it means it is the moment when PH will use his stopping rifle in the right moment. In this respect "stopping rifle" means whatever the PH chooses to have.
Two of my PH on our two DG hunts had their stopping rifles: double rifle in 416 rigby, and 500 Jeffery bolt action. They did not need to use them during our hunt.
I shoot all my forties extremely well - every bit as accurately as one of my .375's. If I were going on a pure buffalo hunt, I probably would take one of them. However, I haven't done that hunt yet, and am unlikely to do so. All of my buffalo have been taken while also hunting other game on the same safari. Nothing offers a more practical solution for such a mixed bag hunt than a .375. These days, it will be loaded with A-Frames, and I would be just as confident trying to stop a buffalo with it as I would my .404 or 500/416. My .470 would likely do a better job turning an animal, but it is of limited utility for many other scenarios. So, I consciously do not use the largest caliber that I can handle accurately because it is not necessarily the most practical.
