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    How many others map out their future firearm purchases?

    I've always liked to plan ahead and rarely make a spontaneous purchase when it comes to firearms. I've bought two this month but am already thinking about my next 3-4 purchases based on use-cases that are not currently met by my collection. Whether it's chambered in a new cartridge, a new...
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    The Future Dangerous Game Guns and Ammo Thread

    There have been several threads now regarding the continual decline of this niche industry with rifle and ammo manufacturers discontinuing their Dangerous Game offerings, this thread however will be focused on the opposite. Post any new releases here whether they be confirmed or just rumors...
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    Bolt-Action 500's, who is still producing them today?

    Whether it's a 500 Jeffery, 505 Gibbs or something more obscure in this caliber class, which rifle companies are still producing these rifles today? From my research it's a very small club of the bespoke British makes, especially now with the CZ550 and Sako 85 being discontinued. Other notable...
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    Spending double rifle money on a bolt-action rifle

    I've seen several comments here from those that say you should buy a quality bolt-action rifle instead of one of the entry-level double rifles. The argument is that the quality for dollar spent is much greater on a bolt-action magazine rifle than it would be for a comparatively priced double...
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    Anyone actually weigh their firearms to compare to advertised weights?

    Had the scale out today and weighed a bunch of my guns for the first time to see where they clocked in, a few didn't weigh as advertised. This will be useful when calculating felt recoil values. Merkel Double in 470NE with LPVO - Was told 11.5lbs, actual weight was 12.5lbs. (Should be good for...
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    What's the most damage I could do in South Africa for $20,000 Canadian?

    Say I was looking to book my first African hunt in South Africa with a budget of $20,000 CAD or $14,208 USD for our American friends. What's the best value hunt I could get with that? Keep in mind this is the total budget that will have to also include airfare, tips, the hunt and maybe...
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    Attacked by dangerous game while hunting something else?

    I'm sure it's happened to at least a few people here. How many of you have been attacked during an unexpected encounter with dangerous game while hunting for something else? 1. Charged by a buffalo while hunting plains game? 2. Attacked by a lion or leopard while hunting buffalo? 3. Charged...
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    Export / Import Restrictions per Country

    I had a recent conversation with some US hunters who were under the impression that no African hides, mounts, ivory etc could be imported into the US from Africa. From what I have seen on this forum this does not appear to be the case, without maybe the exception of ivory. I’m interested to...
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    How many here have successfully hunted the Big 5?

    I know many here have several safaris under their belt and have taken multiple dangerous game, but how many have taken the Big 5? I’m guessing this is an increasingly exclusive club today as hunting costs continue to rise and rhino hunts become more elusive. If you’re currently at 4, which...
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    Non-American ammo manufacturers that produce big bore ammo?

    Canadian here. Which European / International ammo manufacturers still produce big bore ammo today? I’m aware of Norma and they’ve been a godsend for affordable dangerous game rounds. Who else??
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    Show us your Rigby Big Game Rifles

    Since the forum has already paid homage to the Highland Stalker, let's get a thread going for Rigby's other magazine rifle, The Rigby Big Game. I do not own one but it's now on the short list for 2025. Let's see some examples from those that own one. What options did you go with? Did you...
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    Why is it that when it comes to the big British Gun Makers, Rigby are the only brand that offers "affordable" models?

    Namely the Highland Stalker and Big Game rifles, both start in the $10,000-$12,000 USD range. No small sum of money by any means but leagues more affordable than the magazine rifle offerings I'm seeing from the other big names (Purdey, Holland & Holland, Westley Richards, Jeffery etc.) From the...
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    Those with high value firearms, do you bring them to Africa to hunt with?

    Yes I know it’s what these firearms were designed for. But I’m still curious because that first scratch must hurt. Those who paid $20,000, $50,000, $100,000+ for a quality bespoke firearm, do you hunt with it in Africa? Does it come along with you in the land cruiser and get beat up when in the...
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    Viable "gaps" in the market that a new caliber could meaningfully fill in today's factory ammo selection

    After making my latest post on what missing gaps my current ammo lineup had, it got me thinking to the market as a whole, and if there are any missing gaps where a new caliber could fill? I know the general answer is no, all bases have been covered. But with the tremendous amount of marketing...
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    Here's my ammo lineup, which gaps do you see?

    I'm always looking to add a new caliber, new rifle to the collection. I currently own firearms in the following, which obvious gaps do you see? Recommended additions? 1. 22 LR 2. 223/ 5.56 3. 9mm 4. 38 spl/ 357 Mag 5. 7.62X39 6. 6.5X55 7. 6.8 Western 8. 308 / 7.62 x 51 9. 30-06 10. 338 WinMag...
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    Showcase your Dangerous Game hunting cartridges

    I like to visualize the differences between these cartridges when they are side by side, especially some of the less common offerings. Let’s see the DG cartridges in your stable. Pictured above: 375HH - 300 Gr - PPU SP 416 Rigby - 400 Gr - Sako A Frame 458 WinMag - 500 Gr - Norma Solid 500...
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    Why didn't Germany or Continental Europe develop big bore cartridges like the British did?

    Yes I'm aware of the 500 Schuler but in general when you think big bore, dangerous game cartridges it's the British (and Americans) that come to mind. Sure Germany had the popular 9.3x62 but it's not quite in the same league as the following. 375 Holland and Holland 416 Rigby 450 NE 470 NE 500...
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    Thoughts on the CZ 600 Series?

    Now that it's been out a couple years I'm curious to hear from owners or those that have used them what they think of the latest 600 series from CZ. Obviously it was disappointing that they continue to do away with magnum length actions (as did the 557) but they did return to a form of...
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    Ballpark Figures, what does it cost to hunt Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Plains Game in 2024/2025.

    I know that prices will tend to vary from Outfitter to Outfitter, ranch vs free-range and Country by Country. I'm looking for ballpark "typical" pricing for the above species to get a better understanding of how much to budget for. I'd be interested to see South Africa Vs Not South Africa...
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    Your ideal 3 gun & 3 cartridge trio to hunt all things Africa.

    A couple stipulations. The options must include one big bore double rifle (>.0.40), one large bore bolt action (0.375 and up) and one small bore bolt action (under 0.375). Choices must include 3 rifles (no single rifle with switch-barrel configuration wizardry). Choices must be either...
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    Setting up an Africana themed Office / Man Cave

    I have this crazy idea of transforming my basement rec room into an Africana themed Office / Man cave and am looking for some cool ideas. Aside from the obvious trophies which will hopefully one day adorn the walls, I'm also looking into ideas for furniture, artwork, carvings, rugs, gun...
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    You want to buy something special, you want to treat yourself, what rifle do you buy?

    What would your “special occasion” rifle purchase be? I don’t mean mean unlimited budget but something that would be realistically within your means. You have a special anniversary, a significant accomplishment or milestone hunt coming up; which rifle do you buy? I’m currently leaning...
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    How well seasoned are you?

    I’ve noticed through reading several of these threads that many here are older that I had initially presumed, many north of 60. That makes sense given the nature of African Hunting and the financial position required to support this interest. Just curious what the demographic breakdown is...
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    The “458 Winchester Magnum, all the cartridge you’ll ever need” thread

    Seeing as both the 500 Jeffery and 505 Gibbs cartridges both have dedicated threads, I thought I’d give Africas #1 underdog the same love. We all know the history of the 458 WinMag and the teething issues it experienced in the early years. We also know those issues have been resolved with...
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    Does this big bore cartridge exist?

    Does this cartridge exist, or is it a unicorn? I'm curious if there is a bolt-action cartridge that replicates the 500NE ballistics or there abouts without the need of "loading down" the 500 Jeffery or 505 Gibbs. Essentially looking at options that fit between the 458 WinMag and 500 Jeffery...
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    Do German's just do it best?

    Mauser... Heym... Krieghoff... Merkel... Blaser... Sauer etc. When it comes to fine hunting rifles, especially big bore DG ready rifles, do the Germans just do it best? It really seems like the German's dominate the market for high-end, yet attainable firearms that don't require a second...
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    So you think you need to own a Stopping Rifle...

    And so did I, until recently. I've made several posts here regarding the various big bores on my journey up the dangerous game/big bore cartridge-ladder and where that dividing line falls between a "hunter" and "stopper" cartridge. I started off with the 375HH and have since added a 416 Rigby...
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    Refining your dangerous game cartridge selection over the years

    I'm curious which progression many here went through in terms of the dangerous game cartridges that have cycled in and out of their collection. For example, did you start out with the likes of 375HH but ended up swapping it out for one of the 416's for a better DG all-rounder? Was your first...
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    Hunting Asia: Tajikistan vs Kyrgyzstan vs Kazakhstan vs Mongolia

    For those of you who have hunted Asia, mainly for mountain game; what are the key differences between the hunts in these countries? I'm sure a few others could also be included like Turkey, Pakistan, Nepal etc. If your goal is to pursue one of the Asian Argali or Ibex species, which country...
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    Anyone ever weighed their CZ550 in a Bell & Carlson Stock?

    So unfortunately I don’t have a scale with me this weekend but I’ve been shooting a pair of my rifles back to back Ruger Guide Gun in 338WM with Ruger Rings and a Leupold VX5HD 3-15x scope. And CZ550 in 416 Rigby with Warne Rings and a Leupold VX6 1-6x scope. Handling them back to back, the...
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    Merkel 140AE vs 160AE

    I have the opportunity to purchase one of these rifles and was wondering if anyone that has owned either could chime in on the differences. From what I can tell the 140AE is the Boxlock design and the 160AE is the Sidelock. Any other functional differences? Do they weigh the same? Regulated...
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    6.8 Western for Africa?

    I'm curious if anyone has brought over a 6.8 Western yet? It seems like a great all-rounder for plains game. Able to shoot the heavier bullets 160-175gr that the 270Win can't stablilize. Has anyone tried it? what were the results?
  33. N

    Does Africa offer much in the way of Mountain Game and Mountain Hunting?

    When I think of an African hunt I'm thinking of a savannah interspersed with areas of thick vegetation, but generally a fairly flat terrain. Are there certain areas where you can hunt in a mountain setting? What kind of game are taken there?
  34. N

    Let's talk Ibex hunting

    I've recently become enthralled in the whole idea of mountain hunting and have been researching the various game that can be hunted. My search initially led me down the Sheep (OVIS) path but that prices on those hunts are astronomical. I've since come across the various Ibex species, which...
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    Preferred calibers for Rhino and Hippo?

    For those that have been fortunate enough to hunt either of these species, what was your preferred caliber of choice for the hunt? It sounds the .416s are ideal for Cape Buffalo and 0.458 and .50cal for Elephant. What about Hippo and Rhino? Is a .416 enough gun for either or is more...
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    Let's hear about your first dangerous game hunt, from start to finish

    As a prospective Dangerous Game hunter, I'd love to hear about your first dangerous game hunt. Everything from the early planning stages to the execution of the hunt, to the kill shot and the taxidermy and trophy export. So a few questions: 1. What' made you want to initially hunt dangerous...
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    Which countries offer the most affordable Sheep/goat hunts?

    I've been looking into both guided sheep and goat hunts here in Canada and they are far pricier than your typical deer or bear hunt. Which international destinations offer a better value for hunting a sheep or goat species without having to spend $100,000 CDN? Preferences in Europe or Oceania.
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    2024 Double Rifle MSRP's?

    I have recently decided to add a DR to the collection for my next purchase and have begun acquiring 500NE ammo for my preferred caliber choice. One thing I have been having trouble with is determining what these double rifles are actually going for new from the manufacturers, as they don't all...
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    One final rodeo, bolt-action or double rifle for my last big bore thumper?

    I'd like to thank the AH community for helping me spend my money on my last three DG rifle choices including a 375H&H, 416 Rigby and 458 WinMag. I'm looking to add one final thumper to the collection and would like to make it special one. My initial thought is to go with a double rifle as they...
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    Reloading for 416 Rigby in 2024

    I'm new to reloading but would like to start with 416 Rigby to reduce the cost of feeding this rifle. I've been paying approximately $12/round (Canadian) for factory ammo. If I were to buy all components today, what would the approximate cost per round work out to?
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    Have you completed the North American Super 10?

    Completing the Super 10 in a hunter's lifetime seems to be a challenging, yet achievable goal. How many of you have completed the Super 10? what about the North American Super Slam? Here's a link to the official website for those that haven't heard of this. I'm officially starting my journey...
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    Straight-pulls other than the R8 that offer Dangerous Game cartridges?

    I know that the Blaser R8 can be chambered in anything from .22lr to 500 Jeffery (including .375, 416 and 458 offerings) and it's not an uncommon sight on safari these days. Do any of the other modern straight pulls offer the same DG cartridges? I've been looking into the Merkel Helix and it...
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    One cartridge to hunt dangerous game for the rest of your life and it can't be a 375, what are you going with?

    What would you choose? 9.3 doesn't count either. A 416? 404? 458? Something bigger? What and why?
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    Were the Ruger RSM and CZ 550 Safari rifles the two most significant contributors to the 416 Rigby's recent popularity?

    As many of you have done, I've read up on the history of the 416 Rigby Cartridge and the trials and tribulations that it underwent over the last century. 1. Released in 1911, although it was a popular choice of early PH's there were less than 200 rifles produced in this cartridge from 1911 up...
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    Any minimum calibers for the largest of plains game?

    Just curious if any Countries or outfits mandate a minimum caliber for any of the plains game species, especially the larger ones ie Kudu, Eland, Zebra, Giraffe etc? Ive read that most reccomend "your deer rifle cartridge" from back home (7mm, 308 etc) but wasn't sure if any areas or any...
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    Hippo on land Vs. Buffalo for first Dangerous Game hunt?

    Full disclosure, I've never hunted Africa and still haven't ruled out a plains game hunt for my first Safari. When it comes to DG, both Hippo on land and Cape Buffalo have the greatest appeal. Knowing very little about either, how do these experiences compare? Are they in the same cost...
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    Ranking Plains Game, Ranking Dangerous Game

    I'm curious to hear from those that have a safari or two under their belts, how would you rank the overall experiences of hunting specific plains game, specific dangerous game? If money was no object, what would be your top choices for hunting plains game when considering the overall...
  48. N

    Has Sako stopped producing their big bore ammo?

    I know that Sako had been producing Sako branded 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 500 Jeffery ammo. Were these discontinued when the Sako 85 was discontinued? I've been on the hunt for quality partitions for my 416 Rigby and the Sako ammo is the only option that I've seen loaded with Swift A Frames.
  49. N

    Ideal expanding bullet for thin skinned game (416 Rigby)?

    I plan on hunting both bear and moose this fall with my new 416 Rigby. Which expanding bullets would be ideal for thin skinned game? So far the limited ammo selection I've been seeing is mostly solids however I have picked up both Hornady's DGX and Barnes VOR-TX bullets. Will these do the...
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    Factory 416 Rigby loads other than 400 grain?

    Recently picked up a 416 Rigby and am looking to try out a variety of loads through the rifle. So far all I'm seeing is the standard 400 grain load, I picked a few boxes up from Barnes and Hornady. Just curious if other weights are available from the factory other than 400? 350? 300? Both my...
 
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