505 Gibbs (really any 500+), Killed What, Shoot How Often

[uplander01]

Big Bores are cool. I used a 500 Jeffery on a Zim safari to take multiple buffalo, kudu, eland. When I hunt Buff again, I will be using a 416 Rigby--easier to shoot, easier to carry, and ultimately will get the job done all at around 60 ft lbs of recoil. It takes a lot of practice and a sound constitution to really practice and master a rifle that is pushing 100 ft lbs of recoil. A shot or two in the field is one thing, 10-20 practice rounds will rattle your concentration. You have to know your limits, if you can do it, go for it, if you can't, don't, and don't let your ego get in the way. The 50's really do smack stuff that is for sure.

 

[colorado]

Big Bores are cool. I used a 500 Jeffery on a Zim safari to take multiple buffalo, kudu, eland. When I hunt Buff again, I will be using a 416 Rigby--easier to shoot, easier to carry, and ultimately will get the job done all at around 60 ft lbs of recoil. It takes a lot of practice and a sound constitution to really practice and master a rifle that is pushing 100 ft lbs of recoil. A shot or two in the field is one thing, 10-20 practice rounds will rattle your concentration. You have to know your limits, if you can do it, go for it, if you can't, don't, and don't let your ego get in the way. The 50's really do smack stuff that is for sure.

On both ends lol

 

[Luvthunt]

On both ends lol

And in between

 

[ActionBob]

I've only shot buffalo, rhino, and giraffe with my 505 Gibbs. I was shooting about between 5 and 15 rounds at the ranger with them back when I was hunting with them. Took a 470 NE double and a 450 NE no.2 3.5 inche lately.

Hunting i prefer the 525 grain TSX or flat point bronze bullets. Moving between 2300 and 2350 fps. That load has been point blank minute of Buffalo from 25 yards to 200 yards and close enough at 300 yards that I would have enough confidence with a solid hold and broadside on a larger antelope, just hold a bit high.

The cartridge is a bear to get to feed. Worst issue is a round popping out of the feed rails. Especially on double stack magazines. It is also absolutely devastating on large game I find the recoil very manageable with a strong shove and tendency for muzzle rise.

 

[Beck]

Have been hunting absolutely everything with my 404 for a long time.

Been shooting my 450 Rigby a lot, only hunted a little.

Then got my 500 Jeffery recently.

The 404 and 450 both have Aimpoint Micro H1's on, whereas the 500 is still open sighted.

Done about 200 shots with the 500 in the 7 months I have had it, and it is a massive step up even from the 450 Rigby.

But I believe you can learn to shoot these big boys efficiently.

Only taken a 200lb (live weight) warthog with it so far, and am now awaiting my skull with a nice half in hole between the eyes

You definitely have to focus on what is going on around and behind the animal a bit more, but nothing beats getting up close and personal for a proper hunt!

I couldn't agree with you more. I have killed dozens of animals with my .450 Rigby, and I load 500 grains bullets at 2300-2350 fps. I don't find the recoil on the .450 Rigby to be too bad. I recently purchased .505 Gibbs loaded up some 600 grain bullets to 2350 - that was too much for me, I had to back it down to 2200

 

[Beck]

Please note, there is what looks like a very nice .500 Jeffery on gunbroker right now, and it is priced to sell!

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1109410278

 

[Beck]

I corresponded with Rigby earlier this month about chances of a working grade field gun, like their Big Game Rifle, in a 500J or 505G, or even if there was any discussion of it as a possibility in foreseeable future. Answer was a no, but both remain options when ordering one of their London’s Best grade rifle. This is what has me considering assembling the components and have something built. Still waiting to hear back about a smaller tweak on a 450 Rigby, if I can get it in a double square bridge, with 3-position safety, upgraded wood, but the 22” stepped barrel they do on the PH model, I may lean into that option first…so many beautiful rifles and options, and rugged country to drag them through.

I have considered buying a Rigby Big Game in .450 Rigby, but I too would want a double square bridge. I never went to the trouble of asking Rigby about it because... I really don't need another Safari rifle - none the less please let us know what you hear.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

505 Gibbs on GMA action made for me by AHR.

HH