Double rifles and Elephant

[Rare Breed]

I would prefer the 577NE for stopping power on a purely elephant safari.

In either case, I do not like the powder choices because you're enduring horrific recoil needlessly. I'd get both guns regulated with a powder like 3031 or RL15 that will greatly diminish recoil at the same velocity, allowing you a much faster recovery for the second follow-up shot.

Wisdom!!!!! My experience exactly!

 

[SRvet]

I could not leave the H&H at home !!

 

[50Gunner]

Adam Stevens, You're exactly right, the 577 is indeed a beast, a handful of 750gr Barnes flat nosed solids headed out the back door for quick point and shoot drills in the pasture is one of life's great pleasures, I would imagine that big Heym sidelock 600 NE Hunter-Habib hunted with is all that and a whole lot more.

Rafiki, great idea, I'll order another Graffunder before we go gun shopping, plus, noting you've hunted Tanzania, your next safari must be on the Moon, that would be most expensive, huh?

Kevin Peacocke, that's a huge part of safari for Wife and me, the miles in searing heat, sweat, dust, wind blown dirt in your eyes, thorns, all of it sir, when you cap that with a full bag with every animal on your list plus a few more in the salt, it's a done deal man, we will carry those memories for life.

uplander01, you bet he can, that rifle has integral quarter rib Express sight, integral banded ramp front sight and barrel band sling swivel, would love to only be a fly on the wall getting to watch those Craftsmen work, the inside of the action is polished glass smooth and shiny, bet it would feed solids loaded in the case backwards.

 

[50Gunner]

SRvet, I believe your Countrymen have made that near impossible to do, believe if I didn't bring the H&H i would forever regret it, about to turn 63, so barring getting hit by a Mack truck maybe time will allow several more Safaris.

 

[dgr416]

Walk softly and Carry a big stick as Teddy would say .Teddys long safari was one of the greatest Safaris in History .He opened the gates for others to follow .Those are both Awesome bully guns have fun shoot straight and stay safe .

 

[Rafiki]

The H&H all day long. How could you not? Dress the part, lend the whole experience every touch you can to make it worthy of the fine elephant you will take.

Yes, dress the part, Pith Helmet ant all.

 

[Tanks]

I'd be conflicted as are you. I always say biggest caliber one can shoot accurately. That being said, the extra 3 pounds adds up in the jesse. Not to mention getting the H&H back to Africa.

I'd be leaning slightly towards the H&H .500/450.

 

[Rare Breed]

I highly recommend buying a 15 pound cardio bar and take it on 6-10 mile walks using similar carries you will do in Africa and do it on hilly terrain. Do it in the heat for realness and then see how you do. This is the one thing I do that gives me confidence given I do this in GA in 90 degrees with a 100+ heat index factoring in humidity. This is when you find out what you can really handle.

 

[50Gunner]

dgr416, yes sir, he indeed paved the way for a whole industry that still thrives today, Thanks for the well wishes and will do.

Tanks, starting to think the same way, I have absolutely no doubts about the 450gr Northfork flat nosed solids at 2210 fps penetrating more than enough and dead line straight.

Rare Breed, earlier in this thread I posted about 11 miles per day with that very 577, wet dry river sand, hills and mountains, The M'barangandu reserve is known for it's very strenuous hunting terrain, granted that was in 2020, I'll of course be 6 years older come the fall of 2026, I am retired but bang around with farm work all the time.

Have cut, split and stacked 10 ricks of water oak and hickory on the back porch for firewood with 8LB maul, about to be 63, 6'2" in my socks, last weight a Doc's check was 236lbs, cardio as you say is indeed where it's at, I'll be more than ready when the time comes.

Only five Safaris under my belt, but near 50 animals with one shot each save insurance shots with solids at PH request, I aim to keep it that way.

 

[BJH65]

Sounds like you’ve already had some pretty strenuous hunts and know exactly what kind of shape you need to be in to be successful and you seem pretty fit. We’re similar in age, height and weight, I’m 60, 6-3, 228 and primarily do farm chores and outdoor stuff to stay in shape, my CrossFit days and weight training are long over with although I still do bodyweight routines and jogging.

For nostalgia, yes take the H&H 500-450 but sounds like you are plenty capable of carrying and using your 577 so that’s what I would take. When you’re a bit older, then take the H&H but take that 577 now, there may come a day when it’s too much! When we reach our 60’s I think we start aging in dog years! Besides, it’s not often we see African hunters taking a 577 Nitro into the field so the selfish part of me wants to read about it!

 

[Rare Breed]

dgr416, yes sir, he indeed paved the way for a whole industry that still thrives today, Thanks for the well wishes and will do.

Tanks, starting to think the same way, I have absolutely no doubts about the 450gr Northfork flat nosed solids at 2210 fps penetrating more than enough and dead line straight.

Rare Breed, earlier in this thread I posted about 11 miles per day with that very 577, wet dry river sand, hills and mountains, The M'barangandu reserve is known for it's very strenuous hunting terrain, granted that was in 2020, I'll of course be 6 years older come the fall of 2026, I am retired but bang around with farm work all the time.

Have cut, split and stacked 10 ricks of water oak and hickory on the back porch for firewood with 8LB maul, about to be 63, 6'2" in my socks, last weight a Doc's check was 236lbs, cardio as you say is indeed where it's at, I'll be more than ready when the time comes.

Only five Safaris under my belt, but near 50 animals with one shot each save insurance shots with solids at PH request, I aim to keep it that way.

Sounds like you are in great shape and ready to go. 11 miles per day in sand had to be tough!!!

 

[kpoynter]

Hey guys… question. Is the .500/.450 Ammo still made in production?
I’ve seen some of these H&H rifles and wondered if it was available or like the .450 3” (I think) basically stopped being made
Or…is it one of these that some ammo can be shot out of it?
Some of these old model calibers confuse me some as to what modern ammo can actually be run through (and safely with modern pressures)

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I believe Kynoch was the last source for commercially loaded ammo, and they have recently closed their doors. Original Kynoch ammo can often be found online for collecting purposes.

Bertram has offered brass, dies can be found, as well as powder/projectiles. Period correct projectiles are a bit difficult to find but they’re out there.

If you’re ordering a new production gun in this caliber (or one of the other more obscure NE calibers) from one of the big British makers you might be able to order it with some custom loaded ammo from them. After all, they’re going to have to regulate it.

If you’re interested in any double rifle, being a handloader is a necessary evil.

 

[Rafiki]

MidwayUSA has 500/450 #1 brass for $5.95/each