Shot Placement Versus Bore Size

[Major Khan]

Poton
I wish l was joking . It has been declared obsolete by the modern sportsman .

I guessed as much , when he was the only poster who opted for something in the .500 series , Kawshik , as well as opting for a double barreled rifle . IvW certainly and clearly speaks from extensive experience . His assessment matches very close to ours .

 

[Major Khan]

If I could custom load the 500 NE 3 1/4 inch to higher velocity of 2250 would be my dream.

Back to double versus bolt.

Big double would be preferable to bolt action for following up wounded elephant in thick bush, double is also better for follow up on wounded lion and leopard and during a charge, as you rarely have much time to reload a bolt in this situation.

Furthermore when conducting foot safaris in big 5 areas the double gives you the option to have a solid and a soft loaded and ready at the same time.

I have a fondness for double barreled rifles myself , as well . Through out my career , l have always used this gun.

It is a Belgian 12 calibre shot gun with 28 inch barrels , 3 inch chambers and extractors . The left barrel is a full choke , while the right barrel is modified choke . I used to use Eley Alphamax Lethal Ball cartridges ( 2.75 inch length ) inside the gun and it was very effective on forest panthers ( which you will know , as a hunting leopard ).
By the way , would you prefer your double barreled rifle to be a side by side or over under ?
I prefer side by side personally , but that is because l have been using a side by side weapon through out my whole life , since 1959.

 

[Major Khan]

I have made 1 interesting observation. None of the posters who had responded to my " questionnaire " chose any of the following calibres :
.425 Westley Richards
.458 Winchester magnum
.460 Weatherby magnum
.577 Nitro Express
.600 Nitro Express
These were the only calibres which received no mention at all . It is a good indication of the popularity ( or lack thereof) of these cartridges among modern sports men.

 

[BeeMaa]

I have made 1 interesting observation. None of the posters who had responded to my " questionnaire " chose any of the following calibres :
.425 Westley Richards
.458 Winchester magnum
.460 Weatherby magnum
.577 Nitro Express
.600 Nitro Express
These were the only calibres which received no mention at all . It is a good indication of the popularity ( or lack thereof) of these cartridges among modern sports men.

The 460WBY, 577NE and 600NE kill on both ends which is possibly why they are yet to be mentioned.
The 425WR and 458WM aren't bad at all when it comes to recoil, maybe people just have better options in the vault.

 

[Major Khan]

The 460WBY, 577NE and 600NE kill on both ends which is possibly why they are yet to be mentioned.
The 425WR and 458WM aren't bad at all when it comes to recoil, maybe people just have better options in the vault.

That was the beauty of forcing them to only pick 2 choices for the vote , Bee Maa . It helped me to understand what a hunter's first choices would be .
Inadvertently , it also helped us to understand which cartridges are no one's first choice , these days.
I was hoping that some body here might mention a .500/416 Nitro Express double barreled rifle , because l have read a great deal about this calibre and the reports all seem to be positive.

 

[Newboomer]

Fascinating and very fair minded article, Major Khan. When can we expect an article on plains game rifle preferences and on shotguns? Yes, sadly, the Win Silvertip and the Rem Corelokt are relegated to history. There are many modern rounds that are superior ( in some people's minds). Some of us oldtimers who grew up using them have to wonder, though.

 

[Major Khan]

Fascinating and very fair minded article, Major Khan. When can we expect an article on plains game rifle preferences and on shotguns? Yes, sadly, the Win Silvertip and the Rem Corelokt are relegated to history. There are many modern rounds that are superior ( in some people's minds). Some of us oldtimers who grew up using them have to wonder, though.

Thank you very much , Newboomer for enjoying my article. When 1 tries to write about a particular subject , it is imperative that 1 must approach the subject matter with a very open mind.
You will forgive me for the delay . I have been away on a rabbit hunt today ( a highly successful 1 , and l will share some photographs day after tomorrow on this beautiful site ) . While l very much love posting about hunting on this site with all you fine gentlemen , l must admit that l love actual hunting just a tad bit more.
The article on plains game rifle cartridges , l will write tomorrow night.
I am extremely depressed that the Winchester Silvertip soft point cartridge is no longer being manufactured. Nothing crumpled a royal Bengal tiger, like a .375 Holland & Holland magnum Winchester Silvertip 300 grain soft point bullet.
Remington Core Lokt is gone too ?

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Remington Corelokt are still in production. And my choice for cup and core bullets. I like the 180 grain pointed soft points in my 30-06. They have the same point of impact as my Speer hot-core reloads.

 

[edward]

I love your choice , Master Smith . A .375 Holland & Holland magnum calibre Winchester Model 70 is the best perfect bolt rifle , in my view. If you use a good quality expanding bullet and a double lung shot from the broadside position , then l can guarantee your your buffalo.
I wholeheartedly support your dream. I am saving my funds to go to Namibia and shoot a blue Wildebeest and an African lion and getting to try a .416 Remington magnum calibre Winchester Model 70 ( my dream rifle to fire ) before l turn 83.
And by God , l am determined to succeed .

at 81 i wish you all the luck in the world.monkey see monkey do!!!

 

[Major Khan]

at 81 i wish you all the luck in the world.

Thank you , Edward. I will need all the luck l can get.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thank you , Edward. I will need all the luck l can get.

@Major Khan
My dear friend Poton I don't know how I missed this excellent and informative missive. I do sincerely hope you get to Namibia it visits a beautiful place with a great selection of animals.
I do wish you and your fellow country men would resume your writing as you are all greatly missed.
Your humble reader and friend
Bob Nelson.