Logically, there's always one bomb that's more powerful than the other. The only question is whether it's necessary.
And I need to be able to handle it.
Arinos experiences with the .458 are based on his Sudan time.
Guys, that was 50 years ago, when Winchester loaded the wrong powder in a certain amount of time. Yesterday's water.
I know one of the former managing directors of Wankie/Hangwe.
He told me "we shot many thousands of elephants in the various parks in Zimbabwe during my 25 years in office.
All with .375 H+H and .458 win Mag.with PMP ammunition from South Africa.
There was nothing else to get for us.
My people were successful and satisfied."
Another friend, Outfitter and PH in Dete/Zimbabwe has regular shoot out on the elephant skull with the 500gr Sledgehammer bullet with 458 Win.Mag.
In the elephant countries Zimbabwe and Zambia, where I have my contacts, the simple everyday life for the native DG- hunter looks completely different.Most of them I know have the .458 and the .458 Lot
And be honest, no African native hunter shoots the 500 Jeffrey in (real-) Africa.
Only rich tourists.
Foxi
That is so but please do not forget that as stated "There was nothing else to get for us." in other words they had no choice but to use what they had. This includes Richard Harland who I personally know. In his book "Ndlovu" he also does not recommend the 458 WM although he used it for many years culling elephants.
Lets not forget that these people are professionals and have shot thousands of animals not only hunting but during control/culling work. They all know from many years of experience exactly where to shoot an elephant.
We cannot compare them and their results with a first time DG hunter who can only refer to books as to where to place the shot.
Richard Harland used his 458 WM for control work as it was the departemental issue rifle of the time. He however prefered and speaks highly of his 505 loaded with 600 grain solids when guiding clients on elephant.
I am not a rich tourist, I am an African hunter and foot safari guide, I use the 500 Jeff as my backup rifle and have done so for many years. My mentor used one and the devastating results from this rifle has no equal in the game of stopping charging DG in any situation as long as the shooter does his part.
Am I recommending either the 500 Jeff or the 505 Gibbs for a client? Certainly not. However I would most certainly not recommend the 458 WM foe a client for either buffalo or elephant. There are much better performing cartridges including the 375 H&H, 458 Lott, 450 Rigby 404 Jeff, 416 Rigby and all of the NE cartridges(for the rich ones) so why on earth would a client want to use a marginal caliber with known issues when he can choose one with a proven track record?