Wanted to post it in the hunting context and not just from a strictly double rifle SHOOTER point of view. It's getting down to the wire. I have two double rifles, a 470NE and a 500NE, coming this summer to hunt buffalo in late '07 or in '08. What do all you experienced hunters think about which is the better of the two as a DG DR caliber? All topics open; price and availability of ammo, recoil and follow up speed, weight. But I really want hear if there IS a better killer or a more accurate or flatter shooter etc.

Thx, David

The .470 is the most popular and I believe easier to get ammo. The .500 carries more wallop, both in recoil and in energy. I really like the .470, and that's why I own one in a double rifle and I have killed elephant and cape buffalo with it.

If you can shoot it well, the .500 is clearly a better DG stopper. Accuracy, trajectory and ammo price are irrelevant. Ammo for either is not likely to be available in Africa, so don't worry too much about that. Famous elephant hunter Sten Cedegren explains his view of the .500 being the better caliber on Buzz Charlton's elephant hunting video.

Either one is a great choice, so you won't go wrong, no matter your pick. I debated a long time and finally chose the 470 for my double. Ammo availability (over here) was the main consideration. Recoil kind of matters too.

I would suggest you shoot both at 50 yard targets, offhand and with relatively quick follow up reloading/firing again so you get off 4 shots. Whichever shoots the best in that scenario is the one I would take, and no second guessing after that.

This topic seems to be like the 270 VS 30-06 debate....lots of opinions. I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. I have never owened a 500 but believe it to be a fine caliber. The 470 wins in my opinion simply because there are a lot of options out there in terms of brass and bullets...and resale value will no doubt be higher. If none of that matters and you want a big bore double...go with the 500.

I guess I'm looking to hear from those who have hunted with both. One PH I spoke with said that certainly the 470 is outstanding but, unknown to him as to why, the 500 was a better killer. Couldn't really figure how an increase of .035" and 70 grains, translating into 12% more energy, produced such a substantial increase in wallop!

The .500, & I don't even own one, but I've shot both. The .500 is slightly better.

I own and have hunted with both. Ammo is no problem with either as I handload and cost is about the same. I am slightly biased as the .500 NE saved my bacon on the only buffalo charge I have had to deal with. I have shot buffalo and elephant with each caliber. Make no mistake, both calibers hit hard, but the .500NE seems to really shake 'em up to the point that there is noticeable difference. For general carry I tend to like the .470 as the gun is so nicely ballanced and it fits me to a tee. The .500 is almost a pound heavier and that can be a pain at times, but I carry both guns with a 2" canvas sling which I remove when things are about to happen. But if I am after elephant or if I find myself in a situation that could get ugly, it is sure comforting having a couple of big honkin' .510", 570gr. bullets to throw at the problem. As far as recoil is concerned, hell, both guns kick! As has been said ad-nausium, you won't feel the recoil, nor hear the report when shooting at game. I load both with RL 15 and when loaded with this powder, I would estimate the difference between the two is about 10-15%. If you use the slower powders, ie. H-4813, the felt recoil is considerably harsher. This is especially true with the .500NE. I hope this helps some. I have tried to keep my comments as objective as possible.

Geronimo

.......As someone who is edjucateing himself about doubles ,possibly for African animals..I appreciate all the objective comments

Totally objective, Geronimo, much appreciated. Your report echos that of the afore mentioned PH's comments. Similar to this topic, I was speaking with another PH about 375 H&H vs 416 Rigby. Observations were essentially the same. The 375 kills buff and kills 'em good, but the Rigby really whacks 'em!