Which would you choose to go after a well shot but wounded buff in the thick stuff?

Question:
Which caliber to use?

Choices:
375 H&H
416 Rigby
404 Jeffery
458 Lott
500 Jeffery

 

I believe you should have posted this in the Big Bore forum...
Perhaps an Admin can move it for you.

You're right, I'll delete it and put it there lack of sleep lol

I believe that I would use the gun that I had in my hand when I wounded it. I wouldn't stop the hunt to go get another rifle.

Short barrel 458WM w/ iron sights.

Yes, I would vote for moving to Big Bores, too.

If you do move to Big Bores, you could spread the choice definitions a bit.

For example
375 (H&H, Ruger)
375 high energy (RUM, Weatherby)
416-423 (Rem, Ruger, 404, Factory Rigby)
416-423 high energy (Weatherby, handload Rigby)
458 (Win, B&M)
458 high energy (Lott, Rigby, Weatherby)
470 (NE, Capstick)
500-510 (NE, 505, Jeffrey)

I left all of the wildcats off, except one B&M), since owners will know what approximate level is appropriate.

However, I suspect that one of the biggest choices would be style and handling of the rifle. Obviously, most would not get a change between the first shot and follow-up shots, but many would prefer a double 500NE or 577NE if they had practiced with one and had it available.

so for clarification, you might specify that the follow-up rifle would need to be carried all day on the particular hunt. That would make the question practical and avoid less-realistic wishes as answers.

There's no such thing as too big a caliber for a wounded Cape Buff. Use a rifle as big as you can shoot and carry.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
There's no such thing as too big a caliber for a wounded Cape Buff. Use a rifle as big as you can shoot and carry.

Only thing to add is 'accurately'.

quote:

Originally posted by capoward:

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
There's no such thing as too big a caliber for a wounded Cape Buff. Use a rifle as big as you can shoot and carry.

Only thing to add is 'accurately'.

and fast

One of the few hunting situations where a DR makes sense! :-)

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:

quote:

Originally posted by capoward:

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
There's no such thing as too big a caliber for a wounded Cape Buff. Use a rifle as big as you can shoot and carry.

Only thing to add is 'accurately'.

and fast

and reliable!

Couldn't delete this one but created a new one in the big bore section, added a bunch more options sorry for the insomnia post!

none of the choices...

I'd let the PH go in after him.........:-)

I would have suggested a 458 Win Mag vs the Lott, just easier to handle in tight situations. Shorter, lighter, less recoil with adequate stopping power.

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
Couldn't delete this one but created a new one in the big bore section, added a bunch more options sorry for the insomnia post!

You might want to freeze the thread.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
I believe that I would use the gun that I had in my hand when I wounded it. I wouldn't stop the hunt to go get another rifle.

Yes indeed...

Unless your caddy has a bag full.

"what do you recommend Farnsworth?"

quote:

Originally posted by montea6b:

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
I believe that I would use the gun that I had in my hand when I wounded it. I wouldn't stop the hunt to go get another rifle.

Yes indeed...

Unless your caddy has a bag full.

..Or If one was ill prepared-ran out of rounds, like we have seen happen on DG.