I realize there have been other questions similar to this in the past, but I am curious what some answers would be. The reason I ask, is because a bit over a month ago I was over to Dennis Olson's shop and asked if he thought a 404 would make a good first big bore rifle for someone who had never had anything larger than a 375 H&H? He grinned a bit, unusual for him usually, and said "Oh you mean a medium bore!"



Now I realize Dennis loves big bore rifles and from what I have observed in his shop bigger is better, so maybe he really thinks that but maybe he was also having a bit of fun with me for giving him of the wall projects!!



My first question is, do you consider a 404 a big bore? Further, does caliber size, case size, ballistics, or something else make the best yardstick by which to judge what is and what isn't a "Big Bore"?



Finally what would make a good first big bore rifle with the thought it will probably only ever be used to shoot paper buffalos, lions, tigers, and whatever? Would a 404 qualify for this? I might add, I am a hopeless nostalgic sort of person if one caliber or other fits that title better than others.



Many thanks for your answers.

I think in general for most people it starts at 375 bore size. That is when rifles and components/ammo start becoming more expensive and shooters start to cease worrying about ballistic coefficients etc.

But I think a true big bore probably starts at 45 calibre.

For a rifle that will be a "big bore plinker and toy" I think the best combination of practicality and some connection with nostalgia would be a CZ in 416 Rigby rebarreled to 450 Rigby.

Easy to do the rifle.
Just neck up Norma 416 cases so brass is not an issue.
All those good 45 calibre bullets including bullet moulds and gas checks.
Will give you all the power and recoil you can handle at 30/30 pressures.

Mike

let's frame this in a DATE

today, anything over .375 that can throw an SD bullet of at or over .300, at or over 2200 fps SHOULD be considered a big bore. since muzzle energy would be a function of this practical framework, i don't think it matters.

50 years ago, i would agree that a .458 is the minimum, mathcing the above.. smaller would be a medium

110 years ago, a 577 was considered to be a heavy medium (like a 338 win or a 358 norma today) due to power and bullets

i feel the following, sd and velocity as above
.366 to .450 .. heavy medium
.451 to .508 -- big bore
.509 to .585 -- heavy ( to 577)
anything bigger or faster on the 577 is a super big bore

jeffe

With the stipulation of modern high powered centrefire catridges I liken bigbore to African Dangeorus Game since they are the big animals.



Obviously for handguns, black powder, undepowered wildcats and even lever guns-the term will be different.



Relating the above, the average member of the community is more easily swayed by an argument for the 375 H&H and up- however the remaining 9.3's are granted a special dispensation if enquired about.



Karl.

I think the traditional definition of a "heavy" was a minimum of a .458 diameter bullet of at least 500grs and up with a starting minimum velocity of 2000fps.



Most regard the .375's and various .400's as medium bore rifles. Although they are certianly capable of killing any game on the planet with good bullets.



I think that the "big bore" title starts at .458 myself.

hmmmm, I think 750 grains .510 cal at 2800 fps would qualify as BIG bore


50bmg