In DSC's monthly "Camp Talk" publication there has been a Dakota Arms ad on the back inside cover the last few months. In the ad the Dakota model 76 is offered in calibers from 243 to 375 H&H and now the new 400 H&H. Their best model, the Dakota 97 "PH" is chambered in 375 H&H, 404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby and the 400 H&H. The 97 being designed with the PH in mind, why are there no "45" stopper calibers offered like 458 win mag and 458 lott? They seem to be pushing the 400 H&H.

They do make bigger.

They have the .450 Dakota that is a 416 Rigby blown out to .458.

The difference is the longer length cases require a larger action and are more expensive.

Also, the 97 is the cheaper action and the PH models are cheaper, no frills versions, so they probably don't have big bored versions of the less expensive gun.

If you look at the website or call them, I think they will make any nonproprietary cartridge gun you want, if you are willing to pay for it...

I have a 76 in 450 Rigby. Great gun. Last time I looked it was not outrageous to have a 'custom' caliber as they call it made. The price for this is listed in their on line catalogue if I recall it was around $200. I had some stock work done and they were super good to deal with, turned it around in less than two weeks.

Both my 375/404 rifles are built on the Dakota 76 action.

Between them, they have accounted for several hundred game animals, from klipspringers to elephants.

Everyone absolutely loves them.

I set the triggers at a crisp 2 pounds, which make shooting off the stick more enjoyable.