The Accurate Reloading Forums
If you were getting n absolutley top end wood custom gun what calibre would you get.
10 October 2018, 02:49
Mike McGuireIf you were getting n absolutley top end wood custom gun what calibre would you get.
Real top end stuff whether wood guns from Echols or Miller or Euro or whatever.
I am fairly sure my choice would be the 375 H&H but the 300 H&H would be nipping at the 375's heels and maybe it might be my choice. Bit of a toss up for me with those two.
what about your choice of calibre.
10 October 2018, 06:25
Eagle DadI already made the choice. I had a 404 Jeffrey built
10 October 2018, 06:58
Gale Johnsonthree seven five
10 October 2018, 07:42
waterrat358 Norma Magnum,,
I tend to use more than enough gun
10 October 2018, 07:52
NakihunterThis is only a wish list so no holds barred.
404 Jeffery
375 H&H
300 H&H
Tart up my 6.5X54MS with a new barrel and a new stock
On the other hand, I might as well keep going with a second option
450NE
375 Flanged H&H Mag
300 Flanged H&H Mag
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
10 October 2018, 09:06
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by Nakihunter:
This is only a wish list so no holds barred.
404 Jeffery
375 H&H
300 H&H
Tart up my 6.5X54MS with a new barrel and a new stock
On the other hand, I might as well keep going with a second option
450NE
375 Flanged H&H Mag
300 Flanged H&H Mag
It's a one calibre choice or could be an either or as like myself, a toss up between 300 H&H and 375H&H.
10 October 2018, 09:08
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by waterrat:
358 Norma Magnum,,
A unusual choice for a once in life build gun but certainly a top calibre.
10 October 2018, 09:23
Ray BSo the designated use of the rifle is what?
10 October 2018, 09:43
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by Ray B:
So the designated use of the rifle is what?
Nothing specific. It's your one absolute top end rifle (bolt action).
10 October 2018, 09:51
Cougarzquote:
Originally posted by Ray B:
So the designated use of the rifle is what?
I would assume that's up to you.
Since this is the bigbore forum I would say a .375 H&H to get maximum use out of a no holds barred custom rifle.
If smaller calibers were included I might choose a .338 WM based on my current interests. Since I bought my first one a few years back I'm beginning to appreciate its virtues.
Roger
___________________________
I'm a trophy hunter - until something better comes along.
*we band of 45-70ers*
10 October 2018, 11:12
BenKKG’day Mike, I was in that situation and commissioned a custom Mauser .300H&H from Tony Small (who is now retired). It is a work of art and a real killer.
10 October 2018, 11:14
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by Cougarz:
quote:
Originally posted by Ray B:
So the designated use of the rifle is what?
I would assume that's up to you.
Since this is the bigbore forum I would say a .375 H&H to get maximum use out of a no holds barred custom rifle.
If smaller calibers were included I might choose a .338 WM based on my current interests. Since I bought my first one a few years back I'm beginning to appreciate its virtues.
Doesn't need to be a big bore even though this is Big Bore forum. I think it is fair to say that at least 99.99999% of the people the Big Bore forum do at some time have something to do with a rifle smaller than 375

10 October 2018, 11:16
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by BenKK:
G’day Mike, I was in that situation and commissioned a custom Mauser .300H&H from Tony Small (who is now retired). It is a work of art and a real killer.
I think that bloke who was editor of Gun Digest, John T Amber (I think from memory that was his name) got a 300 H&H and from H&H and it had aperture sights.
10 October 2018, 12:19
sambarman338It would depend on what you wanted it for. One of the most memorable stocks I can think of is Elmer Keith's old 333 OKH with its distinct tiger stripes. That may not be any formidable calibre and the stock could even just be maple for all I know - but it works for me.
Really high-grade wood tends to be heavy, so a hard kicker could make sense. Care might be needed that the fiddle-back (or other fancy stuff) leads to a straighter grain through the pistol hand, to make sure it has strength enough to take the strain.
10 October 2018, 17:55
surefire7quote:
Originally posted by Eagle Dad:
I already made the choice. I had a 404 Jeffrey built
+1. Dakota rifle (Safari) in 404 Jeffery. 8.5 lbs.
Having said that, the nicest wood on any rifle I own, is a Dakota Classic in 338 WM.
10 October 2018, 19:06
eddiel4You posted this under "Big Bores" however if I were having such a high end rifle built I would probably choose a cartridge that would apply to North American game since I would never want to see it travel in enough planes to get to remote sites in Africa. In fact, if I really were to use it and it was a true top notch rifle I'd probably avoid any flying with it what-so-ever and restrict it to "fair weather" hunts I could drive to. So my pick would be either a 7X57 or 270. But you know the old saying "he who pays the bills picks the ride". Good luck...
Edward Lundberg
10 October 2018, 20:43
wildmansix404 Jeff
9.3x62
10 October 2018, 21:22
Biebs300 Win Mag or 300 Wby would probably provide the most hunt opportunities.
10 October 2018, 23:09
458WinSo does the 30-06
Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor
www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com 10 October 2018, 23:12
boom stickThinking of a gun I would pass down to future generations and be able to use when I am and as old as dirt...
Bolt
350 Rigby
375 HH
400 Whelen
10.75x68
404
Single shot
375 Flanged NE
405 Win
450/400 NE
450 NE
45-70/45-90
577 NE/BPE
12 gauge.
10 October 2018, 23:30
AnotherAZWriterMy response is either a .458 Lott or a .223 Rem. Why? I much prefer synthetic stocks on my hunting rifles except when I know the ranges will be moderate, the climate dry, or the consequences of missing are not a big deal. DG in Africa fits the first two, and varmint/predator hunting fit the last two.
If I was doing a Ruger No 1 it would definitely be a varmint caliber.
11 October 2018, 00:08
Mike McGuirequote:
Originally posted by boom stick:
Thinking of a gun I would pass down to future generations and be able to use when I am and as old as dirt...
Bolt
350 Rigby
375 HH
400 Whelen
10.75x68
404
Single shot
375 Flanged NE
405 Win
450/400 NE
450 NE
45-70/45-90
577 NE/BPE
12 gauge.
Banger Stick
You to pick one or an "either one of these two" and so on.
I put this on Big Bores because you blokes will also be into about anything that goes bang
I was interested to what calibre people would pick for a one in a life time top end wood gun.
11 October 2018, 00:58
GBEIn a bolt gun, 9,3x70 DWM - not quite a big bore but close enough for country dancing
Formerly Gun Barrel Ecologist
11 October 2018, 02:07
AtkinsonMy all time favorite caliber is the 30-06 and I would hunt any animal with it as long as I had the proper bullets for the job at hand..
As a matter of fact I just built myself a custom rifle, the first Ive built for myself,or at least that's the plan..It is a beautiful 7x57 and ready to go..
My 30-06 is a highly worn mod 70 pre 64 fwt, not much blue, wood is worn and the checkering is almost worn off from a saddle scabbard wear and it shoots pin hole groups..
As to a big bore for cape Buffalo, Rhino, Hippo and Elephant I used a 404 or 416 Rem. mostly and liked both very much, but they just options, the 375 H&H and 9.3x62 would work fine, and would make lovely custom rifles..
The question is a wonderful "can of worms" to open up from time to time, and been wonderful conversation over many a campfire.
Pick any caliber then pick a fancy piece of wood. More important is knowing how to pick a piece of wood, marble cake isn't all their is to it...lay out of grain is first and foremost, properly cured and dried is vastly important. IMO marble cake is a minus in good wood, but most prefer it to all else..
Ray Atkinson
Atkinson Hunting Adventures
10 Ward Lane,
Filer, Idaho, 83328
208-731-4120
rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com
11 October 2018, 02:26
crsheltonAlready done that with exhibition grade wood, one by Brian Dudley.
.405 WCF DR with full kit.
.45-70 scoped DR with kit evolving.
All my other center fire rifle needs are met by bolts and levers.
NRA Life Benefactor Member,
DRSS, DWWC, Whittington
Center,Android Reloading
Ballistics App at
http://www.xplat.net/ 11 October 2018, 03:19
boom stickquote:
Originally posted by Mike McGuire:
quote:
Originally posted by boom stick:
Thinking of a gun I would pass down to future generations and be able to use when I am and as old as dirt...
Bolt
350 Rigby
375 HH
400 Whelen
10.75x68
404
Single shot
375 Flanged NE
405 Win
450/400 NE
450 NE
45-70/45-90
577 NE/BPE
12 gauge.
Banger Stick
You to pick one or an "either one of these two" and so on.
I put this on Big Bores because you blokes will also be into about anything that goes bang
I was interested to what calibre people would pick for a one in a life time top end wood gun.
Once in a lifetime?
How about a 461 Gibbs single shot like Selous used? Use a 458 barrel though for obvious reasons.
Or perhaps Dr Livingstones 10 bore rifle? Arghhhh!!!
11 October 2018, 03:26
JeffreyPhDquote:
Originally posted by Mike McGuire:
Real top end stuff whether wood guns from Echols or Miller or Euro or whatever.
I am fairly sure my choice would be the 375 H&H but the 300 H&H would be nipping at the 375's heels and maybe it might be my choice. Bit of a toss up for me with those two.
what about your choice of calibre.
One of these, or the 7x57.
11 October 2018, 03:51
NakihunterOk mate - Big bore bolt rifle - just one -
404 Jeffery. 9 lbs scoped or 8.3 lbs with ghost ring peep on the back of the bolt (like Rigby's)
quote:
Originally posted by Mike McGuire:
quote:
Originally posted by Nakihunter:
This is only a wish list so no holds barred.
404 Jeffery
375 H&H
300 H&H
Tart up my 6.5X54MS with a new barrel and a new stock
On the other hand, I might as well keep going with a second option
450NE
375 Flanged H&H Mag
300 Flanged H&H Mag
It's a one calibre choice or could be an either or as like myself, a toss up between 300 H&H and 375H&H.
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."
11 October 2018, 06:32
Marty404 would be classy. 416 Rigby classic.
11 October 2018, 10:21
Ray BSo with so many saying a 404 would be on their list of great rifles, how come Nosler, Speer and Sierra don't make bullets in .423"?
11 October 2018, 12:15
buckeyeshooterIf it was a bolt gun, I sold my 375 H+H, so I need another. I want a 350 Remington Magnum in a lightweight short barrel.
If we are talking any gun, I need another Turnbull 1886, I want this one in 450 Alaskan to go with my 50 alaskan and 50-110.
11 October 2018, 16:42
xausaI already have the rifle, and it wasn't built for me, but I fell in love with it when I first laid eyes on it. It is a .416 Rigby on an Oberndorf Magnum Mauser action by Dennis Erhardt of Helena, Montana:
11 October 2018, 18:59
surefire7quote:
Originally posted by xausa:
I already have the rifle, and it wasn't built for me, but I fell in love with it when I first laid eyes on it. It is a .416 Rigby on an Oberndorf Magnum Mauser action by Dennis Erhardt of Helena, Montana:
Beautiful rifle xausa!
It’s a great feeling when one falls in love at first sight. Seems to happen with rifles, cars and that one woman.
I have my rifle and wife. I’m too old to buy that muscle car I fell in love with in high school. Soooo, I guess that means another rifle to make up for the car!

12 October 2018, 21:04
Mike ScottA new Holland and Holland Paradox rifle.
13 October 2018, 00:36
crfBeautiful rifle Xausa. I might choose a GMA mauser with Kriger barrel in 338RUM but thats just me.
crf
13 October 2018, 03:22
chuck375Not mine but this would be near the top of my list, a Hartmann and Weiss Mauser in 505 Gibbs ...
Regards,
Chuck
"There's a saying in prize fighting, everyone's got a plan until they get hit"
Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness"
13 October 2018, 04:13
GrenadierI think your toss-up of 300 H&H and 375 H&H is great. Between those I would choose the 300 just for it's overall utility. Also, I am a not a fan of heavy 375s. I believe the best are built on the mauser size most would choose for a 300. It seems like more and more are being built on larger actions with big bellies. I feel those are more suitable for a 400 or heavier. Just my preferences.
I also suggest the consideration of .338/340 as a cartridge mid-way between 300 H&H and 375 H&H.
.
13 October 2018, 04:18
RIPJust to lilly the gilding, WR would build one of their take-down .425 WR rifles for me, with all the "best quality" features. It was the first "short magnum." The one that Selous favored must have been a "best quality" one with the spring-loaded magazine side clips:
https://www.theexplora.com/a-c...tion-big-game-rifle/With pinky finger fully erect, I would shoot that one enough to make sure it was accurate, then clean it and put it in the safe.
As soon as I could fully flex my pinky finger, I would go hunting with a synthetic-stocked .458 WIN, the greatest "short magnum" ever.

Rip ...
13 October 2018, 05:00
boom stickAaaarrrrrhhhhh!!!!
I'm blinded by the Panache

That is a sexy bitch of a rifle.
I'll call that one Margot Robbie.
13 October 2018, 05:17
Crazyhorseconsulting.375-.404 Jefferey-Saeed.
Even the rocks don't last forever.