I have always owned at least one .375H&H, and recently took one as my only gun on my first African hunt (PG and buffalo). It performed predictably well. Before the hunt I had intended to also bring a .416 Rigby for the buffalo, but had problems with the gun and wound up selling it.

I'm now thinking that just maybe I will manage a return trip, and just maybe it would be for a tuskless elephant. If it happens I would like to move back up to another .416 or perhaps a .458. What's the concensus on this...would you experienced gents go with the .416 for added versatility, or is it just too similar to the .375? I'm thinking a .416 would function well as a one-gun battery in case some PG were also on the menu. Or would it make more sense to go right up to the .458 and bring a smaller gun as well? And how about the Win Mag versus the Lott? I've fired a couple of .458WM's and am confident that I could become proficient. Is the Lott tremendously more difficult to shoot? And is it worth it?

And yes, I know that the .375 would suffice. But if all I wanted to do was shoot something, then hunting deer behind the barn would also suffice. I can't afford everything that I want, but I certainly want everything that I can afford.

I started with a 458 then later got a 375. If buying now and stepping up, it would be a 458 lott or 470 capstick.

The .458 has a better selection of available bullets for the handloader. If I was going to get back into a .458, I think I would go with one of Michael458s .458 B&M numbers. He designed them for good performance in short barreled rifles. They make for a great looking and I'm sure 'handling' rifle for dangerous game.
And them you'd have something a little different then everyone else!

jwm

If you are taking your 375....

Then there is nothing wrong with taking a 416...

However, if you can take the recoil then there is nothing wrong with taking a 458 Win Mag [or a 458 Lott, if you can take the recoil of the Lott.]

Personally, I'd go with the Lott. And I own both a 375H&H and a 416 Rigby.

The Lott can be downloaded to 458 WM or even down to 416 Rigby. Components for the Lott are readily available and numerous, especially bullets, and generally less expensive than 416 Rigby, particularly brass.

The Lott offers lots of versatility for a handloader. If you're shooting factory loads, pick the one you like in the rifle you like.

My next big gun will most likely be a 470AR. Actually would have already had it except for the construction industry being in the crapper.

David Walker

Hard to disagree with a 458 Lott, if you get one make sure it is heavy enough. Assuming your primarily getting it for elephant and perhaps buffalo, the amount you're carrying it won't be all that much. My 500 Jeffery weighs 11.25 lbs without scope, 12 lbs with. It's a bit heavy to carry but real nice in terms of balance and recoil to shoot. I haven't taken it cape buffalo or brown bear hunting yet, but I took it elk hunting at 11,000 ft plus elevation this fall. The rifle's weight wasn't a problem, mine was to start, but I burned ten lbs off... lol




Regards,

Chuck

the next step is the 458 lott .. in MY opinion, it should be the first big bore .. if you are a reloader .. rem 405s at 2100fps are EASY to shoot, and you can run them as fast as you like .. just remember, past 2000fps impact, they just detonate, like BTs

cheap bullets, fairly large case, easy access, cheap dies, long use cases .. the 458 lott is the perfect first step big bore.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
the next step is the 458 lott .. in MY opinion, it should be the first big bore .. if you are a reloader .. rem 405s at 2100fps are EASY to shoot, and you can run them as fast as you like .. just remember, past 2000fps impact, they just detonate, like BTs

cheap bullets, fairly large case, easy access, cheap dies, long use cases .. the 458 lott is the perfect first step big bore.

Yea, but Jeff it is soooooo BORING!

CZ in 450 Rigby? Wayne can turn it into a thing of beauty and 100% dependability with a Stage II jobbie.

Rich