repost of the question I asked the African Hunting Forum

I have a just had a decision laid on my desk and thought I'd see if ya'll could give me some guidence

I have a Winchester M70 Classic Safari in .375 H&H. I had my gunsmith take a look at it and we figured that it must have been built at 4.30pm on a Friday before a three-day weekend. Anyways, we now have the action trued up and I need to decide what to do with it.

Right now I have a .300H&H and a .338Winnie. I'm in the process of adding a .270Winnie. Most of my hunting will be N.America, but my dream hunt is Africa. Besides, shouldn't every gentleman (and gentlelady for Ann ) have a heavy rifle?

What would ya'll suggest I do with my action? I love the traditional calibers, but am open to something more practical and better suited to my needs. While I like the idea of a .375, I'm not sure I need one with my .338. Perhaps I should jump to the 400's. And if so, what caliber? My gunsmith has a .375 H&H barrel at his shop and my dad has a.416 Taylor barrel at home. Do I choose the .416Rem Mag or go all the way up to a .458 Lott?

I know my gunsmith will do a great job (see some of his handiwork here: http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=38;t=001037#000008 ), now I just need a caliber. What do you all think?

And thanks in advance for the replies.

JLHeard

I would pick the caliber I comfortably can shoot and handle well. I have tried lots of big bores and my own limit is the 450 rigby rimless. I would much rather pick a 404 or 416, they should do just fine.

The 416 rem wouldn't be a bad choice for you action. Try to test shoot a few rifles.

/ JOHAN

JLHeard

I think I know somebody in your area who would give you some 416 rem components.

ShayneC

I don't know anything about the people at this site www.african-hunter.com but their are some interesting articles on picking a rifle for dangerous game. These articles were written from the PH/Guide point of view. What works and what doesn't to save your client. Anyway, the guy that wrote the article I am referring to did not have a very high opinion of the 416 Rem. You might give the articles a read and decide for yourself. Sean

Don't play around with the little bores, hog that fellar out to a 450 Ackley - extremely versatile caliber / cartridge, shoots great with cast lead or jacketed, tolerates lighter loads with ease - KMule

Thanks to all who replied! After reading your thoughts and some searching the website, I've decided to put together a .416 Rem. While it doesn't have the nostagia of a .375, it makes much more sense considering my current battery. I also liked the ability to find factory ammo. Plus my dad is planning a .416 Taylor so we'll be able to use the same bullets (which will save money) And I still have my .300, so I wont be without a H&H

Thanks again!

And Shayne, my dad may be contacting you before too long

JL
Do not listen to these small bore wimps.
Go with the 458 Lott. You can load it down from 45/70 power to the full power thumper.

Really, the 400's/416's are fine cartridges. I have a 450/400 3 1/4" and I really like it.... But it ain't no 458.
As a buddy of mine once said... If you are going to be a BEAR be a GRIZZLY.