Guys help me get this out of my head.

I have a M17 action at the gunsmiths, as I type this, getting cleaned up (ears ground off, new trigger that sort of thing). Now I was going to go the 9.3x62 way as I like mauser calibres (I have a 6.5,7 and 8mm mauser)and it has a good following on this site but I can't get the thought of a big bore out of my mind, I don't want to spend the money on a 9.3 barrel then wish I went bigger. I'll never get to Africa (unless I win lotto) so the biggest things I'll get to shoot would be a scrub bull/water buff here in Australia, I don't like belts much and want something a bit different. What would you guys go for? what calibre? what are some for and against's for the calibre you would choose?

Bakes

Bakes why not a .416 Taylor, I have a .416 cal rifle and they offer a great combination of frontal area and flat shooting. You can load down to 300 grain projectiles and right up to the new 450 grain woodleigh's if you like. And there more of a medium Bore. Not big to the extreme if you know what I mean.

Bakes,
If beltless: 416 Rigby or 375 RUM.

If belted: 458 Lott.

These have real authority.

But if you don't have a 375 H&H, get one! Everybody needs a pair of black shoes to go with any ensemble.

A 1917 Enfield can be a great action to build a big bore on. Assuming you have a smith who knows how these things really work. Pricey! Think about the .416 Rigby or even a 470 MBOGO. I posted a picture of the 470 MBOGO I just finished on a much modified 1917. This is an awesome cartridge delivering over 2500 fps with a .475, 500gr bullet. Just the ticket for NT Buff.-Rob

Why waste a big action like that on a wimp cartridge, Go for it and build a 500 Jeffery, 505 Gibbs or something like that, you know, something you really need..

Bakes,
How thoughtless of me! Of course a 404 Jeffery will fill the bill perfectly for your beltless preference. Just don't load it as hot as Ray does. Why run when you can walk down the hill and visit every heifer in the herd?

I just got my hand on a P14 reciver that will house some 500 Jeffery cases. Since I didn't kill myself with my 358 Norma project, I'm ready to take the next step .

Bakes, I agree with DaggaRon and Ray. Build a BIG BORE. A 404 Jeffery is as small as I would go on that action, a great cartridge for sure, but why not build a 500Jeffery or a 505 Gibbs. PS I would load the 500/505 to 500 Nitro specs, a 570 at 2150fps. This would be a real thumper.

I'v been shooting 9,3x62 and when I wanted to take a step up i choose a CZ in 416Rigby. If I build a rifle like you are I could aswell have shosen the 404 Jeffrey. You might have more bullet choise with the 416.

As PC says you can choose bullets in the range from 300grain up to 450grain! (I will try the 450grainer sometime.)

The 300 grain bullet you can load so it maches the 375 H&H if you wish and with the 400 grain you are not far away from a 458win i power.

If you like hard kicking rifles go bigger than 45cal

Gents you've given me some good options.
I like the sound of the .416 Rigby and .404 Jeffery. I looked them up in Nick Harvey's reloading book and they're both impressive. Availability of brass in Australia would be a factor in my final choice. I think I'll play it safe and go the whimps way The 500's and up don't sort of grab me!(I'd be to scared to fire one, truth be told!)
Thank you all for your help, I think I have the 9.3 thought purged from my mind.

Bakes

Bakes,

.416 Rigby Brass is available at either Bertram's in Seymour or Norma Brass from rebel gun works or Horsley Park Gun Shop in Sydney.

Bertram Brass is alright if you do not hot rod the Rigby.

I love my 9.3x62. But that action cries for something bigger.

Don�t waste it for anything under .416 Rigby...

Hermann

Since I just finished a 1917 Enfield, You realize that to convert one to a .416 Rigby you will need to use a P-14 bolt. Otherwise, I don't think there is enough metal left on the 1917 Bolt to control the cartridge when it's opened to .590. You will also need a new Magazine box ( easy to fabricate and the action rails and action bottom must be machined out for the new magazine. Luckily for the Enfield in .416 rigby you don't need to do too much more than reshape the feed ramp. If you want to go to 505 Gibbs you are entering a totally different world with this action. It gets real real complicated in a hurry. It will work, but it will also cost you! By the way converting it to cock on open with a Dayton Traister kit is the way to go! Good Luck-Rob

Thanks for the info Rob, I had no idea it was that involved, I'm VERY new to this custom/big bore caper, but having fun anyway! I'll have a chat to my gunsmith.

Bakes

Jump in with both feet Bakes. Those Enfield actions are just perfect for the big stuff. I did my first one in 375 Weatherby, the next in 458, then 450 Ackley, and I have two on the go right now. Still thinking about what these are going to be (action prep comes first). I've seen photo's of Rob's stuff, "he knows of what he speaks". Take care - Dan

Why in the world would one waste a Enfield action on a 404 Jefferys, that is my favorite caliber but If I was going to build a 404 then I would use a standard mod. 98 action, or M-70 Win., after all the 404 is shorter than a 375 or 416!!!!

The Enfield cries out for something big and mean, starting with the 416 Rigby and going up from there...My choice has been the 505 Gibbs in the past....

Dagga,
I did drop the load on my 404, because the 404 I now have is a short of 7 lbs rifle, and the big IMR-4831 load was causing my lips to flutter for 30 minutes after a session at the range. They normally fluttered for about 30 minutes after I got my thumb out of my nose and my knuckle out of my eye....so I have it shooting at 2200 FPS, just a bit over the original load that made its fame..now it just knocks the pudden out of me, with a short 3 minute lip flutter.

Bakes
In as much as you say that you "unfortunately" will never be able to get to Africa, you realy should think about the 416Rigby. Its a great all around choice and if you ever do get lucky and find yourself in Africa, I am sure that Ray would let you tag along with your great 416 Rigby!
Vince