In terms of shootability?
In terms of killing power?
In terms of versatility?

I say if you take everything into consideration, I would say the 450/400 3".

You will shoot alot of other game and practice with the 450/400 alot more because it is fun to shoot.

It will handle elephant, and Rhino (although on the light side--and if you can afford rhino--I know I can't) and will be wonderful for lion (although Leo story was the exception), buffalo and Leopard.

You will also find yourself taking it on other hunts like for pigs (boars), and stag, just to use it. It is a fun double! If I could have just one, or ever get down to just one--it will be a 450/400. Enjoy your quest!

I absolutely agree with 505ED. I own a .470 Nitro Express but I must confess that I am not that good with it. It may be the double rifle thing that's throwing me off a bit on accuracy. I also own a Ruger #1 in 450/400 and it is easier to shoot than my model 70 Winchester in .375 H&H msgnum. I reload the 450/400 to 2150 fps with 400 grain bullets and it has become my "fun gun". I have begun taking it every where with me and I believe one could actually use it for elephant without any problems. I'm quite accurate with this rifle and I believe it is due to the mild recoil. Also, it is not a double rifle. I think everyone should own one of these as it is a great caliber/cartridge for everything.

Thanks,

jfm

As much as I love the 577, I believe the 500 NE is the best combination of carry-ability (?) and power in a DR, which to me is a stopping and close range weapon. For those who wish to shoot their Impala and Kudu at 300 yards with a scoped DR, another caliber is in order :-)

quote:

Originally posted by CZ:
In terms of shootability?
In terms of killing power?
In terms of versatility?

Taking your questions in order that you asked, I would say that for shoot ability, it will completely depend upon the shooter as to which is the most shootable. Some of us can handle a 600 Nitro (but damned few) and others are over gunned with a 450/400. Many things come into play here that influence shootability. Including gun fit, weight and sights.

As far as killing power, the bigger the more power the rifle has. I have found the 465 and 470 Nitro calibers more than adequate for elephant and buffalo follow ups. They have plenty of stopping power, while being light enough for all day carry by most hunters.

Big bore doubles are not versatile cartridges. They are designed for a specific need of shooting big dangerous animals at very close range. I don't consider the double rifle necessary for any game except elephant and following wounded buffalo. For most other game a bolt rifle and smaller calibers are probably a better choice.

465H&H

450 NE. I have used my Searcy on three safaris and think it is a great round for the hunter. The PH might be happier with a 500, for his role on safari.

I agree with 505ED. If you are going to buy one double and use if for everything, you just can't beat the 450/400. However, in the golden days of African hunting most hunters had two doubles, a medium bore and a large bore. If I had to pick one of each, I would say the .375 flanged as the medium bore but in a large bore, Biebs is right. The 500 NE is the best combination of portability and stopping power.

Since you asked what is best for me and if I had to choose just one double in one caliber for all of the Big 5, my answer is:

The 600 Nitro Express.

Accurate at any range I care to shoot any of the Big 5 plus hippo;

Versatile enough for all 6 of those species - softs, non-cons and solids;

and

Plenty of killing power.

I'm a Huge fan of the 450-400 and like the others here, feel its a fine choice especially if PG were on the list as well (and assuming we are still limited to a single DR);

But

If PG is NOT on the menu and we are only going for the Big Five (+ hippo) then I would prefer something bigger. At least a 500 but for me, it would be my 600NE.

So much depends on the bullets and velocities for your questions.
450 NE because of the bullets available.

600NE for leopard? Huh...

550 flanged --

450 ne2

I love my 450-400 3"! I also love my 470 NE. But, the 450-400 is more versatile and easier to shoot and handle for me than the 470. I'm waiting on my 375 H&H Flanged from Butch and so I can't comment on that quite yet.

quote:

Originally posted by CZ:
In terms of shootability?What can you comfortly handel?
In terms of killing power?All of the big 5? or cats?
In terms of versatility?Bullet weight and vel are pretty well set on a DR

Keith

The 450-400 is hard to beat. I have a friend who has been in the double rifle game for over 25 years. He thinks that any caliber over .400 starts getting painful after a few shots. If you want a caliber that can do it all and one you will enjoy shooting, the 450-400 is the logical choice.

CHeers,

Matt

For me the .577 Nitro is THE dr caliber. I have a magnum Mauser in .416Rigby already to cover the .400cal space. For me the doublerifle is a close-up gun for 50 yards or less.

Paul beat me to this topic but my choice, too, would be the .600 nitro. Not that it is needed but it is such a thrilling caliber to shoot, the rifles are a wonder to behold, and not every other shooter has one.

I received an email this am about Tanzania this coming summer. "Bring your .600 for buffalo and hippo and a .375 for cats." Sorry, but it will be just the big six. In a hide over a rest it is deadly accurate on leopard and would suffice for lion.

I think CCM and I need to take our beloved .600s and share a safari camp sometime.
Cheers,
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by Antlers:
600NE for leopard? Huh...

Sure, why not? You mean it's not big enough?

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Paul beat me to this topic but my choice, too, would be the .600 nitro. Not that it is needed but it is such a thrilling caliber to shoot, the rifles are a wonder to behold, and not every other shooter has one.

I received an email this am about Tanzania this coming summer. "Bring your .600 for buffalo and hippo and a .375 for cats." Sorry, but it will be just the big six. In a hide over a rest it is deadly accurate on leopard and would suffice for lion.

I think CCM and I need to take our beloved .600s and share a safari camp sometime.
Cheers,
Cal

Sounds good to me, Cal!

quote:

Sounds good to me, Cal!

That would be some hunt! You'd need to charter another aircraft just to get the ammo to camp :-)

Doc and Cal,

PM me and I will send you the name of a good chiropractor whom you will need after lugging those oberweight 600's around for a few days.




465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by 465H&H:
Doc and Cal,

PM me and I will send you the name of a good chiropractor whom you will need after lugging those oberweight 600's around for a few days.




465H&H

I'd prefer a Swedish masseuse - but would probably need that chiropractor after my wife finished with me ...

I agree with the choice of the 450/400 3" NE. They are a delight to shoot and to carry, and I own a Searcy and a V-C in this caliber and love them both. I know a lot of folks out there espouse the virtues of the larger doubles, and their arguements have merit. I have also heard of some folks talking about letting a tracker carry their heavier double eg a .577 or .600NE until the rifle is needed by the client for the shot. This is where my mindset is radically different. I would not let anyone carry my double rifle in Africa or any place else where the game might bite back - period! The .450/400 is light enough for most of us to carry all day, and the recoil is light enough to where developing a flinch is unlikely.
IMHO.

Go ahead Biebs and Doc - tell me it's a ladies rifle - I can take it!

If it is too heavy for you to carry, then you need to carry something else. The only time a tracker should be carrying your rifle is if you are taking two rifles (e.g., a scoped rifle and a double) on a stalk.

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:
I agree with the choice of the 450/400 3" NE. They are a delight to shoot and to carry, and I own a Searcy and a V-C in this caliber and love them both. I know a lot of folks out there espouse the virtues of the larger doubles, and their arguements have merit. I have also heard of some folks talking about letting a tracker carry their heavier double eg a .577 or .600NE until the rifle is needed by the client for the shot. This is where my mindset is radically different. I would not let anyone carry my double rifle in Africa or any place else where the game might bite back - period! The .450/400 is light enough for most of us to carry all day, and the recoil is light enough to where developing a flinch is unlikely.
IMHO.

Go ahead Biebs and Doc - tell me it's a ladies rifle - I can take it!

Well to be honest, I am planning to get a certain used left-handed Verney-Carron double in that very caliber for my left-handed 12 year old, 75 pound daughter

Seriously, I am a big fan of the 450-400 as the best all around double caliber for everything that walks. Swing-off scope mounts with a pre-sighted scope or two and you're good out as far as I would shoot at any game animal. Take the scope off, put in some solids and your good for up close and personal elephant.

I just really like my 600s and have never had any trouble carrying them all day every day.

If I was limited to just one DR and had to use it for anything and everything I might ever encounter, I'd go with the one Mr. Rigby became famous for...

the .450 NE 3-1/4".

It works fine on everything from dik-dik or peafowl and up. It does not have bothersome recoil from a 9-1/2 pound or heavier rifle. A fine variety of bullets is available for it when one must handload. And as with any rifle, it is as accurate as the maker is skilled.