The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Big Bores How much power do you want in a big bore?Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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What's the biggest/most powerful cartridge you care to own, whether for dangerous game hunting or anything else you want a big bore for? i use all kinds of different caliber guns but a good part of my collection goes to the most powerful cartridges i can get. the power of a firearm is one of the most fascinating things to me about them. | ||
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I want to own some 50 cals but don't think I will go bigger than that. I think I would stop at the 500 A-Square and download it a bit because I don't like using muzzle breaks. If I cannot shoot a gun well without a muzzle break then it is too much and I need to back off. | |||
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For a DGR, the question should be. What is the most that I can shoot well, and get off a timely secdond shot. I have shot a lot of big kickers that I would not want for a DG hunt. They jiust rattle me too much. For fun shooting, really big bores are great. But I put wheels under mine, or a base plate. Keith IGNORE YOUR RIGHTS AND THEY'LL GO AWAY!!! ------------------------------------ We Band of Bubbas & STC Hunting Club, The Whomper Club | |||
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As a hunting rifle 12 GaFH. .729, 1000gr bullet at 3100fps, or 2000gr bullet at 1800fps. At 26lbs I need a gun bearer built like Jeffe! maybe two of them. I can still shoot it offhand, or better yet off of shooting sticks. I draw the line at shooting from vehicles,but a pintle mount would be doable too. After that, I agree with Keith, Its hard to hunt animals when your gun needs a carriage or a baseplate.-Rob Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012 Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise! | |||
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If I can't shoot it enough to get completely familiar with it and it's operation, it' too big. I think my personal limit on recoil is the .458 Lott. Offhand or off the sticks it is very comfortable. Off the bench with just me and the rifle, no lead sled, I can only shoot between 40 and 45 rounds. Thats enough to allow me to shoot and work up a suitable load between weekends. When the gun goes off on the hunt itself, obviously, I left all the recoil at home cause I don't feel or hear it. | |||
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I've had two 500 nitro sxs and currently have a .505 Empire. They all seemed to kick about the same and are the upper limit of what I can shoot. I sometimes think about getting something bigger but then I ask myself "Why?" I think the 500's will do about anything you could ever ask a rifle to do. I must admit however that for some strange reason I have a real desire for a falling block 577 Nitro, even though it would have to kick like the devil. | |||
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I am very comfortable with my 500NE double. I'm interested in a 577NE but haven't shot one yet. For me, I need to practice pretty often to stay comfortable with the 500NE so that may very well be my limit. From a practical standpoint, for a non PH, I can't see what going up from there will benefit me in a hunting scenario. | |||
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PWingnut, I'm not going to call bullshit on this one, but if you can handle 40-45 rounds off the bench with a .458 Lott, you are a better man than I am. I love my Lott and shoot it off the bench, but 40 rounds? I'd like to see it done. | |||
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The biggest and most practical remains the .600ok. The effect on game is way beyond the .50s. This is a dead serious gun that's been proven on African Game and flat gets the job done. the std load aof 900 grs AR 2150 will stem to stern a Buff with a solid. It was designed to far outrun the .600NE and any .577.-Rob Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012 Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise! | |||
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I'm probably one of the minority on here that absolutely don't like recoil in any amount ,period. .22LR is pretty good but .17Mach II is better. My largest rifle at the present time is a 416Rigby and it is horrible to shoot. I shoot it just enough to be familiar with it and to sight it in. Most of my African hunting of larger game has been done with a 375H&H although I did at one time own and use a 470NE. I don't shoot any rifle over .22LR for pleasure just for familiarization. I don't find anything challenging about pain in any sense of the word. So I don't inflict it on myself. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
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lavaca, I live in Pagosa Springs, CO and can and will prove it. I am one of those fortunate(albeit, brainless) souls that are not recoil sensitive. I put more than 400 rounds through the Lott in less than 4 months trying to get used to a ruger action getting ready for Zimbabwe. I don't believe I'm a better man but you just have to be willing to take the punishment. It cut me, scope cuts, 7 times one sunday while we were shooting. Maybe I'm just stupid or something. You are welcome to come and shoot. I started the big bores with a .375 and thought it was fun. I have shot in one sitting 185 rounds out of it. Then I went to a .416. Now that's a pussycat. The .470 got my attention until I got used to it. Now the Lott isn't that bad but after around 40 rounds the concussion gives me a head ache. Bring your guns and ammo and we will Play! I'm not tough, it's not bullshit, it's just fun. Hell, when the stock on my .470 broke, I was shooting it. I called Blaser and said I needed a new stock. they asked why. I said it broke. They asked what I did to it. I said I shot it too much when it was new. Not a mark on it. They asked how much I had shot it. I told them the truth, between 700 and 800 rounds. Kevin said "pardon me, did you say between 700 and 800 rounds?" Most folks don't shoot as much as I do( usually around 35,000 rounds per year) so I am not offended but you are welcome to bet me if you wish. I will match your bet. Oh yeah, they have to be good controlled accurate shots as well. Jerks, flinches, closed eyes don't count | |||
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Zimbabwe, I know lots of folks that hate recoil. I am fortunate in that it doesn't seem to bother me. I know people that think a .270 hurts. I simply am not in that category. I think if I could get used to something larger than the .458 Lott in terms of recoil, I could find myself going 75 to 100 rounds with the Lott. I am not superhuman, just not recoil sensitive. | |||
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I'd like to go on Safari in a few years and I would take the 470 AR with CEBs but I also have an affinity to the 577 NE with the same bullets. I think that's all the power I need. 500 @ 2300 and 750 @ 2100 577 BME 3"500 KILL ALL 358 GREMLIN 404-375 *we band of 45-70ers* (Founder) Single Shot Shooters Society S.S.S.S. (Founder) | |||
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The 416 Rem suffices for me. | |||
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I'm in Colorado Springs pagosa, we should go shoot sometime, I'll bring the 375 Weatherby and 500 Jeffery. I haven't been scope cut by either yet, but a little 243 got me a long time ago shooting prone when I just kept creeping up on it. How embarassing to be cut by a 243 lol! 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" | |||
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Pez, I ran some 900 grainers through my 600OK up over 2,400fps a few times "just because" and settled for around 2,250fps as adequate for hunting all that walks the earth. Used it for Cape buffalo to great effect as have many, many others here. Thought about buying Biebs' 700AHR when he had it but figured the 600OK was "good enough". NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003 Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow | |||
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Chuck, A 243? One of the guys on another forum has the tag line "a 243, for when you don't want to wear a skirt in public" LOL No offense intended headed your direction. I have never shot the 378 Weatherby or the 500 Jeffrey. The Jeffrey looks to be a handful. And I've heard that the 378 is supposed to be vicious. That said, the first time i touched off a .416 Rem, it was the biggest thing I had ever owned, and it certainly got my attention. Winchester Mod 70 and it kicked like a mule. Yes, I'm always open to shooting. | |||
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CCMDoc- You had to bring up the 900 gr at 2400 fps loads didn't you! Yup anyone who's ever fired those knows where the "limit" really is. If you want to know if you can take "recoil" try that load! Hang on for dear life as make a mistake and your $6K AHR beauty goes airborne! No one I know of except Bigdoggy700 has fired more than a hand full of those loads.-Rob Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012 Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise! | |||
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Yeah, If I kept shooting them I figured I would need to wear my HANS device  NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003 Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow | |||
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I feel that I can pull the trigger effectively on big hard kicking rifles and live to tell about it. However, I can fire a Ruger RSM 458 Lott effectively at 50 yards hitting a paper plate off hand as fast as I can work the action. Anything more ie. my 500 I need much more time to recover between shots to get it on the target. I love recoil but understand that hitting the intened target is what its all about. Brad  | |||
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i would definately wait and see what firing lighter loads is like before i would fire those! the first loads i'll probably shoot will be loaded rounds from AHR and i'll make sure to check with them to findout what level of power they are loaded to. | |||
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Pez, What big bore experience do you have? What big bores do you currently own? George  | |||
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Yep, Got to agree with hog killer. My 458 Win is about my max for a first AND a quick second shot. ________ Ray | |||
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to me, big bores realy start at 4000ft/lb.. i have a 550 express, which can high 8,000 ft/lb.. which is a bit too much of a good thing my .458, .475, and .510s are my tops for general huntings.. though the 550 express or flanged would be FUN for a short, fast handling hippo gun.... opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club Information on Ammoguide about the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR. 476AR, http://www.weaponsmith.com | |||
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.416 Rem or 404 Jefferys is all I use and its all I need.. You children are gonna suffer big time bursitas in the neck and shoulders if you live long enough from shoot'en those monster guns, fortunatly 99.9% of the folks that own them keep'em in their gun cabinet to discuss over cock tails....then there are thoes brave souls that enjoy pain and suffering and beat their bodies to a pulp and go home as happy as a church mouse!   Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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ray -- it seems i am not in the 99.99% ! opinions vary band of bubbas and STC hunting Club Information on Ammoguide about the416AR, 458AR, 470AR, 500AR What is an AR round? Case Drawings 416-458-470AR and 500AR. 476AR, http://www.weaponsmith.com | |||
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i have a 375 RUM in a 7.5lbs rifle and a Wicnhester 1885 in 50-90 Sharps and had a 45-70 and a 45-90. | |||
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Dead on---when I built mine, I wanted the biggest man-portable within reason actual hunting rifle. That's why I kept mine down to 10-11 lbs. Heavier is great for shooting at the range but gets damn heavy to carry all day. The 600ok is the top of the graph where practicality meets power. Anything bigger gets too heavy & un-practical to carry & anything smaller just isn't the top of the pyramid. The shear brutal killing power of this round just has to be experienced to be believed. | |||
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You are moving into an entirely new class of recoil. Be mindful of that. George | |||
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+1 I have a 7 1/2 lb (with scope) 375 Weatherby and while it does come back a little quickly shooting 300g Noslers at 2750 fps, it's recoil is really kinda neglible when compared to my 500 Jeffery shooting 570g TSX's at 2400 fps. My rifle isn't braked nor do I want one, I can't imagine shooting a 600 Overkill unbraked with full power loads. 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" | |||
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That just don't sound like too much fun. Hell, my Ruger in .458 is a 500 gr chrono'd at 2260. It isn't too bad but I think I found my limit. No question that I could shoot a bigger bore with more power, but not off the bench. I guess I'm just a sissy. | |||
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Rifle weight and pesky legalities are the limiting factors. I'd hunt DG with a 20mm were it not for the necessary weight of the weapon, and legal limitations on its use.  Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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900grains@2400 in an 11lb 600OK without a brake is too much. Not much chance of a good followup shot. 2150fps is a hell of a shove but entirely doable.  | |||
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Yupper---2150 from my 20" bbl is the 900grn load iv'e settled on as well  | |||
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We can push a 500 gr out of a .458 win mag in the neighborhood of 2230 through the Chrono. It feels pretty special in a Winchester Super Grade. It certainly needs more weight behind it. I will be trying different powders this summer in my Lott tho. Max loads only give me 2260. Don't really know if I need any more power out of it. It knocked a buffalo off his feet at 21 yards in August. I think that will suffice. | |||
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Pez- Start out with the 900 gr, 1950fps load, or better yet, the 750gr bullets at 1950 fps and spend your time learning how to roll with the recoil and shooting it accurately. Remember offhand at 50 yrds, you need to stay on a paper plate. Then when your ready move up to the 2150fps level. If you can't do 50 yrds go to 25 and drop the power till you can. Don't develop a flinch! Do not even think about the full loads yet. You can be physically harmed. Thats why I only give the load recipe to those I have confidence in to be able to deal with it. No I'm not dissing you in any way, its that as George S says this is a new level for you and potentially dangerous. I want to encourage you, and suggest you listen to this advice.-Rob Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers to do incredibly stupid things- AH (1941)- Harry Reid (aka Smeagle) 2012 Nothing Up my sleeves but never without a plan and never ever without a surprise! | |||
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I've gone 900 @ 2150 ++ with my 600 OK... That was @ 9 pounds un-braked... Since then have added weight and brake... Before that the heaviest recoiling rifle I had shot was my out of the box CZ 505 Gibbs with 600 grn loads in the 2150 fps range... Not saying anything that hasn't been said already but the 600 OK is a serious step up from OTC big bores like the 458s and so on... How much power do I wan't in a big bore though??? More... Always attempting to fill my safe with something bigger and most of the cartridges that Rob and Ed have designed are on my list... Next up is 700 H and eventually 12GFH... And I have and will hunt with these monsters... | |||
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Yes sir, 2230 FPS out of a .458 is really cooking and I suspect recoil is about the limit for a normal he man...but only a maidens caress on AR! Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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i don't take it in a negative way at all and i'm very glad to get the advice. i'll take your advice on this because i'd hate to ruin what i think will be a good thing by getting hurt or something. | |||
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Jeffe, I don't doubt that one bit..I'm sure you are a true big bore shooter, thats why we call you "El Jeffe"!  Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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