Okay,
So I have the bite for a new toy! I have a caliber to do the dirty work in North America...but I am searching for reasons to purchase a .375 or larger and am lost as to why people would choose a .458 over a .375, or a .416 over a .458, etc etc. I know that energy becomes an attractive feature to these big bores, but what made you set on the Caliber that you own?

I plan on heading to Africa after I am done with College...but is there reason to purchase a larger caliber then .375H&H if the .375 will suffice on the Dark Continent?

I am a Southpaw so I do not have that many options on gun makes and etc unless I go the Custom Route...But I plan to spend less then $1,500 on the rifle. I do reload so I know that opens up my options a little wider...

Thanks

Justin

Have you ever shot a rifle in .375, .416, .458,..? You should do that before making your choice, it may give you reason to stay with the .375 if you don't like recoil. If it turns out you can't shoot a .416 or .458 as well as you can a .375, then you'll only be hurting yourself by going up in caliber. I personally chose a .458 caliber cartridge because it's big, powerful, and has a very large selection of bullets. I haven't hunted yet so I can't tell you about differences in caliber impacts on game.

Ruger is releasing their 375 Ruger with a bolt on the wrong side. Just wait 'em out.

You can easily get into a lefthanded "anything" (under .50) for $1,500 with a Montana Rifle Company barreled action and McMillan stock.

If you have the "itch" then scratch it! The .375H&H is very versatile and a classic, the .416 will see you through most any game anywhere in the world (I have both). My .375 hasn´t seen much use after buying a 9.3x62 though and I´ve become very partial to the 9.3´s.

What will you be hunting? If it´s mainly PG in bushveldt conditions then you don´t really need a "heavy" or "semi-heavy" rifle.

Whatever you buy learn to shoot it well before you leave.

Kenneth - I have shot a .458 and I didnt like the recoil off of a bench but it wasn't that bad standing up. I wouldn't expect to have to setup a bench out in the field and take the time to shoot at a Buff though so maybe that would be okay?

Cewe - I would get it mainly for Cape Buffalo. As I don't have a scratch for Elephant.....yet

Hello,
The earlier advise to wait on the Ruger African in 375 Ruger is about as wise at it gets since you are left handed. Quality product, solid firm backing up the warranty if required, certainly qualifies for all the game you may be considering, and timing appears to fit into your plans if Ruger does indeed come out with the rifle in the next year(?????) Report on the rifle/round does state that it delivers excellent knock down power, but also has a significant recoil issue. Suggest one of the Kick Killer lace up pads, high quality construction and does indeed take out a lot of the "pain" when shooting stout recoiling rifles. Good luck in whatever you select.

I think the .458 bore size is an excellent choice for a first BIG BORE.......................375 is more in the 30/06 type vain and IMHO is as versatile as one.

The .458 does have the advantage of being able to use the 300 gr hollow points meant for the 45/70 and they are explosive and fun on thin skinned game !!

A 458 Lott was/is the first big bore for me. That said, I had the opertunity to shoot 375H&H, 416 Rigby, 458 Lott, 510 Wells, etc(Thanks to fla30006), before my Lott was built. So I knew what I was getting into. A 375 H&H is in the works now for a "Li'l Bubba" to the Lott. (Everyone needs a dedicated mouse gun.)

Some good advisse was given, above about shooting as many different cartridges as possible to see what is the most comfortable and usefull to your planned needs.

Keith

Thanks guys

I am going to head out and shoot more of my friends .458win mag and then I'll decide

But I am looking seriously at the .458 LOTT in Ruger #1