What caliber would you recommend for an all around dangerous game double rifle and why?

.500/.416 NE 3 1/4

- rimmed
- low pressure
- powerful enough for all game (guest hunter)
- 416 Rigby performance
last but not least
- wont beat/scare you to hell

Franz

Daydreamer's suggestion is a good one, but, IMO, a 450-400 3" is a better choice! This cartridge is easy to load, and the rifle can be made lighter, without undue felt recoil, yet doesn't take a back seat to anything where Buffalo, or Elephant are concerened, and is perfect for lion. It is a very usefull cartridge for North America, or Europe as well! The only problem is,it isn't regularly available in new rifles! B. Searcy is about the only maker who chambers it, as far as I know!

For ammo availablity combined with good stopping power and high resale value, go with the 470 NE.

For better stopping power, but still a rifle of reasonable weight and controllable recoil, go with a 500 nitro.

The smaller caliber are "client guns" and will probably work, but if the going gets rough they might not work as well as you hope.

Heavier than .500 and the rifle will weigh so much as to be difficult to carry and the recoil becomes such that a much smaller class of shooters can handle it and still maintain accuracy.

For the average Joe, I would recommend a 470 NE.

imnsho

there are 3 calibers for a double rifle *I* would own

470 NE
500 NE
<everything else>

while i belive the 500/416 is a GREAT round, it's merely a 2 shot 416 rigby

jeffe

MHC,

We'll, have to get together and let you shoot my 450/400 3 inch some time!



While I echo the above posters as to what caliber to get, I'd have to know what you are going to use it for? If it's a big bore stopper, I go with a 470. It is the double rifle cartridge that all others are judged by.



Next is the 500/416 for the those above stated reasons. It is destined to become a standard as the 470. While maybe not a "stopper" that .416 is an awesome penetrating bullet.

recoil is less than the 470.



My own favorite is the 450/400 3inch. .408 caliber, 400 grain bullet at around 2000-2100 FPS. Great penetration, small enough to use a lot and big enough to settle matters if needed. Recoil is mild.



Other great choices,

475 #2 Jeffery-Probably the most under-rated knock them on their ass killer there is! .488 500 grain bullet.

450 #2 Uses .458 bullets. I've seen this one in action and it's a packs quite a punch.

9.3X74R great flanged round on the order of the 400/360 NE.

doubles in 9.3X64R point and shoot like a fine .410 double shotgun! A great first double rifle, and still able to take dangerous game.



Lots more to choose from, but those are my favorites!

Drop me an email and we'll go burn some powder!

Most of the dangerous game I have shot with a double was with a 450-400 and I never had a complaint...Today I shoot a .470 and I still can't complain, as I have used them in the past. The 470 is the standard by which all dangerous game rifles are judged by it seems...Like a Nosler bullet, if one is comparing bullets he will invaribly say "well, its better than a Nosler" same with the 30-06, same with the .470....

Bottom line is the 470 is more gun and probably a better stopping caliber, in fact it is...If one is young and can pack a heavy 12 or 13 pound rifle all day long and can shoot a 500 N.E. without any regard whatsoever to recoil then thats the route to take..

If one is older in the cups, weight is a problem, and recoil is felt in his artheretic sholders and neck, then use a light 450-400..

If, like me, you have all these malodies, but refuse to accept that fact then shoot a .470 and don't tell the bastards your dieing of pain and anguish....

A shame the .450 3 1/4" is neglected these days, the original big bore nitro, same power as the others and a slenderer case so you can have a less bulky rifle.

Not neglected but kept secret. Why let all these newbies to Double Rifles know about the best one right away. Let them learn like everyone else. Even a name brand Brit rifle in 470 feels like a 4x4 in comparison to a 450 3 1/4.

the 470 is a great choise same as a 450-400 but if this rifle is only to be used on elephant and buffalo i would go 500 nitro and up.

myself i have no desire to hunt plaingame and really the only thing that turens me on is elephant hunting that is why i have chosen the 700 nitro and the 500 nitro as back up and eventually i will have a 577 in there as well.

micky it my opinion and i am entitled to it if you dont like my opion thats your choice



ps i leave for my first elephant hunt on april 26th ill let you know if my opion changes i doubt it will

I'm gonna go with the 450-400 3 inch crowd. Although the 450#2 is a close second. I've humped a .470 NE over the Okavango delta and it will wear you down eventually. The 450-400 is easier to shoot well and the old Brit guns I've encountered are incredibly accurate. The 450#2 is basically a rimmed .458 win Mag plus and would be my choice in a fight even over the .470 NE.However, your chances of a fight are probably slim to none, so why not use a caliber you can hit with more accurately? -Rob

Mickey, Vigillinus,

For God's sake, keep quiet! What are you trying to do, dry up the market? If the enthusiasts on this forum ever get their hands on the real double caliber, I'll never be able to afford one. And you can add it to my signature, for those who care to send the very best.



Sarge

Holland's .375 and the .450 NE: One planet, two rifles

hmmmmm 2 spare Ruger #1 actions left... a 450-400 3" would make a good woods gun if I kept it light.

Does that use the 408 or 411? dia.