Been thinking of this for a while,Bakes got me thinking about this with his post on Aussie calibers.

What is a good big bore for Aussie conditions?

The parameters:
Must be a bolt action repeater.
No belted cases.
Must be no longer that a 30/06 case.
Range -around 200yds max.
None of that short fat crap.
Price and the availability of componets

The contestants so far:
.375 Epstein
.416 Howell
338/06
others?

What say ye?

Big Bore? .338?

If a .30-06 length or roughly is the requirement, then a 9.3x62 or 9.3x64.

If it's standard action then a .404 Jeffrey.

Too many limitations in the parameters.

But an Aussie big bore? No real need for one, just if you feel the need.

Shaun

Since you specified a 30/06 length I assume you would rebarrel a rifle.

416 Taylor or 458 Winchester.

My pick would be the 458 because of all the 45/70 type bullets.

416 Taylor is easier to get feeding than the 458.

If want to drop down to 375 then the 375 Taylor which like the 416 Taylor is a 338 Winchester necked up or a 458 Winchester necked down.

Mike

Excellent post Mike.
Dunno why anyone would be so adamant "No Belted Cases". What's the problem with belted cases? The belt solves more problems than it creates IMHO.

My pick would be the .416 Taylor. With ADI powders, all the seppo arguments about velocity and pressure limitations simply don't exist. You can shoot cheap Taipans into the dirt bank, and Woodleigh Weldcores or steel-jacketed solids for the serious stuff. Its a real 'giant-killer' of a cartridge I reckon. (...especially with the Woodleighs!)!

Marrakai

For big bores I prefer the belted case because I use so many very reduced loads and the rimless case grows in headspace with each shot but not so the belted case.

Mike

Why don't you just purchase a 35 Whelen. Rifles and ammo is available everywhere.

Although not a true big bore I'd go with a 9.3x64. All most everything else has a belt. The 416 Taylor/hoffman have belts I believe? as does the Rem.

Based on your criteria how about a 45-70 on a bolt action. You could then load it a bit hotter and use semi pointed bullets. You could use a P14 action or siamese mauser if you can find one.

I thought the same. If belts could be included a .416 Taylor or a .458 WinMag are the best choices (IMO) for an Australian big bore.

I think the .416 Taylor is the way to go, buy a Ruger .338 stainless and rebarrel !!

Other than that get a 9.3x62 cz 550 great round and neally in the ball park with the .375 H&H

If you drop some parameters I would reccomend a .375 H&H propbaly the best all round big bore for Aussie conditions.

I would like a .416 Taylor myself actually

I don't think anyone could go past the 9.3's to meet the parametres with greatest ease.
How long is the brenneke one?That one, if it is short enough.

Karl.

You don't mention the most important part of the question - what game/purpose are you going to use this big bore for?

If you will only be shooting Aussie game, and with the other parameters that you have specified, then you would be hard pressed to go past the 9.3x62 or .35 Whelan. The performance of these two cartridges is quite close but I personally would lean towards the 9.3. The 9.3x64 is an even better choice, particularly if you decide to have a crack at a buffalo, but brass is a bit harder to find while you can make 9.3x62 from .30/06 brass.

If you might one day take this big bore off to the dark continent then the .404 would be a great choice (and a highly underestimated cartridge) and one which will still fit into a standard length action.

Wow,great replies thank-you all.

The main reason for staying with the 30/06 length action was ease of conversion.Costs come into play and I don't want a custom magnum action.

Also did'nt want a blasty super dooper magnum.

How much drama getting components for the 9.3x62?

On going through my books I had come across the .35 Whelan and it piqued my interest.

I will do some more reading tomorrow and have a head scratch.



Happy New Year.

For a non belted 375 RUM

and for resale, ammo availability 375 H&H

but for a decent cheap rabbit gun CZ in 416 Rigby

for a medium bore 35 Whelan

50/90 Sharps because it's black powder and the dipshits running the gun registry don't have a problem with that!

Ideal bullet weight range (340-580gn)for everything from two legged snakes to sabre-toothed field mice