Ok, So I decide to buy a double, which caliber do I go for?
The 450, with .458 caliber bullets easy to come by from several manufacturers?
Or the 470 with brass a little easier to come by with Federal factory loads, etc?
I am actually supplanting my .458WM, but that I have a few bullets in that caliber is not much of a concern. It will accompany me to the Dark Continent for big game.
Is Hornady going to be loading for the 450 and 470?
So, which is it from a practical standpoint?

If you're going to reload, then I'd go with the 450... b/c of the larger selection of bullets in .458.

Brass is the same. Hornady is now making both 450 & 470.

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
If you're going to reload, then I'd go with the 450... b/c of the larger selection of bullets in .458.

Brass is the same. Hornady is now making both 450 & 470.

Ditto's with Chris, terminal effects are equal, reloading benefits are major plus with the 450.

It depends a lot on what you can afford, to become proficient with a particular you need to practice practice practice. The more you shoot the better you become and that is what instinctive shooting, shooting accurately without taking time or having the time to shoot.
To shoot a 100 rounds a week for several weeks before a African hunt with factory ammo for a 470 or 500 would bankrupt the average guy, even if you did the reloading the cost may affect your need to practice. The rule of thumb is a well place smaller round is deadlier than a misplaced big round.

450 is the way to go. Great selection of projectiles. Cheaper than the 470's too.


Dutch

450!

Don't forget the "75% Rule", which makes shooting the 450, targets and using it for other game here too, more practical.

In theory, a slimmer, lighter DR also, because of the smaller case head.

JPK

Assuming you reload, I'd take the 450. If not, then the 470. But what do I know? I'm probably the only one dumb enough to have both a 475 Jeffery and 475 Eley (Neither easy ammo availability or reloading!)

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
If you're going to reload, then I'd go with the 450... b/c of the larger selection of bullets in .458.

Brass is the same. Hornady is now making both 450 & 470.

YUP!

I shoot a 450#2 and having a rifle that shoots a 458 bullet the possibilities are endless...
A nobrainer as far as I am concerned 450...

Mike

It can even be said that a 450 can be built a bit trimmer than a 470, Ahh I say 450!!!

What about ammo availability in Africa for either round?

In my experience, 470 is more widely availbable. But that doesn't make it readily availbale by any stretch.

If you are looking for ubiquitous ammo, best stick with 375H&H and 458wm, even in doubles.

JPK

I use a 450 No2.
Its performance on cape buff and elephants has been excellent. Worked great on the plains game I shot with it as well.

Also using the 75% Rule, with 350gr Hornadays I use it for deer, wild pigs, and even 2 coyotes.

Now that Hornady is loading the 450 3 1/4", it is THE way to go.

I have a 450NE from Searcy Regulated on the Hornady factory ammunition, It is a pleasure to shoot and it is not uncommon that I will shoot a couple of boxes each time on the range. I can only say that I am very satisfied with ease of handling and performance... Also the commitment tht hornady has made to NE shooters in general is fantastic....

I like the availability of the numerous projectiles for the 450 3 1/4. Just picked up 250 Hornady 500 grain softs and solids @ $25.00 a box, 100 Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 500 grainers at $49.00 a box and my Swift A-frames at $59.99-$65 a box at a retail outlet. I keep the name of the shop private to protect my interests! Seems they have a wide variety of Swifts and Trophy Bonded as well as Berger and Hornadys on clearance as a matter of course. You can negotiate the price, as well!

Dutch

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:

Now that Hornady is loading the 450 3 1/4", it is THE way to go.

Yes it is!!!

Yea, but they are loading the .470 too!

Same performance more or less (edge to the 450NE), lots of cheap .458" bullets though.

Norrower case head for the 450NE, for potentially slimmer lighter rifles as well, though most makers will use the same size action.

JPK

Gentlemen,
Thank you for the posts. This is exactly the type of discussion I was looking for. I believe I will go with the 450.

If I was only going to use it in the US, then 450 would be my choice. If I was going to make several African hunts then I would go with the 470. If your checked bag with your ammo is lost in transit, you will play hell finding any 450 ammo in Zimbabwe. But almost all PH doubles there are 470 and your PH can probably borrow a few rounds from some other PH to get you by. Also on my last trip to Harare, we stopped at a gun store (don't remember it's name) but they had at least 200 rounds of Kynoch 470, 100 of 500/465 and many other calibers but I don't remember seeing any in 450 3 1/4".

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
If you're going to reload, then I'd go with the 450...
b/c of the larger selection of bullets in .458.

Brass is the same. Hornady is now making both 450 & 470.

I believe a guy can reload .458 diam. bullets into a 470 IF

he can paper patch them, which I have been told is an easy

skill to learn. If you do this you get the 470's AVAILABILITY

level while being able to shoot the variety of .458 bullets

that are on the market. Shooting 350 grn .458's at deer and 500

grn 470NE standard loads at JUMBO seems like a fine situation.

A 470 WILL AFFORD A STRONGER RESALE POSITION.

Hard to go wrong with either one.....I like 'em both, but only currently own a 450. The game and your shoulder will not be able to tell the difference. It does sound a bit neater to say 450 3.25" NE.....if that gets you a cup of coffee.

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
SCI
DSC

BigFiveJack,

just imagine the 470 with the selection of 480 Ruger bullets (cast & jacketed!).

Rich
Buff Killer

quote:

Originally posted by Magnum Hunter1:
Gentlemen,
Thank you for the posts. This is exactly the type of discussion I was looking for. I believe I will go with the 450.

you'll be a happy DR camper with that caliber!

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
BigFiveJack,

just imagine the 470 with the selection of 480 Ruger bullets (cast & jacketed!).

Rich
Buff Killer

Excellent point Rich!!!!!