I have asked some questions before within other DG topics. Most recently I was taliking about getting a double possibly in 416 Rigby. One of the replies said to get a DG in a proper DG caliber. OK, my question is "What is a proper DG caliber?" I will be using this gun for Cape Buff on our next trip to Africa. I already have a 375 bolt gun, but want something a little bigger in a double. What would be close to a 416 Rem?

Thanks, and I know I will have more questions.

450-400

450 3 1/4 Nitro Express

Let's see how about..470 NE... 500 NE... 577 NE..... 600 NE.... 700 NE....LOL Then there is the 500/416..?? New cartridge..The (B) word. I think. Cousin to a 416 Remmie if I am not mistaken.

Of course all of these loadings except the 500/416 are more ommph than the 416 Rigby.

My 416 Remmie shoots a 400 grain bullet @ 2525 FPS. very accurate and hits hard.

Really, I don't think you can get a 416 Rigby in a double rifle? It would have to be flanged?

But I could be wrong.

A proper double rifle chambering would be a rimmed cartridge. The 450/400 3" is a dandy, moderate recoil and ammo is available from more than one place. It's slower than the .416 Rigby, but most of the rimmed rounds will be. You can go up the the .450 3 1/4 for more power. It's a classic too.

Most rounds that have a flange type rim and have quite a large case for calibre that helps in reduction of pressures.
Such as;
7x65R
8x57R
9.3x74R
375Flanged
450/400
500/416
450NE
470
500NE
plus many more.

A rimmed case gives more positive extraction/ejection. A rimless case requires a extractor/ejector with a spring loaded tab that jumps into the groove when the cartridge is loaded into the chamber. As a note, a belted rimless case will work the same but you will have to push the case past the spring loaded ejection tab to fully seat the cartridge in the chamber (just does not drop in).
If you have a sticky case there is a real chance the spring loaded tab will jump out of the rim leaving the case stuck in the chamber.
IMO a dangerous game double rifle should be chambered for a rimmed case.

OK, I get it. For best extraction/ejection the base should be larger than the case like a shotgun shell case or a revolver cartridge.

For a Dangerous Game rifle, is an exrtactor or ejector model the way to go?

One more question, which calibers are readily available in Africa just in case mine does not make it?

OK, I get it. For best extraction/ejection the base should be larger than the case like a shotgun shell case or a revolver cartridge.
Yes


For a Dangerous Game rifle, is an extractor or ejector model the way to go?
Ejectors


One more question, which calibers are readily available in Africa just in case mine does not make it?
You should ask some one who lives where you are going

quote:

Originally posted by Poochuss:
One more question, which calibers are readily available in Africa just in case mine does not make it?

- pick your poison

.470 NE - perhaps
.500 NE - maybe
9,3x74R - probably (Southern Africa)

.375 H&H, .458 WM - sure

375Flanged, 450/400, 500/416, 450NE hm...what was that?

.450 3.25

Great bullet selection (.458), factory Hornady ammo readily available and the perfect upgrade from your .375.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by PAHunter:
Really, I don't think you can get a 416 Rigby in a double rifle? It would have to be flanged?
But I could be wrong.

IIRC, Merkel has a 416 Rigby offering and Connecticut Sporting Arms (?) has a 416 Rem double rifle.

Keep your original plan in mind while you go through this process, and that being more power than your .375.

The 9.3x74 , .375 flannged and 450-400 are all going to not give you the desired extra power.

The 416's and up will. If you want to stay with the flannged case and it can not be denyed they are bomb proof then a 500/416 will be a good choice. It's hard to get brass for but most everything is when your in the bush in Africa.

The next reasonable choices would be a 470 and now that 450 is being made in the US that also would be a good choice.

I own and hunt with several double rifles and other break action guns (drillings, BBF's etc). They are chambered for both rimmed and rimmless rounds including one belted mag. Like I said a rimmed case is bomb proof for extraction but I have never had a failure with any of them. It will be up to you to make your own value judgements on ammo availbility Vs reliabilety.

If you want a light recoiling but perfectly good caliber; 450-400. If you like more recoil and power, go for the 470 or 450. You poor bastard, getting into DRs is like that first snort of cocaine; there is no turning back once you fire that first right and left. Welcome.

Thanks for the advice! Now to just sort it out for myself.
Looks like Buff next year!

Question, can a Merkel with extractors be upgraded to ejectors? I found a DG I am inyerested in but it has extractors.

quote:

Originally posted by Poochuss:
Question, can a Merkel with extractors be upgraded to ejectors? I found a DG I am inyerested in but it has extractors.

NO

quote:

Originally posted by Poochuss:
Question, can a Merkel with extractors be upgraded to ejectors? I found a DG I am inyerested in but it has extractors.

I wouldn't worry about it. I have 2 with extractors, not an issue in the field, especially if you practice pumping and dumping.