I got one of the Wickliffe replicas last year with a tang for a vernier sight. I got a really nice piece of walnut rough-stocked by the original stockist at Wickliffe. The Wickliffe is an slightly scaled up 44 1/2 Stevens.

Now, the problem. I got two new barrels, .458 & .475 caliber. I also have both 470 NE and 45-120 brass and dies.

Question:
Which one would you fit and why?


Rich
single shots are cool

Choices:
1. 470 Ne
2. 45-120

 

45-120 is basically a 450 x 3 1/4 Nitro Express, and has a MUCH better bullet selection than the 470. I can't help remembering that the 470 wouldn't even BE here except that the 45-cals were made illegal in the Empire, so the 470 is actually a mere substitute (G).
Regards, Joe

You forgot to vote...

Rich

I voted for 470 because from what i`ve seen it has more punch and i`m a fan of excessively powerful guns

470, because when I get a chance to go hunting up Idaho, I want to stop by and shot it!!

Beer on me . . .

Seriously, it is a 470!

Couldn't you just settle for the Searcy 470 Double?

Rich
DRSS

There is a much better selection of .458 bullets, suitable for 45/120 velocities.

I'g go 100% for the non-British calibre. It's more authentic for the rifle and. as others say, next time you buy bullets for it you'll be laughing all the way back from the gun shop.

Do they make a rimmed Ruger 375?

No, thank goodness...

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
No, thank goodness...

Rich

No Rimmed Ruger .375?
Sounds like a job for Boomie...

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Couldn't you just settle for the Searcy 470 Double?

Rich
DRSS

You have a Searcy 470, R-Man? If so, then Yes Sir!

Teat Hound,

stay in touch man! Took it and a Chapuis Double in 9,3x74R to RSA in April.

Rich
DRSS
this is the Chapuis

I'm with J.D. & 450 on this one.

I voted for the .470 but only because you didn't list the .450 3-1/4". The Wickliffe is a very strong action and if it can feed the 470NE then it can feed the .450NE. I think the 470NE would be a better than the .45-120 but .450NE would be my first choice. Why would you choose anything else for a big single shot?

Hornady 470NE 500gr 2150fps/5132ft#
Hornady 450NE 480gr 2150fps/4927ft#

The tall one is Rigby's .450 aka .450NE aka 450 3-1/4"

Grenadier,

In the Wickliffe the 45-120 (3.25" case) can be loaded to the moral equivalent of the 450 #2. Right alongside the 458 Lott, or a bit more if you can stand it.

The winner is: the 45-120.

I appreciate all of your' input.

Rich
Single Shot Poor

I guess I am a little late to the party since you have already made up your mind, but my preference is for the .470. the reason is because of the solid reputation of the .470 as a DG cartridge, and secondly because of the great bullets now available for the caliber. Swift makes the A-Frame in 500gr, Woodleigh has a soft and solid 500gr, and Hornady has the DGS and DGX 500gr bullets. These of course are also available in the .458. Good Luck with your new rifle, whichever you choose!

We are back in flux. My brother pointed out that since my Borchardt is going to John King in Gila, MT, for his Schoyen-style DST's, I could put the more historically correct 45 on it and do the 470 on the Wickliffe. Having family is even better than having friends. Except, you get to pick your friends.

Rich
DRSS

45-120 buddy