I don't know who told you that a .470 NE is "lower recoiling" but he has a bad sense of humour.It only takes 3 or 4 full power rounds thru mine and I'm not really interested in shooting it anymore that day.
Thanks! I'll be sure to leave that puppy off the list!
You have 2 flanged cartriges listed which would typically be used in double rifles and the jeffries which would typically be used in a bolt action. Are you looking for a double or a bolt?.
I could go for either. Of course, a double could eat up another year without practice, as I'd have to save up that long to afford one.
Although I see your point about a bigger thump and more breathing room, I think most people would agree that it is much more important to place the shot well, than to use a cannon.
Agreed. I owned a .338 Win Mag as an elk gun and eventually gave it up and went back to my trusted .270 Wby Mag. I shot the Weatherby better (the damn thing refused to miss), so it was a better elk gun, at least for me.
What are you shooting now that is at the upper end of your comfort level? If you are shooting a 6# 338 and that hurts abit then you can probably deal with a bigger, heavier stick for the meanies, If you are shooting a 9# 30/06 and its causing pain that will certainly be more problematic.
I can handle the .300 mags in a sporter-weight rifle (about 8lbs with scope), but that's about it. Any bigger, and I would need a lead sled at the bench. However, I tend to practice from shooting positions more than from a bench, and this shooting is usually much easier on my shoulder. The .338 Win Mag wasn't so bad off-hand or over a rest where I could stand instead of sit.
If africa is to be on the menu- even though you seem to want to avoid it the .375 is the only choice IMHO- especially if you want to use factory ammo. If your luggage is lost you could be almost guaranteed to find ammo for a .375 almost anywhere in africa. The others not so much.
I know. I just want something that sounds more romantic.
If you polled 100 ph's I would imagine that every single one would prefer that their client show up with a .375 (or 9.3) they can shoot well and have practiced with alot, than a .416 or a .458 that kicks like heck and the causes a flinch that causes the PH's but to be in the wringer with a wounded buff in the long grass. I know that every single one I have ever talked to has said that.
I think all these cartridges are too much for me. It will come down to my level of discipline and committment to overcome the obstacles. I think I will be able to practice almost equally with each.
If pachyderms aren't on the menu I think most would also agree that nothing is to be gained by an increase in bullet diameter above .375 anyways.
Good to know.
All of the above is of course simply my own opinion and I've only shot 1 buff in my waking moments (1000's in my dreams though!)
Me, too.
And with that said (I'M glad you asked!) I used a .458 lott, shot him through the heart @70 yards and he ran about 20 yards and was dead in les than 20 seconds. I'm fairly convinced that a .375 would of done exactly the same thing. I'm also convinced that a .470 that landed on the wrong side of his diaphragm would of had a much different result.
Got pix?
A charging buffalo isn't stopped by hitting him with .050" diameter more bullet, but by disrupting his central nervous system with a spine or brain shot, this requires bullet placement, not Horsepower. Horsepower is always good but only if it is in the right place.
I will file this advice away to be used at a later date (hopefully!).
I also think that anyone who thinks that they can shoot a .470 (or a .458 or a 404) a couple of times and be ready for a safari is deluding themselves, or waaaay more skilled then the average shooter that I bump into in the field.
Totally agree. I don't plan on shooting the rifle just a couple of times. That's why I'm giving myself 3-4 years lead time before I'll actually need the rifle in a DG hunting situation. I know I won't be able to practice a lot during each session (6-10 rounds, perhaps?) due to the shoulder, so that means I'll need to offset that with more sessions. More sessions = more time. I hope I'm giving myself enough time to get this thing out in the field a few dozen times and at least shoot a deer or two and perhaps an elk, as well.
I'm also quite dissapointed that my answer doesn't quite match with Phil's and feel that his experience in shooting hairy nasties should renders all other posts here (especially mine) as pointless. If Phil says it will work just do that and be done with it- it will surely be a very good solution.
Who?
