Maddog,
I will probably go to Reno this year, I am not sure yet..
The 404 at original specs recoils about like a factory 375 and some more than a 9.3x62..
I never shoot my 404 at original specs of 400 gr. bullet at 2100 FPS anymore, although I know its effective as can be as I used it early on at those specs and it killed buffalo, elephant and Hippo as well as one could wish for. I also shoot my 450-400-3" double rifle at those specs and it works great..
I shoot my 404 Jefferys at 2400 FPS and it recoils more and it may or may not kill a bit better, I guess it does but dead is dead...:) I have shot buffalo with the 404 loaded with 95 grs. of IMR4831 with a 400 gr. bullet at 2653 FPS out of a 27 inch original barrel and it was a hammer on both ends.
for this gentle with an injury I strongly advise the 9.3x62 if he can shoot it, if not then the old 30-06 will work if your careful use a proper bullet and place your shots well. I have seen it use on buffalo and elephant with perfect results.
