The .405 has been pretty much dismissed as a lion round, from what I've read. Teddy was lucky. (Thank goodness. We'll never see another like him.)
Matt,
The .405 VS the 06 was a poor example to use for my point.
I was trying to get across that diameter and weight at a given velocity has alot more knock down ability than the paper balistics would indicate.
A .400+ (.416,.423,.425) diameter firing a 400gr bullet at around 2200FPS has proven to be a very effective buffalo and lion combo.
You are correct however in your statement that the .405 is severly lacking in sectional density. It is.
And at the same time, while the .405 has been dismissed as an adequate lion round the 06 never was...........
(RANT MODE ON)
GUYS............
HERE IS THE DEAL.
Bullet weight of 300grs SD of 300 or better diameter of .375 or greater and a ME of 4000Ftlbs or better are the established minimum for use on dangerous game. I like 5000FtLbs 500grs and a minimum of .458 on anything that has thick skin. I'd use a .375 on lion without hesitation.
This is really pretty simple. the .375H&H is the minimum that should be used on anything that can kill you back. There is a reason that Professionals and game departments require this as a sensible minimum.
The fact that some excentric old Scot or American or who ever used a whatever subcaliber watered down round 100 years ago is irrelevant. And untill you've seen a buff or some other critter soaking up well placed heavies like spit balls I guess it's just impossible to have any concept of what enough gun means.
To enter into tight cover after a wounded large dangerous animal with a light rifle is a suicide getting ready to happen. And even the most ardent light rifle fans of yore usually had a big heavy tucked away somewhere just for those unfortunate occasions. Either that or they just let them die and looked for vultures a few days later.
That was an entirely different program in those days.
(RANT MODE OFF)
Hey Matt,
I think you were saying Thank goodness TR was lucky. You best not be dissin my main man TR.