Time to build a monster

[eldon519]

I don't know a whole lot about African rifles, but I looked into them for a while, and a couple places I came across made references to the .458 Winchester sometimes lacking in penetration, and that many PHs prefer the .416 Rigby for deeper penetration and controllability. I don't know how accepted that notion is, but I've gotten the impression that a lot of the larger African calibers increase diameter at the expense of sectional density/penetration. It may or may not be a real issue (never been to Africa), but I figured I'd mention it since your life may depend on it.

 

[Markbo]

I am guessing too that you will do a LOT of research before deciding on a final choice. I would really appreciate a follow up with a final decision and how/why you arrived at that decision. it seems to me watching that .577 video (that just never gets old, does it? ) that you have to be able to control whatever you choose.

I guess when your hinie is on the line you'd better be able to pull off successive shots, yet when you get only 4 feet of penetration if 6 feet are needed, there is a spot somewhere in there you have to find.

CLICK< CLICK< PULL

 

[Il Duca]

I would ask a couple of questions: Have you ever fired a .375 H&H? Do you have some reason to believe it is a weak sister in the big Africa cartridges? Do you plan on taking Buff, Elephant, Rhino or Hippo?

Yes, I have a .375 and I love it, but I want more. And I do hope to someday take a Buff and would love a crack at a Hippo. It most likely will not be for years to come but some day...

I am doing vast amounts of research and may flip flop over more choices as I progress but I will keep all posted. It may be a lengthy project but I will soon have the funds to order my action. I will take my time with the final caliber decision while I hunt for a stock and such. Might just end up with a CZ factory stock, who knows.

For now, it's looking like a .500 Nitro Express. Maybe I'll find a better choice, maybe not. From what I have read penetration is more than adequate and I have read that if you happen to shoot a Buff in the rear the bullet will travel up to and thru the lungs. Ammo is readily available in the right places and not what I consider extremely expensive.