Want a big caliber - what are my options?

[Ryanxia]

So basically after having fun with my Mosin Nagant for a year or two I want something BIG. No reason, just to have fun (but obviously is effective). Something that kicks like a mule and can take down a large animal


I'm probably dreaming but looking for;
Large caliber/stopping power/etc.
CheapISH on ammo/rifle.


I found what seemed to be a fun caliber - .460 Weatherby Magnum but when I saw 20 rounds for $145 online I thought that's a bit steep

So aside from .50 cal/expensive ammo, what would be a cheaper caliber that would be a lot of fun?

Thanks for the info.

 

[dubbleA]

Find a Ruger #3 in 45-70 Gov. and shoot some modern "heavy" loads in it and your wish wil be granted.

 

[RevDerb]

Have you looked at Marlin 1895G in .45-70? Certainly kicks like a mule, will take down pretty much any North American game, and box of 20 for around $40. Buy used not new - prior to 2007 mfg (that's when Remington took over Marlin's operation.)

 

[Ryanxia]

Thanks, I'll look at both of those. More input is always appreciated

 

[Catshooter]

New England Firearms in .500 S&W, or 45-70.


Cat

 

[rule303]

.45/70 would be the most economical as far as gun and ammo. If you want a "real" big rifle, as in african game big, the .375 H&H magnum would be the chaepest to shoot, and easiest to find ammo for. Rifles can be had for under $1k.

 

[GCBurner]

An upper unit in .50 Beowulf for an AR-15 is not that expensive; it's equivalent to a semi-auto in .45-70, as far as power goes.

 

[Ole Humpback]

45-70 Govt in any variety of late 19th & early 20th century firearms and even some more modern guns. Will kill anything in North America, and if you're a good shot and have the heaviest hardest hitting loads money can buy, it will kill anything in the world.

375 H&H Mag in pretty much any manufacturers bolt action rifle offering. This will stop anything short of a charging elephant and certainly kill anything on the planet. Truly the one cartridge for all "big" (anything a 22LR isn't good for) game.

416 Rigby. This can stop a charging elephant and is offered on the cheap in some CZ bolt rifles. Recoil is double that of a 375 H&H.

470NE. This will stop anything on Earth period. Recoil is 30ft/lbs more than that of the 416 Rigby.

 

[o Unforgiven o]

All of the large calibers are expensive, and your choice of rifle to shoot them out of will be limited.

That being said...45-70 is definitely a heavy hitter that will give you the big kick you want at a decent price. Though you will be limited in the choice of rifle, either a lever or single shot.

 

[rcmodel]

375 H&H Mag - This will stop anything short of a charging elephant

I'd venture a guess that the .375 H&H has stopped more then a few charging elephants over the last 100 years.

Some of the African government game control people used it for elephant years ago, and still do as far as I know.

rc

 

[Saakee]

.458 SOCOM upper for an AR-15 and learn to reload?

 

[Ryanxia]

So according to 'o Unforgiven o' lever action and single shot are the only options for 45-70?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, unless you discount a few bolt-action Siamese Mauser's built by hobbyists over the years.
And the Remington SPR22 Double Rifle.

The 45-70 is a big rimmed case.
And big rimmed cases don't play well in box magazines on bolt actions, semi-autos, etc.

rc

 

[morcey2]

So according to 'o Unforgiven o' lever action and single shot are the only options for 45-70?

Or a Siamese Mauser conversion. A No. 1 or Mauser will handle much higher pressures than a lever gun.

 

[TGReaper]

Technically it's a medium bore but I am a big fan of the .375 H&H. Mine is a Winchester Mod.70 Super Express. An absolutely beautiful combination
TGR

 

[Strongbad]

What's the biggest gun you've fired? Without knowing how much recoil you can handle, I hesitate to mention any big gun. It does you no good to own a monster rifle if you can't shoot the thing.

 

[CYANIDEGENOCIDE]

12gaFH I screwed one together for less than 700 bones which includes 20 cases, 30 projectiles, powder, primers, shotgun/rifle. It doesn't get much bigger for less than a grand. Technically the remington sp-10 is bigger I don't think it packs as much heat

 

[jhnrckr]

12 gauge bolt action rifled barrel and some sabot slugs. i love shooting rifles but i can only handle about 10 rounds of remington corelokt 12 gauge sabots and I am bruised and flinching. I have shot deer and hogs with my mossberg 695 and corelokts and it is a mean mutha. under 75 yards and there is no better round for putting a critter down and blood trails are massive for tracking.

 

[Googleplex]

Davide Pedersoli makes a double rifle with exposed hammers in .45-70. It's the Kodiak Express Mk. 4, I believe.

 

[BCRider]

I read about 1/3 of the replies and then started typiing this. So my pardon if it's been mentioned already.

The recoil you experience is as much due to the mass of the gun itself as to the round fired from it. A really big and heavy gun still may not give you the "retinal separation" you're after with big kicks. On the other hand everyone that shoots my short barrel TC Encore chambered in 500S&W grins after the first look of wonderment. But the folks recomending the .45-70 are spot on. More room for enough powder to FULLY separate your shoulder....

A .45-70 from a TC Encore is an awsome experience when it's loaded to the max given in the tables. I know because I've shot a couple of them since a buddy has just this exact beast. SO those suggesting the NEF Handi rifle chambered in .45-70 are spot on if you're after an honest attempt at achieving both retinal separation and a dislocated shoulder all in one go....

OK, OK, I jest. It just FEELS like it does those things...

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

OK, OK, I jest. It just FEELS like it does those things

Don't believe him, He weren't kiddin at ALL!

If it's punishment you seek, I have a Ruger #1 in 470NE that will fit the bill. The old saying "Come on downnnn,,,I wanna show ya somthin" comes to mind That old girl will bring tears to yer eyes with full loads.

Likes most others here have said though, unless you reload, the 45/70 is going to be about the cheapest and even then, if you want hot loads that will make you call out for your mammy, you are looking at around 50 bucks a box on sale. Big boy toys usually have a big boy price attached to them.

 

[Sav .250]

"Large cal and cheapish on ammo" "....... cheaper cal......." "kicks like a mule." "can take down a large anumal."

All this in the name of ...fun. Now you want to step up to the big time after having fun with your Mosin Nagant. Which are selling fairly cheap at gun shows. Save your money till you figure out what it is you really want.
Some time dreaming and reality are miles apart. J s/n.

 

[lowerunit411]

another vote for the 45-70......mild to wild, and with a great history.

 

[MtnCreek]

You'll be money ahead to buy a used Mos835 for a couple hundred and shoot some 3.5" buckshot through it. The thrill won't last long.

 

[6x6pinz]

50cal is only expensive until you have shot it. After that there is just nothing else that compares. You can get all sorts of ammo. Nothing like incendiary ammo in the early morning light. You can see the impact from over 1/2 mile away.