Bigbore rifle question

[streetglideok]

I find myself eyeing some toys lately, in particular, a Winnie Model 70 Safari. Problem I have, is choosing a caliber. I have a 375H&H, and a 45/70 in my stash. The rifle comes in 375, 416rem, and 458win. What would you choose?

[Marine24]

You might find this article interesting:

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?tocid=153&magid=15

[streetglideok]

Yeah, I actually read that the other day. Makes a strong case for the 416.

[Marine24]

Any particular need for either the 416 or 458?

Your 45-70 w/Garrett's 540gr Hammerhead bullets is more than capable of taking the largest bull elephant.

Winchester's Safari models are great looking rifles though.

[rondog]

WTF, .700 Nitro Express FTW!

Oh, you wanna drool over some beautiful big bore rifles, drop by M.W. Reynolds on Broadway in Englewood. They're like a safari outfitter, and have big dollar guns in there like you wouldn't believe. They sell these rounds, and the guns for them. I saw a 60K shotgun in there once, blew my mind. Bass Pro Shops has a gun room with some nice fancies in there too, including a gorgeous Clayton Nelson single in .600 NE.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/ammo%20and%20reloading/700NitroExpressbmp.jpg

[Marine24]

Now that is what you call a bullet or an anti-tank round. Firing Line has a few of those too. Get in to a whole different class of rifles and shotguns when you start having an appreciation for classic double rifles.

[streetglideok]

Any particular need for either the 416 or 458?

Your 45-70 w/Garrett's 540gr Hammerhead bullets is more than capable of taking the largest bull elephant.

Winchester's Safari models are great looking rifles though.

I've read some of the articles on the 45/70 in africa, and there was plenty of critics on the attack too. I like the looks of the M70 Safari action, and you can get a fair amount more power with them, with only a molderate increase in recoil, due to the 2lbs of extra metal over an 1895 marlin. I have alot of fun blasting with the 375 in a moderate weight mauser, so its only natural to want to step up a notch. Kinda leaning to the 416. Though factory ammo is pricey and hard to find, brass is easy to make, and get. Reloading makes it a nominal price to shoot.

[Marine24]

The 416 Remington and 458 Lott have always been on my want to shoot list, along with the 416 and 460 Weatherby. 458 Lott may be an interesting option for you since you are already shooting the 375 H&H.

I've shot three rounds out of a 460 Weatherby once. Memorable experience is a good description. Fortunately we were shooting off hand using a tripod as stability. Expect it would have been a lot less enjoyable/tolerable if I was shooting it off a bench.

[Alpine]

So, are you going to Africa to hunt dangerous game, or staying local to hunt Buicks and Cadilacs?