416 vs 470 for Buffalo

[Certus]

I always find it interesting when people say that doubles are classic for buffalo when more have been taken with bolts than doubles. Wouldn’t bolts be classic for buffalo and doubles not? Irrelevant to the topic but just a thought. Even going back historically.

 

[grand veneur]

Nothing is classic, it's all a question of historical period. Big bore bolt action rifles only came onto the market at the beginning of the 20th century. Previously, big game was shot with double rifles. Nowadays a client is well equipped for big game hunting with a scoped bolt action rifle. This gives him the greatest chance of being successful because he can make a shot even under difficult or non-classic conditions. Anyone who want to hunt with a DR and open sights has often to adapt their hunting to their rifle, but that is a different topic.

 

[Beefeater]

Maybe it’s just me, but the essence of a buffalo hunt happens under 50 yards. A double rifle would be oh-so-classic for this very memorable hunt. Of course, I used a CZ 550 in .416 Rigby with 400gr TSX handloads for my one buffalo to date.

I believe most on this site would LIKE to get under 50 yards but sometimes things dont work out - you fluffed your first shot and have 100 + yard chance at a rapidly departing buff or you hunted hard and you are on your last day and have a 100 + yard opportunity with very little else going for you and the next opportunity maybe a year or years away
The other advantage of the 416 which I believe is comfortably a true 200 yard cartridge with a x6 scope is you can have a 1 gun safari if adding plainsgame.

 

[ftrovato]

Take both is my mind set. And follow your gut each morning to decide which you're carrying each day....