Any point in a 'small' double rifle?

[PCC600]

First time poster so forgive mistakes, but I'm planning my first trip to Africa (probably still a few years out) and I'm starting to think more about guns to bring so I figured who better to enable me than AH. Specifically, I was thinking about buying a double rifle because to me, my first hunting trip to Africa wouldn't feel proper without a double rifle (yes I have read way too many books featuring big doubles). This has me stuck on if I should get a more practical and usable double in something like .375 H&H or 9.3x74r (this would probably be most practical as I have a Merkel drilling in the same chambering), or to get a "proper" double in .450 or .500 NE. I have the opportunity to buy a decently priced Sabatti Big Five in .500, and it's tempting me, but I know as a fact I will never use it here in BC, Canada. This leads to my main question which is, is there any real point in a double in a 'small' caliber, that can be matched with similar bolt guns? Are there any advantages if not that it can take a big F you caliber like .45+? Additionally, as much as I never need an excuse to buy new guns, does anyone here find uses with doubles in North America/ not

 

[PCC600]

I use a 303 double rifle with quick detachable scope . The 303 will do anything the 308 can do so a great all round cartridge . As you live in Canada there should be plenty of ammo available or you can reload . The 303 doubles were popular for Red Deer stalking in Scotland . You could use it in Canada and for plains game . For a larger double - there are many options but I would stick with rimmed cartridges .

 

[analog_peninsula]

At some point our gear becomes perfectly sufficient under normal conditions, and we’re free to allow other considerations, such as aesthetics, to enter into our decision making. While I appreciate titanium and carbon fiber for the most extreme conditions, there’s nothing wrong with a graceful piece of figured wood under more routine circumstances. Hunting isn’t always or even usually about maximizing efficiency.

 

[IvW]

Thank you very much for your quick response! A lot of this new to me and I appreciate the advice. I am looking at a used Merkel B3 O/U in 9.3 and a used Chapuis SXS in same caliber. About a 1k Euro difference but the Chapuis comes with a Leica scope so the higher price. I am hesitant about the B3 because of the cocking mechanism (like on the K gun or a Blaser).

The cocking mechanism is a great safety device....

Look at the Blaser O/U and spend a bit more.....
Merkel also use the same block as Blaser but is not the same quality as Blaser but it is German.....

 

[IvW]

I use a 303 double rifle with quick detachable scope . The 303 will do anything the 308 can do so a great all round cartridge . As you live in Canada there should be plenty of ammo available or you can reload . The 303 doubles were popular for Red Deer stalking in Scotland . You could use it in Canada and for plains game . For a larger double - there are many options but I would stick with rimmed cartridges .

308 cant shoot 215gr bullets......

 

[CoElkHunter]

308 cant shoot 215gr bullets......

Why would you want to?

 

[Ridge Runner]

308 cant shoot 215gr bullets......

Well, while I haven't seen any 215 grain bullets in .308 diameter there are 200 and 220 grain bullets in .308 diameter. I'm sure a reload recipe could be safely developed for use in a double to regulate.

 

[IvW]

Why would you want to?

SD and more versatile.....303 215gr Eland no problem.....308 165....problem

 

[IvW]

Well, while I haven't seen any 215 grain bullets in .308 diameter there are 200 and 220 grain bullets in .308 diameter. I'm sure a reload recipe could be safely developed for use in a double to regulate.

Most 308 wont shoot 200 or 220 grains they normally max out at 165gr.....who in any case wants a 308 win double rifle?

 

[IvW]

Well, while I haven't seen any 215 grain bullets in .308 diameter there are 200 and 220 grain bullets in .308 diameter. I'm sure a reload recipe could be safely developed for use in a double to regulate.

I can only say good luck with trying that if it cant shoot 200 or 220 gr out of a bolt action....

 

[Nyati]

A friend of mine just loves doubles, he has even written a book about them. Among those, he has a 7x57, or had, as his wife uses it most of the time.

 

[tward1604]

A friend of mine just loves doubles, he has even written a book about them. Among those, he has a 7x57, or had, as his wife uses it most of the time.

I'll ask. What is the book? I too love doubles.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Most 308 wont shoot 200 or 220 grains they normally max out at 165gr.....who in any case wants a 308 win double rifle?

Well the OP asked the question; "Any point in a "small" double rifle?".

So why not a DR in .308 for a handy brush/ woods gun for deer, hogs, elk. Where shot distance is going to be under 100 yards.

SD and more versatile.....303 215gr Eland no problem.....308 165....problem

IMPO....using a .308 on an eland is a bit being under gunned. If one is going to use a .308 diameter bullet they should bump it a notch to at least a 30-06.

I can only say good luck with trying that if it cant shoot 200 or 220 gr out of a bolt action....

I would have to do the ballistics math, but I don't see why a .308 topped with a 200 grain bullet wouldn't be effective on eland or moose out to 150 to 200 yards. Then again I prefer 30-06 over 308.

 

[PCC600]

308 cant shoot 215gr bullets......

And that is why the 303 is better !

 

[Altitude sickness]

Man, a .303 double sure would be nice. On a small light action. Short barrels

 

[analog_peninsula]

Why not an 8x65R?

 

[Nyati]

I'll ask. What is the book? I too love doubles.

The Express Rifle, by Saúl Braceras

Foreword by Tony Sanchez-Ariño

ISBN: 84-609-1291-4

 

[rookhawk]

The OP asked a few pages ago what about 450-400 vs 470NE.

470NE is preferred for simplicity. It's designed for one bullet weight, 500gr. That takes a lot of variables out of the equation, and it permits the chance to get a factory load for all seasons.

450-400 Jeffery and its rimless equivelant 404J are well regarded for their versatility. But that versatility comes from different bullet weights. You're not going to harness all the 450-400's capabilities if you're not hand loading and regulating for 3 different grain weights.

For the non-handloader, 470NE is the preferred option IMO.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Too many words, not enough pictures!

 

[8 x 60]

The jackalopes can charge all they want, but that cool little rifle is no longer listed on Guns International...

I do think it would be nice to have a double in .22 Hornet. A set of barrels there, maybe another set in 7X65R for whitetail, and a third set in 9.3X74. Actually, I take it back. I have some brass for 9.5X57R, which I bought thinking the R was mis-posted and they would fit in my M1910. No joy on the M1910, but I have some brass that would work great in a double... until I need to find more brass!

I had the chance to look at a 9.5 x 57 a couple of years ago. A Mannlicher Schoenauer 1910
The furniture had heavy patina (lol) but the action was as smooth as silk and a pristine bore.
Would love to be able to hunt with it

And below on the right

(Sorry for the rubbish photos)