Checking in from CO

[sierraone]

Welcome to our forum Mike! The die has been cast!!!

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Mike W. Since you've expressed an interest in doubles and don't have one yet, take a good look at the 450/400. Read for a while and you will discover who the "Double rifle" guys are and them PM them for their advice as to which caliber they would recommend and why. Also check out the previous threads re. Double Rifles. There is a lot if info available to you from guys that have "been there and done that" as Elmer Keith used to say.

 

[MikeW]

Appreciate the advice. My quest definitely falls in to the category of "I don't know, what I don't know". I'm spending a lot of time in the Double Rifles thread but can easy get distracted in the Deals and Offers section, as well as the Safari Planning threads.

 

[Shootist43]

Mike, for what it is worth about a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to purchase a Double Rifle in 375 H&H for an absolute steal. I was talked out of it by several of the Double Rifle Gurus on AH. Principally because that caliber isn't particularly suited for Double Rifles and the resale value is likely to be much less than your purchase price. Those 375 H&H(s) make hellacious bolt rifles that are sought after on both ends of the purchasing spectrum.

 

[MikeW]

Interesting you would say that. I was drawn to the double rifle and 375 H&H due to the nostalgia associated with both. The more I read threads on this forum, the two together may not be the best combination depending on the quarry you are hunting.

As you stated, the bolt action seems to be a better fit for the 375 H&H. Taking advantage of its longer range capabilities, I can see the 375 H&H as a very effective North American big game rifle and wouldn't hesitate punching an elk inside of 450 yards aided with a quality scope. I could extend that logic to plains game as well.

My double rifle caliber has been evolving to the 9.3x74r but the 450-400 NE is intriguing as well.

 

[Shootist43]

If Dangerous Game is on your list "bucket" or otherwise the 450/400 NE is the better option. The 9.3 x 74 is an excellent choice for Plains Game but not legal for DG in most African countries.

 

[MikeW]

Understand. The 9.3x74 caught my eye as a brush/hog rifle in the US but was having a hard time convincing myself that it was better than my 45-70 or 454 Casull lever rifles that I use currently. I'm pretty much settled on the 375 H&H in a bolt action rifle as my PG rifle. Focus is now on the 450-400 NE double to serve as my DG rifle.

 

[Nkawu]

Hello!

 

[Shootist43]

I've used my 35 Whelen on Deer and Hogs in the states and very successfully on PG in Africa. My go to rifle for Deer and Hogs as well as the smaller PG in Africa is my 6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser pushing a 140 Gr. NP at 2775 FPS.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Welcome to AH, Mike.

 

[Ironhorse375]

From another Colorado resident who loves hunting Africa, welcome to a fantastic forum.

 

[huntermn15]

Welcome to AH Mike.

 

[gin535]

Welcome to the family and the forum Mike, you are in the right place!

 

[USAN]

Welcome Mike! Enjoy the site!

 

[enysse]

Welcome to AH, Mike!