Most Coveted Dangerous Game Calibers

[spike.t]

I first coveted a .375H&H. Got one. Then I coveted a 9.3x62. Got one of those too. And a 9.3x74R. Got one but haven't even hunted with it yet. Then I realized that the best dangerous game cartridges start at .40 caliber or bigger, and the really nice ones have two barrels. Yes I'm an elitist. I really like my side by side double barrel .450-400 3" N.E. I don't think I need anything else.

.....So wrong. ...now you need a nice .500 ....Jeffery or nitro depending on whether a bolt or double. ...

 

[spike.t]

I'm a bit surprised the 375H&H isn't getting more votes, has been one of the most popular DG cartridges for the last 100 years or so? All though I am very interested in another bigger calibres my vote goes for the 375H&H.

But maybe this is only because I haven't yet fired a 404J haha

Definitely don't covet one of those .375 things..........but as am at approx 32000 feet at the moment I do covet another bottle of bubbly............need to get Jerome to add a champagne smiley thing. ....

 

[2400]

When I was a "kid" reading about hunting in mysterious Africa, India and Alaska was a favorite of mine. I read about hunting animals the places and people that were there and it was awesome. I read about using the 7mm Mauser to shoot hundreds and hundreds of elephants, there were 404 and 500 Jefferys, 500/450, 470 and 475 Nitro Express, 416 Rigby and the 375 H&H.

The 375 H&H was and still is my favorite, it was something I had actually fired and it was fun to shoot. My Grandpa and Dad had friends that had hunted Africa, India and the America's with all sorts of big impressive guns. One thing they had in common was all of them had at least one 375 H&H rifle, and loved it. So that was my first "big" rifle I had to have.

I have one now that I have put 714 rounds through and one that's almost finished (first custom rifle) I can't wait to shoot. One thing I have noticed over the years is that everyone that's shot mine had a big grin, said "it's fun to shoot" can I keep a round of brass to show off.

I know there are a to of bigger and "better" rifles out there but the 375 H&H was my coveted rifle. That said I'd like to have a 404 Jeffery some day.

 

[IvW]

I have enjoyed reading about grown men "jonesing" for DG caliber rifles. I have heard of all theses calibers, most since I was a child: 416 Rigby, 450/400 NE, 404 Jeffry, 458 Lott, 505 Gibbs. There are also the many American dangerous game calibers, and I am sure many others. Of course I find the British calibers more romantic. I ask here: what is the most coveted / rarest caliber. Not necessarily the most coveted rifle, but caliber. Of course it might not be possible to separate the two. This is not a poll. I am just trying to better understand these magical calibers.

You missed the best one in bolt action 500 Jeff.....

 

[Pondoro]

You like big..? This is indeed ultra large bore...406mm and the high explosive grenade weighs in at 1029 kg..

 

[Newboomer]

I have to say 375HH probably because I have one and it's my go to gun. I came close to a 404Jeffery and still have a strong interest in the caliber.

 

[Badboymelvin]

Ok. I'll say it - because I use one - the .458 Win Mag. But I wonder just how many guys who recommend the 404J actually have one as their "go to" rifle for DG? Just asking.

Hey Timbo,
I was waiting for someone to mention the .458WM!

 

[colorado]

375 H&H or 500 Jeffery, don't see much point in only going halfway in between

 

[IvW]

375 H&H or 500 Jeffery, don't see much point in only going halfway in between

Super choices

 

[Professor Mawla]

Well , I already own a custom built .458 Winchester Magnum and I could not be more pleased with mine . But I would really like to own a 9.3x74 mm Rimmed someday ( a side-lock ejector side by side double rifle preferably built by Lebeau Courally ) . And perhaps , a .505 Gibbs ( built by Reimer Johannsen on a Waffen Prechtll Magnum Mauser Model 98 action ) .

 

[Nevada Mike]

Professor Mawla... I like that you defend your choice so vigorously - it shows that you have confidence in it, and confidence is everything when shooting.

 

[Professor Mawla]

Professor Mawla... I like that you defend your choice so vigorously - it shows that you have confidence in it, and confidence is everything when shooting.

@Nevada Mike
Why thank you . When your .458 Winchester Magnum manages to achieve these results for you over the last 44 years , then you obviously develop an fondness for it .

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I have 404Jeffery and love it.

 

[Quaticman]

What, no love for the 9.3 x 62 Mauser?

 

[IvW]

What, no love for the 9.3 x 62 Mauser?

Great caliber but not known for its stopping ability on DG.
I would gladly use one as well as 9.3x74R if I was the hunter taking the first shot but would not have it when following up wounded DG.

 

[RayAtkinson]

Ones as good as the other...I liked the 416 Rem as well as anything I used, but hunted a lot with the 404 and 375, and 9.3x62 and 338 , even a 450-400-3" and a 470 N.E. all good and all did their job well..

 

[spike.t]

Great caliber but not known for its stopping ability on DG.
I would gladly use one as well as 9.3x74R if I was the hunter taking the first shot but would not have it when following up wounded DG.

How about 9.3x74r double following wounded leopard......

 

[IvW]

How about 9.3x74r double following wounded leopard......

Very good choice.....

 

[Opposite Pole]

How about 9.3x74r double following wounded leopard......

Very good choice.....

Is 9.3x74R really a good choice for leopard? I was under the impression fast calibers were a better choice but have no experience, only cats I ever hunted were feral domestic ones.

 

[spike.t]

Very good choice.....

Yup thought you would agree