One final rodeo, bolt-action or double rifle for my last big bore thumper?

[double rifle newbie]

double! u already have bolts.

 

[wildwilderness]

He who dies with the most guns wins.

Probably not, but everyone has their own life to live, and every life will end. Can’t take anything with you so I guess what’s important is what you enjoy now, and what you want to leave as a legacy.

It will be different for everyone

 

[Northern Shooter]

Well looks like that the Heym 500NE I linked has sold, which one of you snagged it? Lol.

 

[Northern Shooter]

So one that that has become very apparent here in Canada is that when looking at the >0.5cal DG cartridges, 500NE is the only one that be found in stock regarding factory ammo.

In the last 3 years that I've been interested in these kinds of firearms, I've never once come across factory 500J or 505 Gibbs ammo.

Assuming I can find a double that is regulated for either Federal, Hornady or.Barnes 500NE, that seems to be the safest route to go.

 

[PCC600]

So one that that has become very apparent here in Canada is that when looking at the >0.5cal DG cartridges, 500NE is the only one that be found in stock regarding factory ammo.

In the last 3 years that I've been interested in these kinds of firearms, I've never once come across factory 500J or 505 Gibbs ammo.

Assuming I can find a double that is regulated for either Federal, Hornady or.Barnes 500NE, that seems to be the safest route to go.

I shoot a 505G and 500NE double . Basically the same effect on game . 500J also likely the same . Norma did load for 505G with their PH range of ammo. The 500 NE is a very good fallback option .

 

[Northern Shooter]

So I just ordered some 500NE ammo, looks like I'm committed.

Double it is!

Thanks everyone.

 

[VertigoBE]

So I just ordered some 500NE ammo, looks like I'm committed.

Double it is!

Thanks everyone.

Congrats, you can’t go back, alea iacta est!

You will not regret it , it is wonderful to shoot 500NE

 

[Houston Bill]

So I just ordered some 500NE ammo, looks like I'm committed.

Double it is!

Thanks everyone.

You made a great choice...good luck.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I'd like to thank the AH community for helping me spend my money on my last three DG rifle choices including a 375H&H, 416 Rigby and 458 WinMag.

I'm looking to add one final thumper to the collection and would like to make it special one. My initial thought is to go with a double rifle as they are more unique than a bolt-action and will make for a great conversation piece and heirloom. If double rifle I'd be going with either .470NE or 500NE. Considering Merkels, Krieghoffs and Heyms.

On the other hand I'm also drawn to a premium bolt-action along the lines of a ParkWest Arms, Mauser or Rigby in a caliber other than the 3 mentioned above. Something in 450 Rigby, 500J or 505Gibbs would be fun.

If you owned bolt actions in the above 3 calibers (CZ's, Winchesters) and wanted a final DG rifle that felt a little more special, which direction would you go with? This decision is not dependent on hunting any specific game, just for the pure enjoyment of owning it. Budget: up to 20K Canadian.

@Northern Shooter
Nothing screams bigbore than a double in 470 or 500. It is the quintessential rifle if Africa.
Bob

 

[375Ruger416]

@Northern Shooter
Nothing screams bigbore than a double in 470 or 500. It is the quintessential rifle if Africa.
Bob

If you can’t have a Whelen, you might as well have a Nitro Express???

 

[Rare Breed]

So I just ordered some 500NE ammo, looks like I'm committed.

Double it is!

Thanks everyone.

You have chosen wisely my friend!!!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

If you can’t have a Whelen, you might as well have a Nitro Express???

@375Ruger416
Fortunately I have a Whelen then. A double is well above my pay grade.
Bob

 

[375Ruger416]

@375Ruger416
Fortunately I have a Whelen then. A double is well above my pay grade.
Bob

Me too. I also like the idea of a magazine rifle with the ability to zero for different distances and for different loads.

No question, for certain purposes a double rifle is probably the best option but I think that even if I had the funds I would be a magazine rifle guy.

 

[Northern Shooter]

So the 500NE deal fell through but I ended up buying a Merkel 160AE in 470NE.

This should be my “last” dangerous game cartridge I add to the arsenal.

375HH - 416 Rigby - 458 WM - 470NE

 

[ActionBob]

So the 500NE deal fell through but I ended up buying a Merkel 160AE in 470NE.

This should be my “last” dangerous game cartridge I add to the arsenal.

375HH - 416 Rigby - 458 WM - 470NE

Until the desire for something that starts with a .5 gets too strong

BTW, they make doubles in .577NE And you can load your own ammo.... just sayin'.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Au Contraire ! You still need one in the 5’s
.500 or larger

 

[Lumaberpat]

If you owned bolt actions in the above 3 calibers (CZ's, Winchesters) and wanted a final DG rifle that felt a little more special, which direction would you go with? This decision is not dependent on hunting any specific game, just for the pure enjoyment of owning it. Budget: up to 20K Canadian.

If I were making a rifle to these specifications I would have something built chambered in 11.2x72 Schuler… but I would bet my reasons do not apply to your situation.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Until the desire for something that starts with a .5 gets too strong

BTW, they make doubles in .577NE And you can load your own ammo.... just sayin'.

You guys are the worst haha.

 

[mark-hunter]

So the 500NE deal fell through but I ended up buying a Merkel 160AE in 470NE.

Congrats.
Now, I think a picture would be appropriate!

 

[VertigoBE]

And

You guys are the worst haha.

And once you have a 500 class rifle, then you can start to get both a bolt action and double rifle example for each category. You should have some options in life...

So a .375H&H bolt action and a .375 flanged double
a 416 rigby bolt action and a 450/400NE double
a 458WM and a .450NE double
a .470NE double and a ???
A .500NE double and a .500 Jeffery