Opinions on the real big boys? 500J, 505 Gibbs, .500 NE, 577NE, 600NE, 700NE etc.

[Jack Stevens]

Here is what I have learned: Some people love collecting not so much for an investment sake but for their personal enjoyment given they just don’t have the time to hunt in Africa, my good friend @krish comes to mind given I don’t know a caliber he doesn’t own. Then there are those who want to shoot the biggest bore as long as they can make the first shot count. Last there are those who just enjoy shooting big bores for their own enjoyment as long as it does not cross over into pain to shoot. I know for myself I am somewhere in between given I hunt Africa every year and am a very old Africa nostalgic person.

That was well-said. …. If I may ask, how old are you?

 

[Rare Breed]

That was well-said. …. If I may ask, how old are you?

A very young 65!!!! lol!!!

 

[BeeMaa]

Anyone have footage of a 577 T-Rex or 600 Overkill being used in the field? Particularly on game?

Not the 577T-REX, but the 577NE used by J. Alain Smith on Cape buffalo. Personally, I thought his first shot was more than a little off, but with the second barrel it was enough to get it done quickly. Much to be said about having a bigger cartridge to push a bigger bullet and give some margin of error on such dangerous game.

And then a VC 577NE used by Richard Eales of African Sportsman Channel on elephant.

 

[grand veneur]

Dislike this videos. It are not very convincing regarding the working of big bores on dangerous game. I have shot more than one buffalo and a few elephants with cartridges like the 460 Weatherby Magnum and 500 Schüler. I know how they go down after a good shot placement. Every one can have problems by shooting game, despite the cartridge used, but documenting it by videos for self-realization is not necessary.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Not the 577T-REX, but the 577NE used by J. Alain Smith on Cape buffalo. Personally, I thought his first shot was more than a little off, but with the second barrel it was enough to get it done quickly. Much to be said about having a bigger cartridge to push a bigger bullet and give some margin of error on such dangerous game.

And then a VC 577NE used by Richard Eales of African Sportsman Channel on elephant.

The 577NE seems like a downright sensible choice compared to those other two, also the uppermost cartridge threshold that is "reasonable" to be used by hunters or PH's according to Dr. Robertson.

 

[BeeMaa]

The 577NE seems like a downright sensible choice compared to those other two, also the uppermost cartridge threshold that is "reasonable" to be used by hunters or PH's according to Dr. Robertson.

The term "reasonable" or "sensible choice" would depend greatly on the point of view.

By most accounts, stopping cartridges for a PH start at 458WM/458LOTT/450RIGBY for a bolt action or 450NE/470NE for a double. Of course the 500J, 500GIBBS, 500NE would all be better choices provided the operator is capable of maintaining a competent level of accuracy.

As a client there is very little NEED for such shoulder mounted artillery. Is it good to have? Sure, again...as long as the client is capable of maintaining a competent level of accuracy. The problem is that most clients are not.

The lines between PH and client are very distinct, and at the same time the cartridges they use can get blurred right around the .423" to .600" just as easily. If you feel that a 577NE is your cup of tea, I'd be very happy for you...and probably help you find one! I'd just ask that you are adequately prepared when you arrive in camp.

 

[Foxi]

Not the 577T-REX, but the 577NE used by J. Alain Smith on Cape buffalo. Personally, I thought his first shot was more than a little off, but with the second barrel it was enough to get it done quickly. Much to be said about having a bigger cartridge to push a bigger bullet and give some margin of error on such dangerous game.

And then a VC 577NE used by Richard Eales of African Sportsman Channel on elephant.

They all show off with big calibers and nothing stays in the fire.
It often feels like a cock comparison between men, I have the biggest one (but their result is no better )

 

[Northern Shooter]

The term "reasonable" or "sensible choice" would depend greatly on the point of view.

By most accounts, stopping cartridges for a PH start at 458WM/458LOTT/450RIGBY for a bolt action or 450NE/470NE for a double. Of course the 500J, 500GIBBS, 500NE would all be better choices provided the operator is capable of maintaining a competent level of accuracy.

As a client there is very little NEED for such shoulder mounted artillery. Is it good to have? Sure, again...as long as the client is capable of maintaining a competent level of accuracy. The problem is that most clients are not.

The lines between PH and client are very distinct, and at the same time the cartridges they use can get blurred right around the .423" to .600" just as easily. If you feel that a 577NE is your cup of tea, I'd be very happy for you...and probably help you find one! I'd just ask that you are adequately prepared when you arrive in camp.

Just repeating what I've heard stated by several of the Pros now that the 577NE is the upper limit of what is still usable in a hunting rifle to carry. The idea is that the 600NE, 700NE, 577 T-REX, 600 Overkill etc. are beyond that limit and are purely exercises in exuberance.

I have a cursory interest in these exotic cartridges, no interest in actually owning one. If I ever step up beyond my current offerings it would be either a 500NE or 500 Jeffery.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Just repeating what I've heard stated by several of the Pros now that the 577NE is the upper limit of what is still usable in a hunting rifle to carry. The idea is that the 600NE, 700NE, 577 T-REX, 600 Overkill etc. are beyond that limit and are purely exercises in exuberance.

I have a cursory interest in these exotic cartridges, no interest in actually owning one. If I ever step up beyond my current offerings it would be either a 500NE or 500 Jeffery.

Don't forget considering the .550 Triceratops.

 

[grand veneur]

Just repeating what I've heard stated by several of the Pros now that the 577NE is the upper limit of what is still usable in a hunting rifle to carry. The idea is that the 600NE, 700NE, 577 T-REX, 600 Overkill etc. are beyond that limit and are purely exercises in exuberance.

I have a cursory interest in these exotic cartridges, no interest in actually owning one. If I ever step up beyond my current offerings it would be either a 500NE or 500 Jeffery.

I would rather say the cartridge 600 Nitro Express represents the upper limit, because anyone who can handle a DR caliber 577 Nitro Express will also be able to handle a DR caliber 600 Nitro Express. The rifles are comparable in terms of handling and the recoil of a DR caliber 600 Nitro Express is only a little stronger than that of a DR caliber 577 Nitro Express. However, it remains a hard work to shoot accurately with such rifles and also to carry them a longer time in the field. But it is also the same hard work with a lighter bolt action rifle caliber 500 Jeffery if you use the full original load.

One have to think carefully about purchasing such rifles. You buy big bore rifles to benefit from the advantages of this cartridges, but not to have one that is bigger than that of your neighbor and after to brag with it by hunting. Anyone who starts discussing at length on a Forum about recoil and how to reduce it, has perhaps a problem with big bore rifles. When hunting with such rifles, you need to be completely free of any thoughts about recoil and its side effects. You must be able to concentrate on an accurate shot placement and also to repeat it immediately. Many videos give unfortunately a different impression and the statistics regarding wounded game proves it.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I would rather say the cartridge 600 Nitro Express represents the upper limit, because anyone who can handle a DR caliber 577 Nitro Express will also be able to handle a DR caliber 600 Nitro Express. The rifles are comparable in terms of handling and the recoil of a DR caliber 600 Nitro Express is only a little stronger than that of a DR caliber 577 Nitro Express. However, it remains a hard work to shoot accurately with such rifles and also to carry them a longer time in the field. But it is also the same hard work with a lighter bolt action rifle caliber 500 Jeffery if you use the full original load.

One have to think carefully about purchasing such rifles. You buy big bore rifles to benefit from the advantages of this cartridges, but not to have one that is bigger than that of your neighbor and after to brag with it by hunting. Anyone who starts discussing at length on a Forum about recoil and how to reduce it, has perhaps a problem with big bore rifles. When hunting with such rifles, you need to be completely free of any thoughts about recoil and its side effects. You must be able to concentrate on an accurate shot placement and also to repeat it immediately. Many videos give unfortunately a different impression and the statistics regarding wounded game proves it.

I believe the argument was not only related to the increased recoil, but the increased rifle weight as well which is becoming too cumbersome to carry on safari.

A typical 577NE double is in the 13lbs range, A 600 NE is 16lbs+ and 700NE is 18lbs +. We are now beyond the era of gun bearers where lugging around these behemoths made more sense.

 

[francois_458]

I believe the argument was not only related to the increased recoil, but the increased rifle weight as well which is becoming too cumbersome to carry on safari.

A typical 577NE double is in the 13lbs range, A 600 NE is 16lbs+ and 700NE is 18lbs +. We are now beyond the era of gun bearers where lugging around these behemoths made more sense.

I would say the average 600 is closer to 15lbs.

 

[PrechtlM98]

That would make sense if you look for a working machine.

R8 .500 like new

By the way, my dad did practice with his .500 Jefferey nearly every weekend.
Just full house loads. The day as his Elephant came, he had his .416 with him.
Was also bad for the bull.

 

[ftrovato]

I tell people that 375 is the most practical rifle cartridge for Africa. If you like bigger and are hunting thick skinned then the 416 and 458 make a lot of sense and the recoil is manageable by most. The .50’s and up are better on thick skin DG…IF you are willing to practice and put in the time with one. I enjoy shooting my 500J Mauser and 500NE double but they require some dedication and trigger time from real shooting positions, which really means reloading to get in enough time. As stated above, the big guns require more weight and that’s a serious factor when you get to 577 or larger. At that point, it becomes a very physical game and the mental needs to be strong too.

It’s also fun to create reduced loads for the big guns, which can help with getting more handling time and reduced loads are very capable for anything in North America. Dry fire and snap caps are also important and should be done to make sure you’re not developing bad habits.

Said Perfectly!

 

[IvW]

I briefed, .. can only find targets ..
This wildcat seems nothing to sneeze at, however.

And he takes 3 steps back from the recoil......no thanks....500Jeff it is.....

 

[IvW]

Just repeating what I've heard stated by several of the Pros now that the 577NE is the upper limit of what is still usable in a hunting rifle to carry. The idea is that the 600NE, 700NE, 577 T-REX, 600 Overkill etc. are beyond that limit and are purely exercises in exuberance.

I have a cursory interest in these exotic cartridges, no interest in actually owning one. If I ever step up beyond my current offerings it would be either a 500NE or 500 Jeffery.

Wise man......the 500NE and 500 Jeff out penetrate and out perform anything above that.....weight and recoil is also very manageable.....nobody needs anything bigger....just for show

 

[CoElkHunter]

I believe the argument was not only related to the increased recoil, but the increased rifle weight as well which is becoming too cumbersome to carry on safari.

A typical 577NE double is in the 13lbs range, A 600 NE is 16lbs+ and 700NE is 18lbs +. We are now beyond the era of gun bearers where lugging around these behemoths made more sense.

I’d like a gun bearer. I asked my buddy on an elk hunt once if he would carry my rifle for me and he told me to f*** off. Anyway, a Barrett .50 bolt action weighs 25lbs. so what’s all the whining about carrying around 16-18lb rifles? I wouldn’t but then again my CZ550 .416 RIGBY weighs a meager 10.5lbs scoped. That’s enough weight for me and in Africa I don’t even have to wear a 30lb backpack along WITH the rifle. LOL

 

[Daniel Cary]

I never noticed @ 50secs & 1:50, you can see Mark's bloody finger ..

 

[grand veneur]

I never noticed @ 50secs & 1:50, you can see Mark's bloody finger ..

As for Mark Sullivan bloody finger, that is not uncommon when shooting rifles with strong recoil. You have to remember by shooting to hold tightly the pistol grip of the rifle to avoid slipping towards the trigger guard, but that is easier said than done, especially if you have to fire quickly and repeatedly. In hot climate when you sweat it is even more difficult, but it s not a big problem, it is part of big bore shooting.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

As for Mark Sullivan bloody finger, that is not uncommon when shooting rifles with strong recoil. You have to remember by shooting to hold tightly the pistol grip of the rifle to avoid slipping towards the trigger guard, but that is easier said than done, especially if you have to fire quickly and repeatedly. In hot climate when you sweat it is even more difficult, but it s not a big problem, it is part of big bore shooting.

Correct

Typically injury of the the middle finger that absorbs recoil from sitting behind the trigger guard.

HH