Pheroze
AH ambassador
I first chatted with @zephyr in 2016. At that time he very generously gave me a lot of advice about a 400 H&H build I am doing. I finally got the opportunity to pop down to his neck of the woods and clean up some of those cartridges that were cluttering up his shelf. He was a very hospitable and informative host. We shot a 400 H&H, a 1903 450 NE (I apologize but I forget the maker) and a 505 Gibbs. My journeyman assessment of these calibers:
The 400 H&H is just fun. If you can shoot a 375 H&H you will have zero problem with the 400 version. The 300 grain and 400 grain loads make it quite practical for hunting various animals. I like the idea of the 300 grain bullet for moose as we hunt some very dense woods but with the odd clear cut. With the scope it is a very practical rifle. With the irons and 400 grain bullet it's a joy to handle and about perfect for buffalo I think. Neat package.
The 450 NE was the first double I have ever shot and I now understand what the fuss is all about. What a gorgeous gun and not a bad cartridge to shoot. After a little instruction I was able to hit the target very reasonably with the irons. What I love about the double is its very minimalist functional design. So much easier to carry than a bolt gun. It shoots beautifully. This could be trouble....
The 505 Gibbs was just a hoot!! I believe the hunting load was 525 gr at around 2300. Not at all bad to shoot and the rifle is really accurate. Now, I am not sure shooting from the bench is an option for me! But what a lot of fun
I think my wee 400 H&H is too small 
This was my first trip to Vermont and it is a beautiful state. I am amazed by the tree canopy. The views are stunning. And the maple creamies worth the trip!
Thank you @zephyr for being such a great host and showing my bride and I around your town.
The 400 H&H is just fun. If you can shoot a 375 H&H you will have zero problem with the 400 version. The 300 grain and 400 grain loads make it quite practical for hunting various animals. I like the idea of the 300 grain bullet for moose as we hunt some very dense woods but with the odd clear cut. With the scope it is a very practical rifle. With the irons and 400 grain bullet it's a joy to handle and about perfect for buffalo I think. Neat package.
The 450 NE was the first double I have ever shot and I now understand what the fuss is all about. What a gorgeous gun and not a bad cartridge to shoot. After a little instruction I was able to hit the target very reasonably with the irons. What I love about the double is its very minimalist functional design. So much easier to carry than a bolt gun. It shoots beautifully. This could be trouble....
The 505 Gibbs was just a hoot!! I believe the hunting load was 525 gr at around 2300. Not at all bad to shoot and the rifle is really accurate. Now, I am not sure shooting from the bench is an option for me! But what a lot of fun
I think my wee 400 H&H is too small This was my first trip to Vermont and it is a beautiful state. I am amazed by the tree canopy. The views are stunning. And the maple creamies worth the trip!
Thank you @zephyr for being such a great host and showing my bride and I around your town.
