VeloDog I do plan to use the Ruger 416 Guide Gun with the Luepold VX 6 scope attached. With 0 magnification you have a 120' wide field of view that makes for quick sighting of the target.
I would love to have a double but I bought this Ruger with the big five in mind. It shoots a Hornady DGS 400 grain round at 2400 ft per second so I'm thinking it will get the job done. I can chamber the second round quickly with the short bolt action.
Honestly my biggest concern is judging the angle to hit the brain on a frontal shot. A side brain shot is what I would hope for, but will follow the instructions of the PH. When you look at the shot placement shots on this site it can be a little difficult to see where the round has to end up.
CAustin,
Again, I believe from all I have read and heard spoken by those who have taken elephant that, your .416 Ruger / 400 gr "solid" will be plenty for elephant.
Likewise, I am very concerned about the shot placement on elephant, if I ever even get to hunt one.
For buffalo, I studied everything I could get my hands on.
I trained with my rifle from field positions, mostly over the sticks, for a solid year, firing no other during that time.
I fired it at targets from about 15 feet to a couple hundred yards but, primarily from 25 yds to 75 yds.
I even bought a huge paper target depicting a buffalo, built a portable frame to fit and patched my "buffalo" with black tape many times to keep using it.
The rifle range probably paid their light bill that year with the lead they recovered from my .450 N02 training sessions.
Unfortunately it was broadside but nonetheless, it was a real good investment.
I studied enough about buffalo anatomy to know exactly where to place the bullet from any acceptable angle.
By the time I saved up the money, I was confident and it really paid off at the moment of truth.
If/when I'm able to hunt elephant, I plan to repeat the above.
All except the life size paper target -LOL.
At least two of the PHs I have spoken with about elephant hunting, have told me they would happily bust their shoes getting me into position for a fast right and left heart/lung shots, of course at very close range.
But, I will memorize all acceptable vital shots, including the more difficult brain, from all acceptable angles, in case the elephant refuses to pose classic broadside.
No doubt you already have read Dr. Robertson's excellent book "The Perfect Shot".
Personally, I believe this book should be #1 required reading for anyone planning to hunt Africa.
A couple of Boddington's books likewise should be required reading.
Speaking of books, Tony Sanchez-Areno wrote one worth reading called "Elephant Hunters".
Not really instructional but an excellent read anyway.
Help, I'm typing and I can't stop.
NNTR,
Velo Dog.