Which Second Rifle?

[steve white]

Sorry (not really!) for reviving the thread... I have booked my safari and my flights, so my 2025 Springbok Slam + whatever else the gods send my way is happening for sure. Wheels up on Aug. 26.

Besides my beloved H&H single shot (the one in my profile pic), which will get the lion's share of the hunt also because it's turning 100 this year, the spot for second rifle will be contested among these three classics:

View attachment 664480

They are: Cogswell & Harrison .318, Mannlicher-Schönauer 6.5x54 (with pre-war variable Voigtländer scope) and Alex Henry falling block .450 BPE, my most recent acquisition.

The first two are proven tack-drivers. The .318, with the 200-yard leaf up, gets me right in the bull at 200 yards with 250-grain Woodleighs. My only qualm is that I only have 70 bullets left, and I don't see a way to replenish them unless I go with Hawk, which I'd have to sight in all over again.

With the Mannlicher, I almost feel like I'm cheating. It digests both handloads and 156-gr PPU factory loads like a champ. I have an endless supply of those gorgeous, parallel-sided Hornady Interock 160-grainers, which I push at a moderate 2,250 fps, and with this rifle I also have the benefit of a scope--although given its age it's not the absolute brightest!

The Alex Henry is the one I'd be most excited about, also because I'm a single-shot man through and through. I've posted on another thread that I'm facing the problem that, as it is, it won't chamber modern-sized .450 3.25" brass, but either with a custom die or with J.J. touching up the chamber and the extractor, I'll solve the problem in plenty of time for my safari. The only unknown is how it shoots once I can load it.

Thoughts?

Lovely choices! I seem to remember that there was someone at NECG or the like who could restore or solder on a new scope choice? Would have to disassemble it in order for the tube to take the heat. But then you would have an optically superior instrument...
OTOH, there is something to be said for "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and the MS already shoots lights out.

 

[AZDAVE]

Take the 450!

 

[alby]

Gotta go the .318!!! Beautiful rifle!

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

As much as I like the MS, the 318 would be my choice
Gumpy

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

With the Mannlicher, I almost feel like I'm cheating. It digests both handloads and 156-gr PPU factory loads like a champ. I have an endless supply of those gorgeous, parallel-sided Hornady Interock 160-grainers, which I push at a moderate 2,250 fps, and with this rifle I also have the benefit of a scope--although given its age it's not the absolute brightest

Thoughts?

Der Mannlicher Schoenauer.

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

I would really like to find that optic/rings for my M/S. I would love to know your load also for that bullet as I have some but not an endless supply like yourself!

Consult New England Gun Works for 'German claw mount' MS setup.

Here is the blueprint for 6.5X54 (M1903, Y1903, M1900) Mannlicher Schoenauer:

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

I would take the 6.5.


Bell used a 256 Gibbs for his pot rifle. It’s based of the 7x57 if I recall.

Bell also wrote of using the Mannlicher Schoenauer 'for the pot' and spoke rather highly of its capabilities, even with dissatisfaction of the British produced ammunition available to him for it.

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

My vote would be for the Mannlicher. Why ? It’s a pretty iconic rifle to use in Africa. Beautiful smooth action and 160gr bullets are good medicine for plainsgame. I admit to some personal bias.

Bias toward der Mannlicher Schoenauer?

I can't imagine such a thing (wink).

 

[Brian Rothhammer]

OH: While I don't disagree with your sentiment, how does one obtain "personal history" with a particular rifle unless he takes it hunting? Sometimes you have to invite a "new" rifle to the hunt in order to "make personal history" with it as well.

As with so many other life experiences.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi,

The .318 WR, by far!!!!