Which double rifle calibre would you buy?

odsixer

odsixer

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If you were going to buy a large calibre double rifle what would it be? I hear a lot about 505 gibbs and 600 nitro, but I really know very little about these large cannons used to hunt in Africa.

So theoretically which calibre would you go for, not for any specific type of hunting but to own "just because"?
 
I've always lusted after a .470 Nitro Express in a double. Absolutely no need for it but they just look so so so perfect. Like they were made to be on Safari with.
 
.470 Nitro Express. It's available in factory loaded ammo and I've seen if for sale in a few places including Africa. I've also shot it and the recoil is manageable.
 
i would say 470nitro or maybe even the 500. The one I would really really like would be a 375hh with 20 inch barrels in a synthetic stock and quick release scope rings/base, make it a true working rifle. Good for all over hunting. Quick pointing, well balance and still make enough power.
 
I mulled that very question over and decided on the .470 NE..........it is the quintessential double rifle big game cartridge........for those animals that really need a double to hunt properly.

Unfortunately I haven't killed squat with it yet............



 
Everybody else is picking .470, so I'll go with .450/400 3" just to be different. Preferably an original Jeffery box lock.

African Rifles & Cartridges is a good place to start if you want to find out more about double rifles and the rounds they're chambered for. It's a bit dated, and there are some inaccuracies however.
 
I was wondering if a 450 Nitro Express would be a good choice. Bullets in 458 easy to come by and also could use 45 70 cast bullets.
Looks it is about same power as a 458 Win mag or a bit more.
Just do not see many of them around on EE or our sponsors
 
The NEs pretty much started with the .450; many of the rest just came into being because of the 45 caliber ban in India. I'd take it, for the history and the slightly easier feeding of a 45 cal. Besides, I did get one buffalo with a borrowed VC in .450 NE.

The only advantage to an iron sighted double that I can think of is powder burn distance defensive shooting. Given that, calibers smaller than .450 hold little appeal. Bigger is fine.
 
Mine is a merkel in .500 3". No experience with any others as far as performance. Haven't taken anything with it yet either however during range sessions I tend to end up with a #### eating grin. I have had no issues coming up with components. Hoping to draw a moose permit during the rut and looking for a bear in the spring. Africa is a couple years away so have to work with what we have here.
 
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