Let's see your Dangerous Game Rifles.
- Thread starter Northern Shooter
- Start date
thewoodsrunner
Regular
I would think so. As Wieland pointed out in "Dangerous Game Rifles," the geometry of the round means it virtually loads (and unloads) itself. It's pretty much universally considered as close to perfect as a rifle cartridge ever got, a cartridge-version of the Mauser 98 action in other words. Why anyone would think that needs improvement is beyond me. Not possible.
thewoodsrunner
Regular
"Didn't need anything else." Until one day he did...
Honestly, given the options, taking a .223 on a polar bear hunt is the reason folks need to write such volumes on what not to do. Meanwhile, these anecdotes will never stop... "I know a Japanese whaler uses a .17 HMR instead of a harpoon!"
thewoodsrunner
Regular
They are not anywhere near as popular today as the H&H. They are improvements -incrementally - in terms of bullet performance, yes, if that's how you measure "improvement" - on the range, quoting stats, on paper. Sure, that's an improvement then. Or if that extra half inch of bolt throw is ruining your hunting experience. But they come with diminishing returns. Let's look at the Ruger cartridges. Incrementally better ballistics. I mean, a century of H&H performance showed clearly this was not needed, but nevermind, Ruger needs to make their mark and move product and in a world where the mantra is "bigger is better and more is more" combined with a populace in lousy physical shape like never before, on average, they identified the path to market share. The idea is you get a more potent cartridge in a lighter rifle with a shorter throw, often in shorter barreled guns. Why do you need a more potent cartridge in the .375 or the .416 or a shorter barrel than say 23" helping you get it? You don't. Why do you need more velocity? You don't, unless you are shooting beyond what is ethical in many situations to be shooting. The ultimate sweet spot for big game hunting velocity meanwhile is about 2400 fps, and slower than that is usually fine with a good bullet and better if your bullet is not so good. So Ruger gives you all these supposed improvements. With them come the improvement of significantly increased recoil. So they treat that problem by sticking an ugly muzzle brake on there. Now you have the improvement of ear shattering muzzle blast that much closer to your eardrums. Such that many pro guides won't let you use one. All to fix something that was never even close to being broken. It's hunting, all you gotta do is kill the animal efficiently dead. Once you have a bullet that will do that on the order of a .375H&H or .416 Rigby, you're more than sorted. Incremental improvements won't kill the animal more dead. Focus on practicing with your rifle and honing your hunting skills if you want an edge at that point.
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The top rifle is my LH Sako 85 Hunter in 9.3x62:
At this time, for hunting here at home, I am shooting the Nosler 250 gr AccuBond spec'd at 2550 fps, producing 3609 ft lbs of energy (I didn't have a chrony at the range with me the day I sighted it in). It produces 3 shot groups of 0.674" at 100 yards, and has accounted for a bull moose at 178 yards (DRT). I mounted a Kahles 1-6x42 on it. Still want to use it for a bison.
The Norma 285 gr shoots just under 1 MOA at a spec'd 2362 fps with 3530 ft lbs of energy.
The Lapua 285 gr Mega isn't as accurate at 1.406" groups at 100 yards, but still accurate enough for hunting. It is also about 100 fps slower at 2264 fps.
While legal in some African countries for DG, I definitely would use it if needed and had nothing else. I would use it on eland, but if I go for a cape buffalo, I would prefer to use my 416 Taylor.
At this time, for hunting here at home, I am shooting the Nosler 250 gr AccuBond spec'd at 2550 fps, producing 3609 ft lbs of energy (I didn't have a chrony at the range with me the day I sighted it in). It produces 3 shot groups of 0.674" at 100 yards, and has accounted for a bull moose at 178 yards (DRT). I mounted a Kahles 1-6x42 on it. Still want to use it for a bison.
The Norma 285 gr shoots just under 1 MOA at a spec'd 2362 fps with 3530 ft lbs of energy.
The Lapua 285 gr Mega isn't as accurate at 1.406" groups at 100 yards, but still accurate enough for hunting. It is also about 100 fps slower at 2264 fps.
While legal in some African countries for DG, I definitely would use it if needed and had nothing else. I would use it on eland, but if I go for a cape buffalo, I would prefer to use my 416 Taylor.
