Heading out for big/dangerous game over the next few years. Got a coastal grizz tag in my pocket for this spring, so that is where we are starting. Also I will be heading to africa for the big 5 eventually with this gun. Probably start with a cape buffalo sometime next year. I am wondering what is best to go with? So far I am considering anything .375 and up. What gun will hold its value the best under $4000. That will be the biggest factor, however, also I will want a scope to put on this gun, and it should be bolt action. I am getting into reloading so consider that also. Cheers, Dave
Best Dangerous Game Rifle?
- Thread starter bigbore14
- Start date
Any of the 375's will work great for you the H&H & Ruger are almost identical in power and the RUM/Weatherby can do at 100 yards what the other 2 lesser rounds do at the muzzle.
I had a 375H&H Sako Hunter lV for years sold it off to a buddy that liked it more than I did even though it was amazingly accurate the rainbow trajectory didn't do anything for me so I now have a 375RUM.
The rifle/cartridge combo that interests me right now is the Ruger Alaskan in 416 Ruger but then I have never held a Ruger Alaskan rifle yet may find it to feel and balance like a club...
I had a 375H&H Sako Hunter lV for years sold it off to a buddy that liked it more than I did even though it was amazingly accurate the rainbow trajectory didn't do anything for me so I now have a 375RUM.
The rifle/cartridge combo that interests me right now is the Ruger Alaskan in 416 Ruger but then I have never held a Ruger Alaskan rifle yet may find it to feel and balance like a club...
If you are going to Africa - stick withthe known calibers.
No matter how much we like our 375 Durhams, Rugers , RUM, Xl500 etc...---- over there if you arrive without your ammo (because it is in separate luggage that does not catch up to you for a week) you need to be able to go get your PH to buy you some ammo or use some of his.
30-06, 375 HH and 458 win and Lott and several others are very normal and you have a fighting chance to at least use your own rifle rather then borrowing one.
No matter how much we like our 375 Durhams, Rugers , RUM, Xl500 etc...---- over there if you arrive without your ammo (because it is in separate luggage that does not catch up to you for a week) you need to be able to go get your PH to buy you some ammo or use some of his.
30-06, 375 HH and 458 win and Lott and several others are very normal and you have a fighting chance to at least use your own rifle rather then borrowing one.
If you're going to Africa with it, don't chop 5" off the end of it like the idiot owner of this one.
.375 RUger Alaskan model was designed for grizzly hunting in a coastal environment. I've hunted grizzlies where you are going, and carried a 24" barrel Brno 602 .375 H&H.
There was nothing wrong with the cartridge, but the rifle is long and heavy. Too big for a .375, anyway.
When we were stalking up some of the small, thickly covered salmon spawning streams, I was wishing for a shorter, smaller rifle.
That would be my first choic, unless you want to step up to the .416 RUger. .416s cost more to feed and without a doubt recoil more than comparable .375's though.
Look for a Winchester Model 70 Express CRF in .375 H&H. Top it with a Leupold VX III 1.5-5 or a 1.75-6 in Talley rings. Load yourself some 270gr Barnes TSX's and some 300 grain Barnes solids, and shoot the gun alot. The Package should weigh around 8.5 lbs.
Have fun with all of that by the way.
Have fun with all of that by the way.
CC, I only have chrony data for the 20" barrle with 270 gr ammo.
Chronograph setup was 20' from muzzle. I started at 15' but the chrony didn't seem to like the muzzle blast
Federal Power Shok 270 gr SP:
25" barrel: 3 shot average: 2700 fps
20" barrel: 8 shot average: 2638 fps
Velocity loss: 62 fps
Winchester Supreme 270 gr Fail Safe: I didn't test this load prior to shortening the barrel so I'm listing the factory data.
24" barrel: 2670 fps
20" barrel: 3 shot average: 2599 fps
Estimated velocity loss: 71 fps
If the big five are in your plans, then a .375 is about as small as you can go and be legal for everything and it's still useful for nearly everything. I like my welfare grade CZs, but if you want to spend more money get American Hunting Rifle to put one together on the same action.
Mr Wolverine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba. Canada
I would highly recommend that you study Kevin Robertson’s excellent book “The Perfect Shot” this relates to shot placement for African Big Game but the basic principals apply to all game. Kevin is a veterinary surgeon as well as an African PH and rifle enthusiasts, the opening chapters on calibers, bullets and practical ballistics make this book worth it’s weight in gold. We have few left in stock at $66 plus postage and tax.
My personal thoughts in answer to your questions: Use the largest caliber that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Minimum .400 caliber, bigger rather than smaller, heavier rather than lighter and slower rather than faster and stick to premium bullets. Purchase a double rifle if you can afford it but most importantly keep the rifle well balanced and fast handling. Then practice practice and practice, good hunting. My personal choice, a DR in .470 NE fitted with iron sights, get in close and make the first shot count.
My personal thoughts in answer to your questions: Use the largest caliber that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Minimum .400 caliber, bigger rather than smaller, heavier rather than lighter and slower rather than faster and stick to premium bullets. Purchase a double rifle if you can afford it but most importantly keep the rifle well balanced and fast handling. Then practice practice and practice, good hunting. My personal choice, a DR in .470 NE fitted with iron sights, get in close and make the first shot count.
- Location
- Vancouver Island BC
