Opinions on Best Big Bore Rifle

[leeelmer]

Why are we trying to pretend that a 30 to 35 cal anything is a big bore here?

No kidding, not sure who thought that.

Big bores, I really like the 450-400, way nicer to shoot alot with than my 450 3 1/4. The 450Rigby is cool, had one in a Sako Brown Bear. But wanted the 500Jeffrey.
I really like the 416Weatherby as well. It sure pounds creatures.
505Gibbs in a Bolt gun is a heck of a stopper.
Commercially readily available guns? 470Nitro, 450-400, 416 Rigby(not in a CZ, I know I know flame suit on) I just hate the fish belly, and almost everything about a CZ besides it is very well made, and reliable. Shot one a bunch in Africa, just could not warm up to it.
Today if I was buying a do all big bore. It would be a Weatherby 416 in the synthetic stock version. The brake on weatherbys are arguably the best at reducing felt recoil, synthetic as you can beat it in terrible weather and never worry, load it up or down.
But we are blessed with being able to buy mostly whatever we want, and we are not stuck with one thing.
My current do all rifle is a 338RPM in a Weatherby backcountry TI but I don't consider it near a big bore. I have a 375 Weatherby in a absolutely stunning C grade Remington, but it is not a true big bore either.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Hello new member looking for others opinion on big bore caliber rifles. I’m leaning towards the .35 Whelen. Thought?

Honestly, for most people, the best big-bore rifle is a medium-bore rifle. Most people have no need of a true big bore or the time and money to learn to use one effectively.

If you want a big hole at the muzzle, get a 444 Marlin or a 45-70. Big(ish) bore without the punishing recoil or ammunition expense. Fine choice to take game with too, so long as you respect the trajectory limits of the cartridge and the limits (should you choose to forego glass). If you want more reach, you'll want to take a step down in bore size and go with something like an 8x57, 338-06, 35 Whelen, 9.3x57, 9.3x62, or break into wildcats like a 375 or 400 Whelen. They all have good manners but deliver enough wallop downrange that they don't give up much in terms of practicality.

No good reason to decide that you need a 458 Winchester if you don't really have use for one.

 

[waldo54]

Another one of those obscure posts the OP started it 15 months ago and hasn't been seen or heard from since

 

[jjohnwm]

Honestly, for most people, the best big-bore rifle is a medium-bore rifle. Most people have no need of a true big bore or the time and money to learn to use one effectively.

This ^ for sure. Guys who ask if the .35Whelen is the best choice for a big bore...absolutely do not need or want an actual big-bore. Guys who ask "But what's its purpose?" or "But what would I do with it?" need not apply.

No good reason to decide that you need a 458 Winchester if you don't really have use for one.

Just wanting one...is a plenty good enough reason. And if you buy one for that reason, trust me...you will find things to use it on.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Just wanting one...is a plenty good enough reason. And if you buy one for that reason, trust me...you will find things to use it on.

LOL, I bought a 458 Win Mag Ruger Number 1 because I wanted an 1885 in 45-70 and couldnt find one...until two weeks later when one popped up in the local buy and sell paper.

23 years later, I still own both, and have never fired the 458 in anger.

 

[jjohnwm]

LOL, I bought a 458 Win Mag Ruger Number 1 because I wanted an 1885 in 45-70 and couldnt find one...until two weeks later when one popped up in the local buy and sell paper.

23 years later, I still own both, and have never fired the 458 in anger.

Well...I didn't necessarily mean you'd find something on which to use it right away...

But, hey, buying the .458 obviously created a disturbance in The Force and caused the .45-70 to come to light. Otherwise, you might still be looking for that one.