Preferred caliber choice for a double rifle?

9.3x74r and 450/400 3" nitro would be my choices.
The 470 is nice I toyed with the idea of one before settling on the 458wm. In my 26.5" barrelled 458wm I can match the 470 nitros factory specs but also download easier for more variety of game and shooting and save alot of coin in the process
 
The Kurgan said:
I've been lusting over this for the better part of a year, but I just don't need it.

https://store.prophetriver.com/rizzini-8x57r-mauser-br550-express-rifle-oil-finish-grade-3-turkish-walnut-pistol-grip-stock-w-cheekpiece-beavertail-forend-coin-finish-receiver-blued-23barrel-fiber-optic-open-sights-ejectors-s-n-104973/

... but I sure do want it. :) I know nothing about Rizzini and double rifles in general, but I cannot imagine anybody would be disappointed owning it.
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From what I've read the Italian makes (Sabatti) have had questionable build quality vs the German equivalents. I'm unsure how the Rizzinis stack up.
 
I think I would go with 450/400 NE my self…. But since I will never get to Africa, 9.3x74r would be my choice for up here, moose bears caribou sheep etc up to 250-300m all good!
 
DGY said:
I think I would go with 450/400 NE my self…. But since I will never get to Africa, 9.3x74r would be my choice for up here, moose bears caribou sheep etc up to 250-300m all good!
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Good choice all around.

You guys are far more practical than I am in this regard.
 
What comes to my mind when I hear double is big, so minimum 9.3. But I never had a love for 9.3x74r, maybe x62. 450 marlin would be not off the rack cartridge but 458 a touch better.
 
MRP said:
What comes to my mind when I hear double is big, so minimum 9.3. But I never had a love for 9.3x74r, maybe x62. 450 marlin would be not off the rack cartridge but 458 a touch better.
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I personally think of double rifles as 458 and up but it sounds like many here enjoy them in medium bores.
 
I would look at Heym and Merkel if I was to get another double. Am set up with bullets, brass and dies for the 450/400 3” NE, and I’ve seen it perform so, no real question about chambering. I’ve always considered the 470 NE as a proper “stopping” cartridge. Doesn’t really come to mind as something to shoot for fun.

If a bolt gun is in the cards, look no further than the Heym Express Rifle in 404 Jeffrey. That was the top of the mountain for me. Powerful, easy to shoot well, absolutely hammered the game. Ralf Martini’s stock is magic. (Saw it on the EE recently…)
 
I went through the same thing a few years back and settled on a 470NE. Don't get your heart set on factory ammo...I bought exactly one box of Normas so that I could try the damned thing out while I was waiting for reloading gear to arrive, and the ammo was $239+GST...for 10 rounds. That was in 2009. I shudder to think what it would cost today!
 
BigUglyMan said:
I went through the same thing a few years back and settled on a 470NE. Don't get your heart set on factory ammo...I bought exactly one box of Normas so that I could try the damned thing out while I was waiting for reloading gear to arrive, and the ammo was $239+GST...for 10 rounds. That was in 2009. I shudder to think what it would cost today!
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Epps has Barnes solids for $152+tax. A steal.
 
I have got a Fair Safari, with both 7x57R and 9.3x74, bit over 6lbs, the 9.3x74 recoil Harsh.
The 7x57 is way more useful, and fun in such a light rifle, and much easier to source components,
as much, as i would like a 470 nitro, with the cost of component's, it may be worth considering a small bore double, unless Afrika is realistic on the table.
 
As much as I like big bore rifles, a trim double in .375 Flanged or 9.3X74R would get much more use... even better, a .303 British.
 
I had a chance to buy a lovely little 303 British double many years ago. The barrels were slightly off face, however the bore was bright and sharp, and the price was right. Can’t remember the maker, but that thing was a delight to hold and point. Decided my wife and two children were more important than myself, and walked.

Now, even at 80, it would be a different story. :d
Ted
 
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