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Forum Index > Rifles general discussion > Big game calibres

Big game calibres

22 Aug 2016
@ 11:49 am (GMT)

Christopher Howse

Can we talk about big game rifles, dangerous game rifles or safari rifles??

i brought a .458 win mag a couple of years ago on sale and always wanted to Hunt africa and or own a safari rifle. i want one because they make them OK!
i dont shoot it often but i have it now, and its fun
Its a CZ 550 Safari Magnum or American safari? American denotes the straighter styled stock
Buffalo here in Australia is a possibility, Africa a dream!

A few things to spark conversation


Why the hell do they put a single set trigger on these heavy calibres? One theory i read is they may be used to hunt leopards from stands
Should i have it rechambered to a .458 Lott? some stuff i have read suggest the .458 win mag got a bad wrap with older powders it the past but although its not a Lott it can still perform adequately with modern powders
Would a .375 H&H be a better proposition or maybe a .416 to split the difference?

Any opinions on using the brass looking alloy projectiles? Woodleigh Australia call theirs Hydrostacally stabilised but i think this also refers to the design. Another term i have heard is monolithic solid. i think this maybe the same type of thing different manufacturer.
Any good load suggestions.
Pigs and goats are a reality around here and while its more than enough gun anyone have any experience in using heavy calibres on these? I enjoy my sport but also control pest animals for a reason and testing loads on pest animals or making them anymore dead with a heavy calibre wont hurt them anymore than being hit in the vital organs with any adequate calibre.
Is anyone using Hi Vis or Tru Glow front sights? CZ use a small front bead the same as they use on the smaller calibres. There are some fibre optic front sights that are bigger in diameter and should be easily visible, particuarly on something that may be used on big game in close quarters in a hurry.

Replies

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22 Aug 2016
@ 10:20 pm (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Big game calibres
Hey Christopher. Developed some good reloads and just use it and enjoy it as it is. It's a lot of gun mate. Learn to shoot it well .
22 Aug 2016
@ 10:34 pm (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Big game calibres
Hi Christopher. Not a great many people take time to bed these rifles, fewer still use a steel based epoxy like ours. This will give you a good head start.

A rifle like this this can teach you a great deal about shooting technique as all errors are pronounced. It can be a very rewarding learning curve.

If you run .45/70 projectiles, you will find these are very effective on local game. If possible, try also to develop an accurate big game / buff load with a Woodleigh. My personal preferrence is a Woodleigh RN due to consistency across the velocity spectrum and varying game weights. But that is only my personal take on this.

As Warwick said, just enjoy it.
22 Aug 2016
@ 10:57 pm (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: Big game calibres
Hornady Superformance 500 gn for 458 win mag


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/642965/hornady-dangerous-game-superformance-ammunition-458-winchester-magnum-500-grain-flat-nose-expanding-box-of-20
30 Aug 2016
@ 08:58 am (GMT)

Shane Llewell

Re: Big game calibres
HI, CHRISTOPHER, I HAVE JUST PURCHASED A CZ 550 AMERICAN SAFARI IN 375 H&H.... WHAT A RIFLE!! I LOVE IT , I WAS RELOADING MY 45/70 THAT I HAD BEFORE THE 375, I HAVE BEEN RELOADING THE 375 WITH SPEER 235GN PROJECTILES AND USE THEM ON GOATS AND DEER, RUNNING WITH 73GNS OF 2206H I HAVENT GOT A CRONO BUT THEY MUST BE PUSHING CLOSE TOO 3000 FEET PER SEC, INSTANT DROP BUT NOT MAJOR MEAT DAMAGE, I FIND THE STORE AMMO OF 270-300GN AMMO RATHER HEAVY FOR DAY TO DAY HUNTING IN NZ, I'M RUNNING A LEUPOLD VX3 1.5-5 SCOPE AND FIND IT GREAT, ALL AND ALL WOULD NOT GIVE UP THE 375 EVER XCLNT CALIBER... THE RELOADING IS WORKING OUT PRETTY ECONOMICAL AS WELL....BETTER THAN PAYING FOR A PACKET OF WINCHESTER FOR $210.
30 Aug 2016
@ 10:05 am (GMT)

Christopher Howse

Re: Big game calibres
Thanks, before buying the .458 i had fired one shot from a .375H&H when at a mates property. I own a .300win mag too.
My .458 was an impulse buy new on sale but i still have it 3 years later, i am running the same scope in a QD mount,
i would like a .375 and it would be sufficient for all i ever need but i read various things and want to change them all around again. maybe i could rebarrel it to .375 easily? i know Winchester Australia can supply the genuine part/barrel, i dont know if i need to change the magazine follower etc.
ive read the .375H&H is a classic cartridge and still accepted as the minmum dangerous game cartridge.
I google a lot of stuff so opinions vary but in all the CZ gets good reviews.
i bedded it with match grade bedding and was grateful for the email support when i asked the questions.
I still need to work up a load using a 500gn projectile ive only been messing with light projectiles to date but AR2206H is pretty versatile and i use it for .223, 308, 458 at present.
I also dont own a chronograph. the only thing i have to guage performance by is the group size and i believe this is important although it would be nice to know the velocity of my loads. if i stay within published load guidelines and look for pressure signs etc i should be OK.
As for chronographs there different types out now so thats a topic for another forum but i will be looking into the steinert and magneto speed chronys if i get a chance as i think they run newer technology. thats just two i heard of without looking to far.
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