OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition > Firearms
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - What calibers should I consider?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

What calibers should I consider?

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
Author
Message
Hatari View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2010
Status: Offline
Points: 92
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hatari Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: What calibers should I consider?
    Posted: September/23/2010 at 09:37
I currently have a .325 WSM, and I am thinking about getting something larger for down the road.  I was considering a .375 H&H as a next step, but looking at the numbers I am not sure it really offers anything over the .325. 
 
If you were looking at caliber for potential African game (many years away on the affordability scale), but would still be O.K. in Alaska, what would you be looking at?
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 09:46
The 458 Lott comes to mind.  it will take down trees!Wink
Back to Top
Bigdaddy0381 View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Georgia peach

Joined: February/27/2007
Location: Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 13682
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 09:58
458 win mag, 458LOTT, 700 nitro.
P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2
Back to Top
300S&W View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: January/27/2008
Location: Burlington,WV
Status: Offline
Points: 10592
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 10:08
 Can't see a .375 H&H not doing what you want.  To me it seems to be a decent step up from the .323 bullet and in power from the .325WSM. 
 But if I was thinking along your lines I'd probably consider one of the .416 caliber rounds(after I tried one to see if I could handle it Bucky).  A flat shooting 400gr bullet should be GOOD. 
"I ain't got time to bleed!"
Back to Top
saitotiktmdog View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: June/08/2010
Location: IN
Status: Offline
Points: 256
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote saitotiktmdog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 10:10
.458 Lott. .416 ruger. .416 Rigby. .404 Jeffrey
.505 Gibbs
Back to Top
lockstocknbarrel View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2010
Status: Offline
Points: 7
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lockstocknbarrel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 10:14
The 458 LOTT and the 700 nitro are true elephant guns.  They are heavy things to pack around.  I have been wanting a 325 WSM for some time because it has the same bullet deminsion as the 8mm which I have always liked.  I do have a 375 H&H and I love it.  Look at bullet weights and then tell me the numbers are the same for the 325 and 375.  You're looking on average of 100 grains more bullet weight with the 375!  That will knock down most anything...even elephants.  In my opinion, you just can't go wrong with the 375, and I don't think anybody goes to Africa without at least one of them in their arsenal.
lockstocknbarrel
Back to Top
tahqua View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

Joined: March/27/2006
Location: Michigan, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 9042
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 10:18
.375 H&H is what I have. It is the legal minimum for dangerous game in many African countries.
It also has more energy and momentum than the .325 WSM. The 300 grain bullets are well known to penetrate deeply.
Doug
Back to Top
Hatari View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2010
Status: Offline
Points: 92
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hatari Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:20

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  I guess I would need to shoot the 416 and 458 size stuff to see if my shoulder would stay in one piece Whacko

 

I ran this simulation over on the Winchester site.  Granted, the bullets are 200 vs 300 grain, but past 50 yards, it looks like the total energy downrange is higher for the 325 than the 375.

Or am I missing something obvious here (wouldn't be the first time)?

Simulated Shooting Conditions

Sight-in Range:  100 yds   Max Range:  500 yds
Cross Wind:  0 mph   Temp:  74 F
Altitude:  1000 msl   Sight Height:  1.5 in
 
325 Winchester Short Magnum 200 gr. Supreme Elite™ XP3®
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.5 - Muzzle Velocity: 2950
DISTANCE TIME ELAPSED LINE-OF-SIGHT DROP WIND DRIFT VELOCITY ENERGY
0 0 -1.5 0 2950 3860.91
50 0.05 -0.2 0 2854 3614.8
100 0.11 0 0 2761 3381.76
150 0.16 -0.9 0 2669 3161.02
200 0.22 -3 0 2579 2951.9
250 0.28 -6.5 0 2491 2753.81
300 0.34 -11.4 0 2405 2566.26
350 0.4 -17.7 0 2320 2388.78
400 0.47 -25.7 0 2237 2220.93
450 0.54 -35.4 0 2156 2062.36
500 0.61 -46.9 0 2076 1912.81
 
375 H&H 300 gr. Supreme® Nosler Solid
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.198 - Muzzle Velocity: 2605
DISTANCE TIME ELAPSED LINE-OF-SIGHT DROP WIND DRIFT VELOCITY ENERGY
0 0 -1.5 0 2605 4515.99
50 0.06 0 0 2385 3784.45
100 0.13 0 0 2175 3148.38
150 0.2 -1.8 0 1976 2599.24
200 0.28 -5.9 0 1789 2130.73
250 0.37 -12.7 0 1616 1737.65
300 0.46 -22.9 0 1458 1415.32
350 0.57 -37.1 0 1320 1159.23
400 0.69 -56.4 0 1204 964.71
450 0.82
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:21
i have a H&H also, love it! if you dont feel .375 is big enough, i really think either a .416 ruger or a .458 win should fit the bill. i wouldnt be a bit scared of taking my H&H to africa though.
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:22
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

The 458 Lott comes to mind.  it will take down trees!Wink
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:22
Just setup and get and Anzio 20MM.  It'll do the trickBig Grin
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:26
The tree was defective...
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:27
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

The tree was defective...
Roll on Floor Laughing
Back to Top
lucytuma View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar

Joined: November/25/2007
Location: Wisconsin
Status: Offline
Points: 5389
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:27

I also like the .375 H&H it has a great history, great bullet & load selection and plenty of energy for any of the dangerous game.  While it might be alittle light for elephant, I think its more versatile than the over .40 crowd.  It also is available from numerous manufacturers at almost all price ranges.

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
Back to Top
Hatari View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2010
Status: Offline
Points: 92
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hatari Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:28
Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

Just setup and get and Anzio 20MM.  It'll do the trickBig Grin
 
I was thinking about a 50 BMG.  I figured I could be at a nice safe distance that way. Big Grin
 
 
Kickboxer, I love the former tree photo! 
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:32
I finally told my wife what happened... she was not impressed, just said "I KNEW you did it..."
 
.458 Lott is "most chosen" caliber by PH's...  Lot's (get it, lot's  Lott...)  of ammo available in Africa. 
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
Shenko View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: April/20/2008
Location: WA
Status: Offline
Points: 249
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shenko Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:46
The obvious thing you're missing is the difference in BC of those two bullets.
You're comparing a pointed, plastic-tipped boat tail to a round nose.
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:46
Originally posted by Hatari Hatari wrote:

Originally posted by SVT_Tactical SVT_Tactical wrote:

Just setup and get and Anzio 20MM.  It'll do the trickBig Grin
 
I was thinking about a 50 BMG.  I figured I could be at a nice safe distance that way. Big Grin
 
 
Kickboxer, I love the former tree photo! 

have fun carting that heavy sob around the mountains of alaska
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Hatari View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2010
Status: Offline
Points: 92
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hatari Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:46
How does the 458 lott compare to the 460 weatherby?
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/23/2010 at 11:48
one kicks, the other kicks harder
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.203 seconds.