Rifles For Dangerous Game Part 2

By Author: Razvan Jr
Total Articles: 36
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Choosing a rifle for dangerous games shouldn’t be that hard. Here are two examples that stand out from the crowd: the new model of the Marlin 1895 (450 Marlin and .45-70) and the Browning BLR (.450 Marlin or .300 Win. Mag.). In these three calibers, these two lever actions are powerful enough for taking out the largest predators out there, without the range limitation of their cartridges. In the two .45 caliber cartridges (with the suitable loads), they should prove to be satisfactory for most of the bovines, except for the Cape buffalo.

For second and subsequent shots, autoloading rifles are the fastest, plus you can install a scope on them very easily. Thanks to the gas operation, the effects of recoil are significantly reduced, which is very important taking into consideration the powerful cartridges that should be used in order to hunt dangerous game. The best models are almost as reliable as the better manually-operated actions. If you take great care of the gun, you shouldn’t encounter any problems as far as reliability is concerned. In addition, they can be very accurate as well, just about the same as a single ...
... shot or a bolt action rifle that are designed for hunting big game.

Regarding autoloaders, their major problem is the fact that they cannot be chambered for the type of powerful magnum cartridges that are generally regarded as the best for hunting dangerous game. However, there is an exception to this, in the form of the Browning BAR Mk. II Safari, which is available in either .300 Win. Mag. or .338 Win. Mag. This would have to be a very viable solution for hunting great predators around the world. The latter caliber, the .338 Win. Mag., is also very good at taking down bovines. For stopping an angry predator, this would have to be one of the best combinations of rifle + caliber out there.

Moving on to which cartridges should be used, if you plan on taking down rhinos, elephants, bovines or any other similar type of game, experts in the domain recommend starting at the 9.3x64 and .375 H&H Magnum in power and bullet diameter and work your way up from there. Hunters also appreciate the big bore calibers that are around the .40 caliber mark, like the .404 Jeffrey and the .416 Rigby. The most powerful of them all are the so-called “elephant” cartridges that start from .45 caliber, like the .450 Nitro Express, including here the popular .458 Lott, .458 Win. Mag., .460 Weatherby Magnum, .470 Nitro Express and the .500 Nitro Express.

Hunters usually take down the North American bison with low velocity / big bore cartridges, like the modern .450 Marlin and the classic .45-70. Both are available in modern repeating or single shot rifles. For taking down the most dangerous predators and the biggest, experts recommend the .338 Winchester Magnum, .350 Remington Magnum, .375 H&H Magnum, .405 Winchester and the .450 Marlin.

For smaller bears, some of the most suitable cartridges include: .30-06, 8x57, .358 Winchester and the .444 Marlin.

As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from, even if you are an inexperienced big game hunter. Take your time and do a little bit of research and you will certainly find the best combination for you.

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