BikerRN

I'm seriously considering a #1 as a Hunting Rifle for mostly Big Game.

I prefer to hunt with a Handgun, bear, deer, and hogs. However I'm thinking I may want to try bear with a rifle next year, and later on buffalo, either American Bison or Cape. Don't worry, I plan to use a Handgun for Cape with a friend "backing me up" with a .458.

Short of prarie dogs and coyotes, what caliber would you all select? I have a .223 for long range varmits, so I was thinking of a 45-70. One of my friends is suggesting I get a more "modern" caliber. I want something good for 500 Yard shots if I need it, and even further, but 250 Yards will be the "norm".

Biker

Metlhed57

.375 H&H will kill anything on this planet, unless you mean North American big game then a 300 Win Mag will handle most everything 'cept maybe Grizzly. It would handle that too but if you can get your hands on a thermal nuclear warhead that would do for the Grizzly, if not then refer back to the 375 H&H.

BikerRN

Thanks, that's kind of how I was leaning in regards to caliber.

I have a 45-70 for a "Brush Gun" and up close and personal work. Now I just need the "Big Bore long range gun.

Biker

deputy125

yes sir,
the 375 h&h ought to be fine.
Been quite a few years back, but put several rounds thru a No.1 tropical-----lota of power there and struck me more as a hard push than a bad kick if ya know what i mean.

BikerRN

I do know what you mean, thank you.

Biker

RJM52

The .375 H&H or the new .375 Ruger would be my choice also if you want long range stopping power. From the #1 at least, the .375 seems to be more accurate than say a .338 Winchester in a #1-B.

I had a #1-H for several years in .375 H&H and it would cloverleaf 270 grain Hornady spire points at 100 yards..

Bob

Bozack

For what you want to do the .375 Ruger should do fine. For long range the 7mm magnum is a good choice. Of course the .338 mag is up there. Good luck deciding.

terry_p

a #1 Tropical (1-H) in any of the calibers listed should do the job just fine. The ammo availability for 375 H&H probably makes it a better choice for Africa although I imagine you could find several of the calibers listed over there if your supply went to South America instead of South Africa.

Ruger Fan

i have a stainless, laminated 300 win mag, will do ANYTHING up to 500 yards or less for north american game plenty of knockdown power, and not so hard on the shoulders....

VladTepes

Another vote for the .375 H&H from me !

tpdoff

I have had a 375 H&H before, awsome caliber. I'm now a 45-70 guy for rifles. I think even though an older cartridge, it's pretty modernized and with that said is a great performer. In the black powder days it has taken many a Bison and sometimes at good distances. It was and also still used in long range competition so the range is there when loaded right. Just my .02

jkingrph

I have a#1 in 375, also 458, and have a hoot shooting big bores. The 375 comes back so fast I find myself dodging the scope. I recently installed pre fit limbsaver pads, blus action ease slip on leather pads( these increase surface area of buttpad and help). I have not tried the 375 yet but it really tamed the 458. I think the extra length helped a lot as I am fairly tall.

I had just gotten a new cz 550 Safari Classic in 375 and found its longer length of pull and extra weight helped with recoil and acutally made the 375 a pleasure to shoot.

mgregg85

I would say .300 win mag if this were a bolt action repeater or double rifle, being that it is a single rifle I would say something heavier is in order.

I too would opt for at least the .375 H&H or even the .458, I'd want something heavy if I've only got one shot.

Amigo Will

375HH and big bullet that ranges like a 30/06

Woodtroll

I have both a .45-70 and a .375 H&H #1; for the deer, hogs, etc. I would choose the .45-70 hands-down. For the buffalo and bigger/ further game, the .375 would be the better choice, I think. I bought the .375 for a future elk hunt that may include shots longer than I want to take with the .45-70; now all I have to do is find the time and funds to make it happen.