Who Has Dangerous Game Rifles - In Central Texas?

I was at the Dallas Safari Club show this Sunday looking at different dangerous game big bore rifles and came to the conclusion that before making the decision of what to buy I should actually shoot different calibers and model of rifles before making a decision on caliber and mode to buy.

Anyone know any big bore collectors or clubs that would allow me to test fire their rifles?..... I'm looking to try calibers like .375 H&H, .404 Jeffery, .416 Rigby, .458win, ect.

The ammo for these rifles is not cheap, so I thought there might be a chance of someone having random partial boxes of various ammo they wouldn't mind me buying up their unused ammo and have some target practice that would allow a novice like myself to make an informed decision.

I'm open to suggestions guys and feel free to shoot me over a PM

Thanks,

Don't know of anyone/anyplace that might fit your bill, but I will tell you keep in mind not only the cartridge but the rifle you're "test-firing" out of. I have a 375 Ruger M77 that is not totally unpleasant to shoot, and a 375H&H #1 that will turn your hat around and make your socks droop when you touch it off.
In terms of practicality, the 375H&H would be my preferred choice. You can find factory loads that won't break the bank, it can be loaded soft with 235 grain bullets for whitetail.
Recoil-wise the 375H&H (particularly in a bolt action) feels more like a slow, hard push to me.
Factory load 375 can be had for 3-5$ a round, 416 Rigby will run you 5-10. And a 416 Rigby will not be pleasant at all of the bench.

Your 100% correct on the make and model dealing with recoil....I've shot various large rifles up to .470 nitro express for 1 or 2 shots but not enough to make an informed decision on buying.

I'm leaning toward either a .404 or .416 bolt gun - the rifles primary use would be on Australian water buffalo that often weigh 2,000+ lbs

Talking with my Aussie friends that hunt buffalo regularly they say the .338win is marginal and you need monolithic bullets like TSX or Woodleigh Hydrostats; the .375H&H is a fine all around rifle according to them but its also where they consider the minimum for serious waterbuffalo rifles to start.

So once again, I'm looking to gain experience with rifles that are quite rare in Texas..... Hell I was at McBrides in Austin Saturday and they only had 1 rifle over .338win and it was an Interarms mauser in .375H&H that I really wasn't impressed with.

Other than fit of the rifle and weight differences why would a bolt recoil any differently than a single shot or break?

get one you can load for. you can shoot reduced loads and actually enjoy shooting your new rifle. .375 or .458 easy to reduce loads

DW,

check with FTW Shooting School. They run training programs for safari hunting and rent guns.

http://ftwsaam.com/FtwRanch.aspx

Yep already talked to them at the DSC show..... Before dropping $5k on their training course you have to bring your own rifles; because I asked about this when talking to the people at their booth, I was basically told they have regular range rifles for rent but not safari rifles.



Yep - Once I decide which one to buy

..... So once again, does anyone KNOW anybody or any club where I can get access to trying out different calibers and rifle BEFORE PURCHASING?

Might also try Bill Davison at Tac Pro.

in my opinion all Fluff. i've seen them on TV many times. Cool place but a bunch of rich, testosterone full, look at me people. IMO

Deewayne, not sure where you live but you might try going to a few ranges on Saturday when they are crowded. you might find a shooter , shooting hid safari rifle. Strike up a conversation . offer to pay for ammo when they say " you wanna take a couple shots?"

Quail Creek
Garland Public , seen several there
Dallas Gun Club, maybe, rich folk but mostly shotgun sports

there is a place in Grapevine , i think, has indoor range where you shoot at videos

Buzz,
I was not recommending their training as I have no experience with them. Just was commenting on a place to possibly demo some big bores.

You could shoot mine but I am in Arizona.

M

The Dallas Safari Club hosts a Big-Bore shoot every fall. .375 H&H is the minimum caliber for the competition. I’ve been to several of these shoots both as a spectator and a shooter. Not sure of your purchase timeframe but it might be worth checking out.

It’s really half shoot and half show and tell. Most guys there are more than willing to let you try out whatever caliber they’re shooting.

I was worried about fitting into what I falsely perceived as a crowd well above my social standing but my fears were unwarranted. Yes there were plenty of expensive rides in the parking lot and one or two guns that cost more than my first house but my F150 and Winchester model 70 fit right in.

I do not have any of the calibers that you listed. I do have a .378 Weatherby Mag Mark V Deluxe that has been a safe queen for 10+ years and probably kicks more that the ones that you listed. It just may end up in the classified section. I have fired a .375 H&H and the recoil seems less than my .378

I have a .416 Rigby bolt rifle that was London built on a left hand action a long time ago. It is pretty heavy at 12.5 lbs unloaded, but recoil is not bad. I shoot cast bullets in the off season at very pedestrian velocities. Even with full loads, it kicks considerably less than a .470 Nitro double gun. My business partner has all of the calibers you list and has used them all in Africa. His favorite is the .404 and all he uses anymore. I don't know how you are going to test each one. In order to have a valid test, each rifle would need to be of the same/similar make and weight. Testing various types in these calibers will even be more challenging. The .375 is going to be the easiest shooting and can be found in varying quality bolt guns. Same for the .458 Win. The .416 and .404 are grand old cartridges. I would get a .375 and go have fun. If you are having lots of fun, get a .458. Once you become addicted, spend hours perusing online sites looking for Jeffrey, Westey Richards, and other old London crafters for a gently used African big game guns. It gets addicting. Have fun.

im jealous i cant afford to go there. FWIW, i think the $5K includes an axis hunt. i wasn't ragging on you as you are correct

There is a big bore shoot at Fossil Point with minimum caliber 375. I don’t know when the next one is but it would be a good place to go and talk to people. There should be a sponsor or two there that could let you demo a gun.

I’ve had a bolt action 458 Win Mag; it’s a great one to down load to 45/70 power for general shooting and still have room to load for something big.
Now I have a double in 450/400 NE; it’s a very soft shooting Big Game caliber but not the most common anymore.

have a 338 lapua and a 458 win mag you are welcome to shoot

Well, it’s not quite as big as what you are looking at, but I have 10 or 12 of the 180 gr sirocco rounds in 300RUM that i no longer have a use for as i sold that gun a few years back. You are welcome to them. If my memory serves me right it’s a 404 Jeffery case that’s necked down to 30 cal.

You might want to consider a 416 Rem Mag. If you're shooting factory loads, they're generally less expensive than the Rigby. I've shot my friend's 416 Rem quite a bit and it was a handful before he added a mercury recoil reducer, which made a noticeable difference.

now were getting somewhere

I have a 375 H&H as well as the 416 rem mag, both model 70’s. Neither is terrible to shoot. That’s about as big as I am comfortable shooting. A 375 is a good “all around” African round from what I have been led to believe, I have not been yet but want to eventually.