{"id":595,"date":"2018-01-25T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-01-25T14:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.wholesalehunter.com\/?p=595"},"modified":"2019-04-05T13:30:37","modified_gmt":"2019-04-05T17:30:37","slug":"double-rifle-cartridge-craig-boddington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/double-rifle-cartridge-craig-boddington\/","title":{"rendered":"Double Rifle Cartridges"},"content":{"rendered":"

What do you think of when someone mentions double rifles? For many, the double rifle conjures romantic thoughts of nostalgia and tradition. In the United States, we tend to think of the double rifle as a large caliber specialist, meant only for dangerous game. In Europe, however, double rifles are favored for driven game thanks to the fast second shot. There\u2019s no reason why a double rifle (of the appropriate caliber, of course) couldn\u2019t be effective in the US for black bear, wild hogs, or any close-cover hunting where shots beyond a hundred yards are unlikely.<\/p>\n

\"Gordon
Gordon Marsh of Wholesale Hunter on the range in Mozambique with a scoped Sabatti double in .450\/.40003\u201d. This rifle accounted for three buffaloes over the next few days.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although modern manufacturing techniques have lowered the costs of purchasing customizing a double rifle, they\u2019re still generally more expensive. The double requires more hand-fitting, and getting both barrels to shoot together is a time-consuming process. The double is the least accurate action type, but it\u2019s a short to very medium-range arm\u2026and nothing is faster for delivering a second shot.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Picking the Right Double Rifle Cartridge is Crucial<\/h2>\n

So what\u2019s the appeal? Well, as mentioned before, the nostalgia and tradition makes doubles an attractive option. Simply put, a lot of us want to own just one, and several makes of new production doubles are more affordable than ever before. But if you intend to own just one it\u2019s crucial to choose the right cartridge.<\/p>\n

Aside from accuracy, double rifles have two inherent limitations:<\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> No break-open action is as strong as an action with a forward-locking rotating bolt. This means that, ideally, doubles should be chambered to cartridges with somewhat lower pressure.<\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> The extraction system is not as strong on doubles as it is on most repeating actions.<\/p>\n

When combined, these limitations suggest that doubles are at their best with rimmed cartridges designed primarily for double rifles. Doubles are chambered to various belted magnums and rimless cartridges. If properly made and in good condition, they are not unsafe with factory loads. Still, some doubles\u2014older ones in particular\u2014have intermittent extraction problems. This is a widely known issue, so doubles chambered to proper double rifle cartridges tend to hold (and increase) value better than doubles chambered to rimless or belted rimless cartridges. So, from this point, I will only discuss rimmed cartridges.<\/p>\n

Cartridges for Vintage Doubles<\/h2>\n

Most \u201colder\u201d doubles made for smokeless powder were manufactured between the late 1890s and 1939. So at the start of my career, classic rifles ranged from 40 to possibly 85 years old. Today those same rifles are 80 to 125 years old and now more collectibles than working guns. So although I don\u2019t want to spend too much time on older rifles because supplies have dwindled and prices have skyrocketed, I have to dedicate some space to them\u2014after all, they\u2019re still in high demand, and you can still find ammunition for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"vintage
A much younger Boddington and the late David Ommanney (Winchester\u2019s \u201cman in Africa\u201d in the 1960s) admiring African legend JA Hunter\u2019s last double .500. The asking price, with provenance from Hunter, was $10,000, which I didn\u2019t have. Today that rifle is 30-some years older\u2026and worth a whole lot more.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Condition is the most important criteria for a vintage rifle, but well-known rifles from famous houses such as Holland & Holland and Rigby command higher prices than equal guns from less-known makers.<\/p>\n

Caliber: .470s and \u201cUltra Large Bores\u201d<\/h3>\n

Caliber is secondary to condition, but everybody wants a .470, so in older guns, the .470 commands a premium price. The same is true for the .500, and the \u201cultra large bores.\u201d There are nine Nitro Express cartridges between .450 and .475. Bullet weights are 480 to 520 grains in diameters from .458-inch to .488-inch. Velocities average 2150 feet per second (fps); energies around 5000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). All of these cartridges are equal in performance on game. Factory loads are manufactured for several, but not all; still, cases and bullets are available, so you can still load fresh ammunition. Your ammunition choice should be made based on the rifle, not the cartridge.<\/p>\n

\"Hippo
Many years ago I had a vintage .470 by CW Andrews; it accounted for a lot of game, including this hippo in 1988. Although from a little-known maker it was clean and serviceable. I should have kept it; the way prices have gone up I couldn\u2019t afford it today!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cLarge Medium\u201d Calibers<\/h3>\n

In what John Taylor called \u201clarge mediums\u201d there\u2019s only the .450\/.400, but there are two: .450\/.400-3\u201d and .450\/.400 3 \u00bc\u201d. Although equal in performance, they are not interchangeable. Both are common in older doubles, and do not command the premium of the big bores. These are nifty cartridges, ideal for buffalo yet adequate for elephant\u2014and more pleasant to shoot than the big bores.<\/p>\n

\"elephant
Donna Boddington used one of the first Heym doubles in .450\/.400-3\u201d to take this fine Botswana bull. The .450\/.400 is probably marginal for such large-bodied elephants, but it\u2019s more effective than the .375, yet recoil is manageable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Medium Caliber Cartridges<\/h3>\n

In medium cartridges the primary choices are 9.3x74R and .375 Flanged. The 9.3s are usually European; .375 Flanged rifles usually British. Older European 9.3s can be real bargains, and ammunition is plentiful. The .375 Flanged isn\u2019t as common, but fresh ammo is available. Both cartridges are adequate for buffalo and marginal for elephant. Their advantages are their versatility (like the .375 H&H), and their weight\u2014these rifles are lighter and handier than the big bores, and they have less recoil, too.<\/p>\n

\"double
Double rifle cartridges from 9.3x74R upwards are available from numerous sources. If factory loads aren\u2019t available, brass and bullets can be found, so fresh ammo can be loaded.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Light Double Rifle Cartridges<\/h3>\n

Things are messier with light double rifle cartridges. In both Europe and Great Britain, a large number of early rimless cartridges had rimmed counterparts, and there were several stand-alone rimmed cartridges. Many of these cannot be loaded today, and not all can be readily made from available brass, so you have to be careful.<\/p>\n

In British doubles, the two I\u2019ve seen most frequently are the .303 British and .400\/.350. In Europe, the 7x65R (rimmed counterpart to the 7×64 Brenneke) is probably the most common. It is still loaded, as are the 6.5x57R and 7x57R. With smaller caliber double rifles\u2014which are generally less valuable than the big bores\u2014one should do some research into ammo options before making a purchase.<\/p>\n

Cartridges for New Double Rifles<\/h2>\n

New doubles range from semi-production rifles starting at about $7,000 to custom rifles priced well into the six figures. In the latter case, you can order whatever cartridge you choose!<\/p>\n

Today, most \u201cworking doubles\u201d are in the semi-production class; popular names include Heym, Krieghoff, Merkel, and Sabatti. Not all companies offer all cartridge options, but it\u2019s a safe bet that everybody chambers to .470. It is the most widely available, and it\u2019s a fine cartridge. The .500-3\u201d Nitro Express seems second in popularity, followed by the .450-3 \u00bc\u201d NE.<\/p>\n

\"African
Gordon Marsh of Wholesale Hunter and me with a Mozambique buffalo taken with a single Hornady DGX from Marsh\u2019s Sabatti .450\/.400-3\u201d. Light in recoil and easy to shoot, the .450\/.400 is wonderfully effective on buffalo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Newer \u201cBig Bores\u201d<\/h3>\n

I would never try to talk anyone out of a .470, but I prefer either the .500 or the .450. The .470 is a bottleneck case based on the .500 necked down; thus, .470s and .500s are built on the same action with little difference in gun weight. With a 570-grain bullet at the same 2150 fps, the .500 hits harder, but there isn\u2019t much difference in recoil. If elephant hunting is on the horizon, the .470 is fine but the .500 is better.<\/p>\n

\"Big
Left to right: .450-3 \u00bc\u201d, .470, .500-3\u201d. Most makers of modern doubles chamber to all three of these large-bore cartridges. The .470 is by far the most popular and available, but all three are great cartridges for the largest game, and the .450 and .500 both offer advantages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The .450 and the .470 are essentially equal in power. What I like about the .450 is that it has a straight case with a smaller base diameter, so it can be built on a smaller and trimmer action.<\/p>\n

\"Tanzanian
A nice Tanzanian tusker, taken with a Rigby .450-3 \u00bc\u201d. The .450\u2019s performance is the same as the .470, but I prefer it because it has a smaller rim and base and thus can be housed in a trimmer action.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New Large Mediums Options<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be doing much elephant hunting, I want you to think about a .450\/.400-3\u201d instead of a big bore. This cartridge has become very popular since Hornady resurrected it, and all modern makers chamber to it. With a 400-grain .40-caliber bullet at 2100 fps, it is adequate for elephant, perfect for buffalo, and has much less recoil than the big bores. You will shoot a .450\/.400 more, and you\u2019ll become more proficient with it.<\/p>\n

\"double
Left to right: 9.3x74R, .375 Flanged, .450\/.400-3\u201d, .500\/.416. These are the current and available choice in medium and large-medium double rifle cartridges. The two on the right are \u201celephant-capable;\u201d the two on the left are adequate for buffalo and more versatile for non-dangerous game.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The other large medium option is Krieghoff\u2019s .500\/.416, introduced in 1996. With a 400-grain bullet at 2350 fps, it is much faster than the big bores and shoots flatter than the .450\/.400. However, since it delivers 5000 ft-lbs of energy, recoil level is about the same as the .470.<\/p>\n

\"Bantent
I used a scoped Krieghoff .500\/.416 to take this banteng. Developed by Krieghoff in 1996, the .500\/.416 shoots flatter than the .450\/.400 and produces the same energy as the big bores. Its only drawback is recoil is pretty much the same as the .470 class of cartridges.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Namibia
A Krieghoff in .500-3\u201d accounted for this buffalo in Namibia\u2019s Caprivi. The advantage to the .500 is it offers a step up in power from the .450 to .475 class of cartridges, yet a .470-sized action will house it and there is little appreciable difference in recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smaller Calibers: More Limited, But Still a Good Option<\/h3>\n

Options in smaller calibers are more limited. A few firms chamber to .375 Flanged, and all of the European gunmakers offer 9.3x74R, usually at less cost than a big bore. 7x65R doubles are still made, but the 9.3x74R is more common and can be housed in an amazingly light and handy double. With a 286-grain bullet at 2360 fps it shoots plenty flat enough for 200 yards, exceeding the double\u2019s practical limit. Plus, it is adequate for buffalo.<\/p>\n

\"California
This California wild hog was taken at about 160 yards with a scoped Sabatti 9.3x74R using Hornady\u2019s 250-grain GMX bullet. Europeans love the 9.3x74R for driven game, and it shoots flat enough to be useful for a wide variety of hunting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"bench
On the bench with a scoped Sabatti 9.3x74R. This is a light, handy double\u2014and because of its light weight it bounces pretty good off the bench!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Double Rifles in .45-70: A Different Approach<\/h3>\n

For a different approach, and forgetting African dangerous game for the moment, both Pedersoli and Sabatti make double rifles in the venerable .45-70. And why not? I had a Pedersoli on the range and it was fun, accurate with little recoil. It would be just fine for any hunting the .45-70 is suited for.<\/p>\n

\"double
Steve Trainer with a Pedersoli exposed hammer .45-70. This rifle was well-made, accurate, and extremely pleasant to shoot; it would be a great rifle for close-range North American hunting, just like any other .45-70.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The only thing: With doubles you usually need to stick with the regulation load, or at least with bullets of similar weight and velocity. One of my rifles has been regulated with Hornady\u2019s LeveRevolution 325-grain load on some trips. That\u2019s a good choice for North American hunting, but don\u2019t think you could stoke it up with heavy bullets and expect the barrels to shoot together.<\/p>\n

\"Sabatti
These are 50-yard groups with my Sabatti 9.3x74R. The bottom pair is with iron sights, the top four with the scope attached. With iron sights I can no longer be certain if it\u2019s me or the rifle, but the group with scope shows this rifle is regulated exceptionally well.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Sabatti
Although regulated for the 286-grain load my Sabatti 9.3x74R shoots just as well with 250-grain GMX, a lucky happenstance. This rifle could be the very rare 200-yard double.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes you get lucky, though. My Sabatti 9.3x74R was regulated with 286-grain Hornady. In order to use it for California hog hunting, where lead-core bullets are banned, I tried 250-grain GMX. Point of impact is not the same, but group size was similar. It rolled a big hog at more than 150 yards, and a few weeks later (re-zeroed with 286-grain bullets) I used it to make made a one-shot kill on a buffalo bull in Mozambique. Even the trackers were surprised at how effective it was.<\/p>\n

\"Mozambique
This Mozambique bull was taken with a single shot from a Sabatti 9.3x74R using Hornady\u2019s 286-grain Interlock bullet. The 9.3x74R is not a big gun for buffalo, but it\u2019s adequate and legal in most African jurisdictions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, there are options for both vintage and new rifles. We know why hunters like us want a double rifle, but it\u2019s important to think about what you really intend to do with it. In older rifles, focus on condition, serviceability, and value. Don\u2019t stress over your double rifle’s cartridge, as long as it suits your needs and brass and bullets are available. With new rifles, if you want a big bore, go for it. The .450, .470, and .500 are all great choices. If you don\u2019t need that much power, think about a .450\/.400. You\u2019ll love it. But don\u2019t overlook the European standby, the 9.3x74R. It\u2019s a versatile cartridge that can be used on hogs, bears, and any close-cover hunting for deer, elk, or moose\u2026 and it will handle buffalo as well.<\/p>\n

\n

Craig Boddington<\/a>\u00a0is one of today\u2019s most respected outdoor journalists. He spent the\u00a0past forty years exploring our natural world as a hunter and sharing his knowledge and experiences in dozens of books and through thousands of published articles and essays. He\u2019s a decorated Marine, an award-winning author, and continues to be a leading voice for conservation and ethical hunting around the world.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

For autographed copies of Craig\u2019s books please visit\u00a0www.craigboddington.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What do you think of when someone mentions double rifles? For many, the double rifle conjures romantic thoughts of nostalgia and tradition. In the United States, we tend to think of the double rifle as a large caliber specialist, meant only for dangerous game. In Europe, however, double rifles are favored for driven game thanks … Continue reading “Double Rifle Cartridges”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[7,21],"tags":[77,100,19,94,33,83,61,99,96,98,97,95],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=595"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":945,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/595\/revisions\/945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wholesalehunter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}