With proper loads, and quality bullets, the 9.3X74R in a well made double rifle is just fine for about anything you would want to hunt, under normal conditions! That being said, There are better choices for following up wounded "BITE-BACKS" But it is almost perfect for the cats over bait, IS perfect for large plains game,again with proper bullets, and placement. The Sable is not a good animal to judge by, as I have never seen a sable go streight down unless the spine, or brain was hit, with any caliber!They are damn tough. On Buffalo, with the first shot, a quality soft, in the heart/lung area, followed by as many solids as you can get into him before he's out of sight, it will work as well as anything!

Gregor Woods, author of RIFLES for AFRICA, who has 40 years of hunting experience in Africa, says a S/S double 9.3X74R is his choice for followong up cats! I'm not sure I would go that far,maybe on Leopard, but not lion, but then I don't have the experience he does!

I agree a 40 cal double would be a little safer to use on Buffalo, and Elephant, but I'd not hesitate to shoot either with my little 9.3X74R double, if that was what was in my hands at the time of meeting!