I never see all the controversy in using different sorts of calibres and or rifles on a safari.

Use what you want, if it is legal and if the outfitter and PH is willing. But live with the consequences.

Often guys with a lot of experience want to try something different. They want to prove something to themselves or to others and do it differently. Hopefully they understand the limitations of what they might be planning to do.

I don't understand though why some people insist that others agree with their often marginal choices. People should make their own decisions but not necessarily expect others to agree with them. These ".45/70" debates are often phrased in that way, as an "ideal" or "the way to go". I know a .45/70 will kill a cape buffalo OK if shot with an appropriate bullet and the right bullet placement. A hunter I shared a camp in the Matersi with tried penetration tests on an elephant skull when I was there and he at least thought the penetration was acceptable to try it on a live ele one day. I hope he got his chance.

But a lot of it is still "stunt" hunting. How many would do the same, hunt ele or buffalo etc with a bow, a BP rifle, a .45/70 if not backed up by a PH with a "real" rifle and calibre.

Food for thought.