This probably shouldn't turn into "I want the last word" sort of post, so I'll throw in one more, but elephant hunting is a very broad and multifaceted topic. Then I'll give it up.

I'd agree that a first-timer that goes elephant hunting may be better off with a .375 H&H. But my first time, I wasn't going elephant-hunting, I was going to hunt elephants.

I had read most everything that has ever been written about elephant-hunting. I thought I knew how to execute the brain shot, and how close to get before shooting (don't tell me you're an elephant hunter if any telescope is involved), how much gun to use, and so forth, in an effort to emulate the old-time elephant hunters. Luckily, everything went as hoped.

It has been said that there are three stages in dangerous game hunting. First, there is success and overconfidence, then fear from close encounters, and then, hopefully, recovery. I think I am firmly established in the fear regime.

And as I have said before,

Once you have been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun.