There are several suitable calibres for buff. But I'm an advocate for the 458wm class rifles, 450NE, 470, 465, ....

For the fellow most interested in shooting the largest horned trophy, I think that a scoped rifle in the 375H&H class is more flexible and the better choice.

For the fellow who is most interested in the most fun and thrilling buff hunt then I think that an open sighted double rifle is the better choice.

There will be shots that you cannot take if you are hunting with an open sighted rifle and there will be shots where you need to keep at least the first shot in the animal.

Personally, I forego those shot opportunities and work for the closest shot possible and use a 458wm double rifle shooting solids and aim for the most fun and exciting hunt. This hasn't cost me a particular bull yet, but it is bound to at some point. There will be a time when we just cannot get closer or when the bull is always in front of another buff. Since a tracker is ussually carrying my scoped 375H&H I could switch off, but I've never been inclined to do so and have passed on the shot. We've always found a way to get a clear closer shot, but there is more than a little luck in that and someday that bull particular will make his escape if I stick to my open sighted double.

JPK