Not just bulls. The cow herds are very aggressive and dangerous. Especially when one was shot. The herd does not necessarily flee. They protect the downed cow. They came at us at least six times. But never the last few metres. The PH said finally that someone was going to get killed and decided we would come back the next morning. He warned local villagers to stay away as well.

Why are they aggressive?

It's simple. Massive human encroachment. They constantly have humans interfering with them. Too many elephant. Too many people. People entering the parks to cut grass and thatch. Cutting firewood. Collecting food and poaching with snares and other weapons. Even Dhanbad/farming in the parks. And the parks are artificial boundaries anyway. Elephants feed and raid outside the parks regularly.

The must on every bull is evidence the elephants are in constant combat mode.

For me, for elephant the best would be a .577 NE, a .500 NE, or a .500 Jeffery or .505 Gibbs. Thumping knockdown power if a brain is missed on a charging beast. Hopefully knock down power!

Next my own level, a .450 NE, and all the equivalent NEs. The bolt versions such as the .450 Lott, Rigby etc.

Then the .400s to .425. Rimmed or bolt rimless.

Each of these are a big step down, .577 to .500s, to .450s, to .400s. Getting lesser each step. Lastly the .375s and 9.3s.Compromise in between DG and medium game. In experienced hands will do the job. In newbie hands may not cause flinching.

There is good reasons those big brown bears are often hunted with .375s and .416s. I have never hunted bear so am quoting from what others have said!

But I have always thought a .338 a good choice for North America as a compromise. Just like the .318 WR (.330) was good for Africa.Heavy 250 gr has a high SD and penetration. Not necessarily needed for medium game. But handy. A .330/.338 and a .450 makes an excellent combination. As both Bell and ? (I forget ATM) advised.

There is a difference between dangerous game and game that can become dangerous. Elephant IS dangerous game. Buffalo is DG. Brown Bear is DG. Moose, sable. Bushbuck. etc can become dangerous in the right circumstances. Per reports. Same with elephant, buffalo etc. Often run away. Usually do. Other times don't.

I need lots more experience hunting them all!