Robie

I had the loan of a M81 African Parker Hale in .4040 for a couple of years in the mid-80's from a friend who went overseas. He left it with me and I could use his ammo as long as I paid for whatever I used. He had some handloaded ammo and some RWS ammo I believe.

I had a standing offer to buy it if I wanted but being a poor student at the time gave it back when I went overseas to work for a while.

STUPID STUPID STUPID

Only used it on goats and donkeys but it seemed to kill OK

. Unfortunately don't know about its effect on buffalo and elephant.

I can't remember reading about its "lack of penetration" etc. Remember reading this about the 10.75x68mm which is of the same bore (.423) and used a lighter 347 gr FMJ which had a more fragile jacket than the 400 gr FMJ.

As Mickey would knowand says it should be a very effective medium bore (big bore) rifle.

One thing always strikes me as inconsistent. Some people praise the .400 calibre (usually .408 & .411) Nitro Express doubles as being very effective and more so than any .375. Yet the same people rubbish rounds such as the .416 Chatfield-Taylor as being too slow and ineffective. Yet they have almost the same velocity with a 400 gr bullet and only a negilible calibre difference. I would think any of these rounds which could generate 2200 fps to 2400 fps with a 400 grainer would be very effective.

A question for super-velocity big bore nuts - what big game bullets are designed for velocities over 2400 fps ?

Go for the one that you like the thought of the best. I wouldn't mind carrying any of them (except the Weatherby).

PS Anyone got a nice really cheaply priced good condition M81 African Parker Hale in .404J for sale?