| AzGuy |
| (.333 member) |
| 30/05/08 06:20 AM |
Only one DR --- for North America
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Borrowing from Laura Beer's "Most Popular Caliber" post....
What if you could have only one DR.....BUT, you are only hunting in North America?
Seems to me the 9.3x74R (QD scoped) makes the most sense...
Your thoughts?
PS.... I know this has been done before... be nice and play along
CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 30/05/08 07:28 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I can go with the 9.3x74R with QD scope.
I can also go with a .375 H&H (either flanged or belted), again with QD scope if the rig isn't too heavy.
On the unconventional side, I get wonderful use of my J. Winkler SxS in .300 Win. Mag. with QD scope. Yes, .300 Winchester Magnum. This rifle is regulated for 220 grain bullets. It is very accurate and very deadly. A joy to shoot and super easy and cheap to load for.
I know, everybody can now pile on because I have mentioned a couple of high pressure and rimless cartridges (oh shit!). I realize you must harbor your opinions and your notions, so for those that abhor these things, feel free to keep on hating them. I just know that these things do work, and they are imminently useful. I can say in all honesty that if I suddenly had to part with every double rifle but that .300 Win. Mag. I would still have a dandy rifle to use for most anything in North America.
Other contenders worthy of mention would be 8x57JRS and 9x57R. Undoubtedly the latter is one of the finest cartridges ever chambered in a DR. A pity it's been out of production since 1945. With a .358" bore and sufficient chamber clearance in the neck it's a joy to load for. You can use 8x57R brass. I use .444 Marlin brass appropriately necked down.
Yeah, I know. You wanted everybody to just name one favorite cartridge. I just couldn't do it. Sorry.
Curl
| AzGuy |
| (.333 member) |
| 30/05/08 08:03 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Quote:
.....
Yeah, I know. You wanted everybody to just name one favorite cartridge. I just couldn't do it. Sorry.
Curl
Curl,
No apology needed..... we all understand... "IT" is a "DISEASE"....without cure
Some temporary treatments, but no cure!!
In the 3oo Win, what sort of velocity with the 220 grainers?
Thanks, Jeff
| dnovo |
| (.333 member) |
| 30/05/08 08:45 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I agree with Cap, "I can go with the 9.3x74R with QD scope.
I can also go with a .375 H&H (either flanged or belted), again with QD scope if the rig isn't too heavy."
Dave
| Bighammer |
| (.275 member) |
| 30/05/08 10:11 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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.375H&H Belted. Big enough for the biggest and flat shooting enough.
| Landy |
| (.224 member) |
| 30/05/08 04:32 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I have seen references to some few doubles being made for the .405WCF and the .35WCF, and either of these should make a nice NA choice.
| BigFiveJack |
| (.333 member) |
| 30/05/08 04:41 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Black bear and lessor animals,
8x75R. Including the BIG bears,
9.3x74R under 9 pounds.
| 93mouse |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/05/08 07:50 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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8x57IRS
| bonanza |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/05/08 10:17 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Hey Curl,
You know I had a Merkel in .375 H&H and it was great. I only sold it to buy a more upscale rifle. So my pick is also for a .375 H&H or .300 WM.
| bonanza |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/05/08 10:19 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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That's me what has the .35WCF. My brother is making me a .405WCF based on a Huglu 20 gauge shotgun.
| bouldersmith |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/05/08 10:43 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I shoot a .30 Super (.300 H&H flanged) in a falling block rifle. What a wonderful double rifle for all of North America that round would make. Ballistics are on par with the .30-06, it will handle up to the 220 gr bullet, the pressures are low, its flanged....and the cartridges just look cool!
Steve
| dnovo |
| (.333 member) |
| 30/05/08 10:50 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Quote:
I shoot a .30 Super (.300 H&H flanged) in a falling block rifle. What a wonderful double rifle for all of North America that round would make. Ballistics are on par with the .30-06, it will handle up to the 220 gr bullet, the pressures are low, its flanged....and the cartridges just look cool!
Steve
It is getting harder and harder to go with 'just one.' I agree with this comment as well, having a Martini Hagn falling block in a 300H&H and have a ball with it every time I take it out to shoot. How about we change this topic to 'what GROUP of favorites?' Dave
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 31/05/08 12:34 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I could go with a .30 Super also!!!!
Curl
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 31/05/08 12:41 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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By the way, I happened to see a sidelock Heym 88B chambered in .300 Win. Mag. on GunsAmerica at this link.
The ask is $15,000 but will consider any reasonable offer. It's well scoped and should be a real ripper!
Curl
| NE450No2 |
| (.375 member) |
| 31/05/08 09:13 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Baised on my experience a 9,3x74R double with a scope in QD mounts is by far and away the best choice.
I have taken game with mine as far as 300 yards [coyote and kudu, wich would equal elk sized game in NA]. I have taken a couple of black bear, several deer and wild pigs, as well as smaller game like turkey and bobcat.
I have taken quite a bit of game in Africa, including several zebra, giraffe cape buff and elephant, so I would not hesitate to use it for brown bear.
The 9,3 is sleeker and lighter than the 375 doubles, and kills just a good IMHO.
It is a great hunting calibre.
| gatsby |
| (.375 member) |
| 31/05/08 09:50 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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If I only could have one double to hunt the America's with, I would choose a paradox, a magnum.
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 31/05/08 11:57 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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450
Weeeeeellllll if the truth be known, if I were put to the onerus task of choosing just one, I'd take the 9.3x74R. A nice German 9.3 with claw mounted scope. Oooooops I have just the rifle! With a crocodile grin on the side of its cheeks.
Actually, J.J. has re-blacked the barrels since this photography. I need to take new photos.
And it would kinda be nice to have a modern variable waterproof scope fit to the same claw bases.
All it needs is an elk in front of it.
Curl
| JabaliHunter |
| (.400 member) |
| 02/06/08 09:08 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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.303
| dnovo |
| (.333 member) |
| 02/06/08 10:04 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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North America = 30-06. Dave
| zimhunter |
| (.333 member) |
| 03/06/08 07:46 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Since I shall in all probability never be able to hunt Africa again the Merkel 141 In 8x57JR I own would be the rifle I use. Especially since it's the ONLY double I currently own.
| AkMike |
| (.416 member) |
| 03/06/08 09:26 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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My 9.3X74R Chapuis just did a fine job on a blackie this last week. No complaints for this end of the world.
| mickey |
| (.416 member) |
| 03/06/08 10:17 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Well, I have rethought the question and decided that, if Brown Bears were not on the menu, I might go with this.
with these to go along
A 16 gauge with 8x57JR. I like it.
Oh, and the rifle barrels now sport a 2x7 Leupy.
| mickey |
| (.416 member) |
| 03/06/08 10:19 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Curl
Who did your rings?
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 03/06/08 01:40 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Mick,
The rings were done by Freddy Brunner. I can get you his contact information if you are in the need. He has done several tasks for me, and always well. Prompt also.
Curl
| mickey |
| (.416 member) |
| 03/06/08 02:43 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Yes, could you?
Pm me if you don't want to post it.
| gatsby |
| (.375 member) |
| 03/06/08 04:04 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Curl,
Mr Brunner is located in CA., no? IF so I would like his contact #s also, please?
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 03/06/08 08:58 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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P.M.'s sent!
Curl
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 04/06/08 10:05 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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With all big game on the menue, I'd go with the 9.3x74 - or a rimmed version of the 9.3x57. Either would easily handle anything from deer & black bears to moose, elk and griz (coastal as well as inland)
; One needs only to use a good bullet, appropriate to the animal being hunted and his properly - all easy tasks. One does need to practise, not just think about it.
| capoward |
| (.224 member) |
| 07/06/08 12:51 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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A 450/400 Nitro Express 3” with QD scope would be the best all around North American DR; not to heavy nor to light and definitely deadly.
| dherr |
| (.224 member) |
| 22/06/08 01:14 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Cptcurl, do you know anything about H. Mahillon of Begium. I have a nice double in 9x57R that shoots 200 gr Hawk bullets nicely. I also would like the contact info for your ring guy if possible.
Thanks,
Dave Herr
| tinker |
| (.416 member) |
| 22/06/08 05:35 AM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Hello Dave-
The Mahillon name from Belgium is an old and highly respected brand of firearms.
For the most part they were a retailer, but a retailer of high quality equipment.
Many of the world's most famous makers, regarded as the best, also have guns and rifles (even of 'best' grade) made by outsource craftsmen and gunbuilding shops.
If your rifle bears the Mahillon mark, it's a sure bet it's a high quality firearm.
It is typically not very easy to determine exactly who or which shop built any particular high grade Belgian firearm.
Your rifle has special stampings in the metal known as proof marks that help tell the story of when and sometimes by whom it was built and test-fired at the local proof-house. There also may be marks indicating what specific load it was built to perform properly with.
What can you tell us about your rifle?
How long have you had it, what is the configuration (SxS,O/U,sidelock,boxlock,ejector...) and how is the condition?
Can you post images of your rifle?
If you can get us very clear images of all the marks and engraving on the rifle, we may be able to help steer you to an answer with more useful information to you.
The proof marks will be found on the surfaces of the barrels that mate with the rifle's action metal, also there will be marks on the action surfaces that mate with the barrels.
There will also be marks on the barrels further forward of the action flats, under the forend wood.
The more information we have to look at, the better we can help you identify the specifics of your nice double rifle.
--Tinker
| moltogordo |
| (.224 member) |
| 29/06/08 12:19 PM |
Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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I've never hunted with a double rifle, but if I had one made up, I'd get one made for a .375-'06 improved.
I have a custom bolt rig in this calibre. I build the cases up on .35 Whelen brass, load 62 grains of IMR4895 for 2600 fps with a Nosler 260 grain partition. I get about 2400 fps with a 300 grain Hornady. Seems to me it'll do about what the old .375 did in it's heyday.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 29/06/08 07:24 PM |
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Re: Only one DR --- for North America
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Quote:
I've never hunted with a double rifle, but if I had one made up, I'd get one made for a .375-'06 improved.
I have a custom bolt rig in this calibre. I build the cases up on .35 Whelen brass, load 62 grains of IMR4895 for 2600 fps with a Nosler 260 grain partition. I get about 2400 fps with a 300 grain Hornady. Seems to me it'll do about what the old .375 did in it's heyday.
Similar to the .375 Nitro Express perhaps but the .375 NE is a rimmed cartridge.
Also the .375 H&H Flanged which is the rimmed version of the .375 H&H Magnum.