Ripp,

Like I was saying having shot more elephants than Boddingtoon has is no real accomplishment as I understand things. As I recall Boddingtons own writing, he had only shot one elephant until recently. He was nutso for buff hunting and concentrated on that.

I have taken eighteen now. But that isn't as many as some of the other members here, including, I think, some who have posted on this thread. IIRC, ten of the elephant I have shot went down to brain shots, at least one was a second shot and the ele did not drop at the first. The other eight, well, lets just say that if at first you don't succeed, try , try again.

I now shoot 500gr Woodleighs for the first shot, at 2145fps, and 450 North Fork flat nose solids in the second barrel, at about 2200fps. Ballistics essentially identicle to those of the 450NE's or the Federal 470 loads.

All of the elephant I have shot have been with the loads listed above, but two. Those two were shot with 500gr Woodleighs at 2050fps, which is enough, but 2145fps provides substantially more of everything, knock down or out effect, penetration...

Since I have been a one gun guy with respect to elephants, I have been very curious and inquisitive regarding how other cartidges perform. I've tried penetration test using .458" bullets at various velocities in dead elephants and I've tried my 375H&H solid load too. For other cartidges, I've gotten PH Rich Tabor to shoot a couple of 470 loads with 500gr Woodleighs for testing and have been able to dig for a couple of Buzz's 416 Rigby solids in elephant bodies as well, shot into two elephants on which I missed the first brain shot. I have relied on what PH's have observed when guiding clients, especially when discussing other cartridges I have no experience with. I can tell you that the two PH's I know who use 416's, Buzz Charlton (Rigby) and Allan Shearing (Remington), both regard the 450-470 class as better alternatives for elephant hunting. On the other hand, all who shoot 458wm, 458Lott or Ackeley or 470's have been fully satisfied with their rifles. For a good number of the later group their first rifles were 375's which they were pleased to be able to move away from, and upward from.

I agree with you 100% regarding carrying a 375H&H or better in elephant heavy areas. As one writer put it, "When in elephant country, carry an elephant rifle." We've had ele problems before when doing nothing but hunting for sable or warthog or whatever. I load one or two softs and then the rest solids. My 375 with a soft has provided the warning shot over an eles head, keeping the two 470 solids in the PH's rifle in reserve in case they were needed.

If I ever find that I need or want to carry a light rifle, I think I'll load three solids down and top off with a solid on top and one up the spout. A 30-06 220gr solid would be better than a stick, which is what the rifle is without solids.

If you choose the 500/416, I am sure you will find it sufficient. And perfect for cats.

JPK