Mac,

I feel so puffed up I can hardly type. Thank you very much for your kind comment. The repect is returned in full.

I agree that a flanged round is the appropriate round for a double rifle. And all things being equal, I'll choose the double chambered in a flanged round.

However, you and I both know that the '70's and '80's were pretty hard on double rifle shooters. The flanged rounds died off and were thought to be gone forever. The spark lived on, largely in the hands of the Continental makers. They continued chambering the 7x57R, 7x65R, 8x57JR, 8x57JRS, and 9.3x74R. But I distinctly remember what a daunting task it was in the early '80's to find brass for even these common calibers. For larger critters the Continental makers chambered the .375 H&H Mag. (belted) and the .458 Win. Mag. The few English large bore double rifles produced during this period were in the same chambers.

The fact is, rimless extraction was pretty well perfected by the Germans, and it included such unlikely rounds as the .250/3000 Savage, which became a favorite in their single shot stalking rifles and in double rifles too.

I have several double rifles chambered in rimless and belted cartridges. They work perfectly. Now I know if I neglect these precise treasures and let them get gummed up with dried oil, old fouling, rust, dust, etc. they will not extract or eject. But when I was a child I was taught to clean my gun upon returning from the hunt and before retiring for the evening. I'm confident I can make a double .375 H&H belted mag. serve my purposes, even in harsh conditions.

And again, the point is that all things are not equal. A double .375 H&H belted mag. can be had for a fraction of the cost of a .375 flanged mag. So if you are a buyer on a budget there's reason to consider the belted mag.

We are not in disagreement. I think the flanged chamber is superior and less likely to malfunction. But on the other hand, the belted mag chamber can be made to work.

I rejoice in the fact that the old flanged cartridges are seeing a new day in the sun. Bertram is to be thanked. Federal deserves praise. And Hornady is a great addition. There are BELL, Jamison, and others to thank as well. The 1990's saw new light come in the windows. The first decade of the 21st century was a virtual revival of these old cartridges. It's almost as though they were never forgotten. And now we are blessed with a good number of current makers who will build their new double rifles in these wonderful chambers.

I'll part with a question: Why is the .375 Flanged Magnum still neglected?

You know where I'm coming from. This isn't an argument; it's analysis. The belted mag. DR isn't quite as good, but it's cheaper to buy and cheaper to feed. With good care it will run well and rise to the task. That's what the original question was, and that's my answer.

Best,
Curl