I am going with a 450 NE. You can regulate with 480 or 500 grain bullets, drop bullet weight by 25% and still be regulated. A 25% increase in bullet weight over the 450/400 is a big step in the right direction. You also have a lot of bullet choices you can play around with. I cannot say the same about a .500 caliber rifle.

I shoot a 450/400 right now and it is sweet. A 400 grain bullet will be fine for moose, etc. I have downloaded it with 300 grain bullets and it is a lot of fun. Like most large calibers...most fun when shot standing!

I have not hunted elephant but think in most cases this caliber 450/400 3.25" would suffice. I would not think twice to pop one with a 450 NE and have a really good feeling that a dead elephant will be dropping to the ground. I do not want be chased by an wounded elephant. As my hunting partner says, "Shoot them with a big bullet to let the cold air in and the warm blood out." To me, that would be a 450 NE when it comes to African BIG GAME.

Cheers,

Matt