Did I ever open a can of worms. But I have to say, it’s been fun.

When I go to Africa, I plan on taking the best bullets I can load. A friend of mine used the Rhino bullet from South Africa on a Giraffe recently. He said the performance was excellent. I THINK it was from a 375 HH.

He also got a shot at a cape buffalo. I don't know the ammo. He was using a 450/400 I believe. Problem was the shot placement was off and he lost the buff.

So ladies and gentlemen, you are all correct. Within reason, it's not size that matters, it's how you use it.

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I have been drawn for a bull moose in my area this year. The god's willing, I will take him with my Merkel. And then it will be more practice and yes, I will take the 9.3x74R to Africa to hunt buff.

As many of you have said, if the buff is charging, and you brain him, he will go down.

Now, let's talk about another cartridge. I have my gunsmith building me a DR in 45-70. As I have come to learn, this is NOT enough gun for cape buff. And as I went and bought a Baikal double rifle in 45-70 because I couldn't wait for the gunsmith to finish my project, (he's been at it for five years), I now am thinking of changing the calibre on the project.

Talking with friends and the gunsmith, I have settled on the 450 Alaskan. This round is based on the 348 case and is necked up to 458. It looks good for velocity and punch. Do you think this would work for Buff?

This is no joke. I hope the smith will be finished with the project by the time I leave for Africa in 2013.

Thank you folks for your input and I will now go look for a bigger can to handle all the worms.

By the way, the barrels will not be marked 450 Alaskan. I will mark it in the old British style; 348/450 N.E.

Kindest regards,

Carpediem