Jens - I have seen similar recommendations [double 8 bore + .500 express (not bottlenecked) + smaller calibre], as a good all round "armoury" to take both to Africa and India. The extra "poke" of the .500 was probably appreciated

Interestingly, the only criticism of my H&H 8 bore from H&H was that the later Nitro Proof was unneccessary as the damascus barrels were well up to the standard for nitro [30 + years later]

Good luck with your shooting, it looks like a good one

Tony