I'd be happy to use a 8x68S with 250 gr projectiles on buffalo. Can't do it for cape buffalo but may give it a try on water buffalo one of these days.

Same as I'd love to use a .318 Westley Richards with 250 gr projectiles for the same.

Pretty sure it will all go OK.

In reality all these and the 9.3x62 are in the same class of power as a 9.3x74R.

Now having had a water buffalo want to kill me last hunt I did, yes a .450 might be better. Except I probably would have hit the buffalo better at the range when he was lying down at a distance. And also stood up. Maybe even shot him better with the first shot, when his chest was partially covered by another buff's head in the way.

Now there is NO DOUBT I would have been far less happy when pushing through the saplings with one metre to three metres visibility ... then the .450 DR was FAR preferable.

My .375 and .404 would also be great and even better choices. I still do like the .450 for buffalo though.

PS The 10-bore WR DR is what is supposed to get the first nod next time.