I'm a little reluctant to reply to this thread, never haveing shot a lion sitting, standing, or charging! However, I've seen them in action on game at close range charges! The charge on another animal by a lion is only because he is hungry, while the charge on a hunter is out of pure anger. There is a difference, IMO!

Still, knowing what is involved with lion in full charge, and knowing what is involved with a rifle in such cases, has understandably given me some opinions as to what I would want in my hands when, and if it happens. Udoubtedly, in my case, it will be a double rifle, because that is what I use, in most cases, and in a close charge with a lion, a bolt rifle is little better than a single shot! The same, IMO, goes for a heavy recoiling double rifle, but better. My target would be center of mass. and one must remember, a lion is lower than a standing hunter, and the angle keeps changing as he gets closer. You will be lucky if you hit the COM, but if you do, the head is almost in the middle of that target, and so is most of the CNS.

I would want a 450/400NE 3" double rifle, or even a 375 H&H flanged double. The velocity of either of these rifles is quite sufficient for a big cat. Gregor Woods , who wrote the book RIFLES FOR AFRICA said in that book the a light double rifle chambered for 9.3X74R would be ideal for follow-up on wounded lion. I'm not sure I would go that far, but I certainly can't dispute it, when one considers Mr. woods has hunted Africa all his life! I think, however, I'll let Mr Woods carry the 9.3X74R double, and I'll back him with a 450/400NE 3" double if it's all the same with everyone!