Preacher, I have to agree that the 9.3X74R, or the 9.3X62 are not the best choice for standing a charge of an elephant. However, I'm one of those who has witnessed the shots discribed in these posts that you call "SILLY"! The word "SILLY" in your post is taken, by me, to mean you do not believe these things actually happened. I assure you these happenings are a fact!

It is true that Tony (450#2)is an exceptional shot with any rifle, or handgun,being a retired police sniper, and that is part of his success,by placeing shots where they belong! That fact has nothing to do with the capability of the two cartridges,in question to do the job. I have several double rifles from 8mm to 577, and one of those is a 9.3X74R S/S double rifle that I have little concern about useing for Cape Buffalo, or the cats with proper bullets in MY hand loads. With factory ammo for a rifle that is chambered for a cartridge that is over 100 yrs old, must be loaded down, because there are many rifles around that are not only made of poor steel, but are simply worn out, and the owner will use the new ammo in them. SO! Haveing said that, I think your useing the opinion of RWS about useing their ammo is what I would tend to call silly!

I too, have some experience in Africa, not on Elephant, but on Cape Buffalo, and hippo, as well as many of the larger plains game species, and like you, if my 470NE is available, then the Ele will get an issueance from both her barrels,POP POP, but if the ele showed a tendancy to charge me with the little 9.3 double in my hands, he would get shot at least twice, with it as well. That might mean R.I.P for me, but I'd bet it would for the ele as well!

I see no need for a donnibrook here, as long as it is legal, use what you want, and let others use their choice as well!