I would have to agree with ErikD.

The hunt would come first.Your Buff will be just as dead whether shot be 416 or by Double.

The Double meet in Texas really sounds great!!You could shoot several types of Doubles.

Chris at Double Gun Imports dealt with me and has several used Merkel Doubles.You may wish to contact him.I have had a 470 Merkel and now have the 500 Merkel.IMO the weight/handling of the Merkel 500 is far superior to their 470.

I consider the 470 NE to be the Double rifle equivilent of the 458 WM, ie a 500 grain bullet at 2150 fps.Since I have one in a bolt I wanted MORE/BETTER.I upgraded to the 500 and have no regrets.The 500 is a blast to shoot and fulfills that need. Personally if you do want to hunt a Double and are comfortable with a 500NE I would take the 500 over a 470.

No matter. You will enjoy your hunt irregardless!!!