Quote:

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“the battery, to be sufficient for all needs, should consist of a .450 express, a .303 sporting rifle, and a 12-bore shot gun; .....

In the book He says he killed the first Lion with a heart shot but doesn't mention the gun. The second lion, he got six hits. "The first three were from the .303 rifle. The next shot he fired from the .450 from a tree, and the final two he fired head on into the lion’s head and body, also with the .450, during its final charge. He said the rounds that killed it were loaded with Martini bullets."

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Sounds familiar. The .303, a 12-bore shotgun and a .450 Express. I'm guessing a .577/450 MH.

I remember none being spectacular DG choices. More what a British officer without great family wealth might have. At the time.

A Lee Speed in .375 2 1/2" would have been much better for lion and larger plains game.

Interesting as well the volume of solids in the ammunition. The unreliability of soft points at the time meant solids were often preferred.

I must reread the books by Patterson and about Patterson.

Someone needs to make them into audio books.

LRF, thanks for the reply.