Hey Poprivet, to answer your questions: I do believe that the 450 N.E.3 1/4" will be powerful enough for gopher hunting! I bagged a Big Foot with mine, it was a one shot kill! Don't be concerned with the recoil, it is not that bad. Really, it's no big deal. I have the Boddington Elephant also. I was going to have a No.1 in 458 Win Mag. rechambered to 450 N.E. before I found a Boddington. The bore diameter and twist are the same. Before you have it ported or put on a different pad shoot it just like it came fron the factory. I think you will like it just fine that way. I have only shot the Hornady 480 grain soft points in mine so far, but I see no need for hotter loads as they are more than enough for anything on this planet!