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I like the idea of my .375 M98 matched with my .450 NE DR. They complement each other.

The .450 is excellent close in, thick bush and high grass. Quick firing and adequate stopping power. It hasn't failed me except once. Which was "exciting". A wounded buffalo may seem to become armour plated! Hunting elephant with it, it gives me confidence.

The .375 M98, scoped allows more precise herd shots. Also longer range shots or at smaller animals. I am not really a reloading tinkerer. When I find a load I often stick with it.in this case I have never gone beyond a 300 gr Woodleigh RN Weldcore plus the FMJ. I do have supplies of 350 grs to try. Plus I would like to try 235 grs, 270 grs as well. I have stockpiles of all. A 250 gr Spitzer might be an ideal compromise for soft game, and trajectory.

The .375 is truly the most versatile world hunting cartridge that exists.

I could choose my .404 Jeffery M03 Mauser with the .450. Felt recoil is far snappier and harder. The rifle feels worse than the .450 (?). With stock if bullets on hand from 257 grs to 450 grs, if they shoot to close enough impacts it could do the job of either rifle. Is a 450 gr .422"/.423" bullet inferior to a .458 480 gr projectile? How well does a 257 gr .422" projectile kill soft skinned game? What sorts of trajectory? Can it be used, the 257 gr and a 450 gr or 400 gr together without resighting? There is also 350 gr projectiles for the .404 which might pair well with 450 grs.

It's a pity there are not 300 grs pointed well made .423" projectiles.

If carrying one rifle the .404 makes sense. If hunting buffalo I still like carrying the .450 NE DR. If one has a gun bearer carrying a second rifle makes for a versatile choice. I do like matching the .375 and .450 NE together.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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