The decision on exactly which caliber big-bore rifle to buy is a complex one, more so for the occasional African safari hunter than for the one with endless means who can afford a whole arsenal of rifles. For the sake of this article I will assume that you will take it hunting, as opposed to an investment or collector’s rifle. Each caliber has its own individual appeal and application of course, but one may be easily lured into buying a rifle unsuited for the job at hand. The list of calibers is far too long to include all possible choices, so we will look at the most popular calibers used, and/or available today.
The 9.3x62 Mauser, technically a dangerous-game rifle, has a huge following in Africa and Europe, and has accounted for innumerable quantities of everything Africa has to offer. Its following is almost cult-like and easy to understand. Standard length action and very moderate recoil, but with enough punch to switch off the lights of any of the big five. In some countries, though, it does not meet the legal requirements for dangerous game. Step up to the 9.3x64 Brenneke
