Big Bore Shooting

[shooter50]

We are thinking of organizing a Big Bore shooting competition much on the lines of what is held in Australia. The qualifying caliber is 375 and above with a minimum of 4000 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. Shooting would be done offhand.I am sure there are a lot of BIg Bores in the country. Would appreciate responses from the members.
Best Wishes

[amer4545]

Plz give more info

[shooter50]

Thank You Amer. I finally have a response. As you may be aware India and Africa were the land of the Big Bores. Most dangerous game hunting at close ranges was done using these weapons. The best big bores, both in double as well as bolt action came to India. With Independence and subsequently a ban on big game hunting, the use of these weapons faded. Most of the big bore calibers were British or in some cases German. The British Ammo giant Kynoch folded up in the 1960s and with its closure factory ammo for these calibers became scarce. These big bore rifles lying useless in India were then picked up by arms dealers from abroad with the help of some unscrupulous dealers in India for a throwaway price and sold in the Gun Rooms of Holland and Holland, Westley Richards etc for a fabulous price. Finally a restriction on such export was imposed by the Government. Some such rifles still remain in the country along with the still popular 375 H andH Mag and 458 Win Mag ( An american post war big bore chambering)
There has been a revival of interest in the Big bores the world over and now factory ammo for most of the big bore chamberings is available by Kynamanco, Norma RWS and others. Big bore shooting competitions are held more as a meeting ground for such enthusiasts and also a chance for the owner to realize that he owns a peice of history!!
I though that if we in India hold such a competition it would provide us with a meeting ground and give us a platform where we can sort out problems regarding import of ammo for these calibers and also help us preserve this heritage. Now for the specifics:
a.Big bore usually is a caliber equal to or greater than .375 inch
b. The muzzle energy of the cartridge should be not less than 4000 ft lbs
c.Shooting is done offhand 1. stationery target 5 shots 50 yds no time limit 2. moving target 50 yds time limit of 15 secs as many shots as you can hit.
d. The common chamberings which classify as big bores and wld be available in India could be
1 375 H and H
2. 378 Wethby
3. 404 Jeffrey
4. 405 win
5. 416 Rigby
6. 423 Mauser (10.75 X 68)
7. 425 Westley Richards
8. 450 NE
9. 465/500 NE
10. 458 Win Mag
11. 470 NE
12. 475 NE
13. 500 NE
14. 505 Gibbs
15. 500 Jeffrey
16. 577 NE
17. 600 NE

[nagarifle]

sounds great, go for it, lets have a big bang.

[Olly]

Don't you think that .30-06 and .315 should be included in the list...

[farhan.lateefi]

lets do it shooter... I am sure we will make some noise

regards
farhan

[ravi.sharma]

Great explanation shooter, wish you all the success, if you manage to pull out this event, I don't know how many keyboards will have to be replaced due to drooling while looking at the photos of the beauties mentioned in your list.


Ravi.

[Vikram]

I really laud your idea and it sure sounds exciting.Not within the means of all gun owners.But,those who have access to these fine bad boys,will absolutely love to participate.Wish you all the very best in organising this event.

Those of our members who have access to big bore rifles,should come forward, Ashar,Zubin,Arshad etc, etc,where are you chaps?

Best-
Vikram

[shooter50]

Thank you Farhan, Vikram , NagaRifle, I am ready for it provided I get enough responses. It appears there are few genuine big bore enthusiasts on IFG!
Best Wishes

[amer4545]

Big Bore is boys, thats for sure, and i feel that 30-06 should also be included in this.
One more thing, let Hyderabad be the kick-off host for this kind of event. From being called the city of pearls or charminar, it will be a great thing to be called Big Bore Capital.
-Amer

[farhan.lateefi]

Hi Shooter whats up man, me and a friend is ready with a .375 H&H MAg.. lets do it

farhan