Double Shotgun or Double Rifle DRILLING

[EDELWEISS]

Let me be clear from the beginning Im only in the dreaming stage here BUT IF I was buying a new gun(Yess Dear....), and wanted it for everything in North America from bunnies to Brown Bear, what would you suggest.  My hunting time is VERY limited but long anticipated and Enjoyed.  Much of it is done on preserves because of my scheduling issues dont always allow for long travel times.  I keep dreaming of Moose, Caribou, and Alaskan Bruins, so I dont want to skimp on a rifle cartridge. 

I cant decide on the configuration Double Shotgun or Double Rifle.  I dont do much bird hunting, but is that enough reason to avoid the Double Shotgun?

What cartridges would you suggest?  Im leaning towards 9.3x74 and 12 ga, but Im VERY much open to suggestions.

[pastorp]

Edelweiss, I believe the double shotgun drilling would be the most versatile. Actually you could do it all with just a double shotgun without the rifle barrel, all you would lose is the longer range the rifle gives you. I grew up in the deep south and many hunters used a shotgun only. A slug in which ever barrel shot them best and either buckshot or birdshot in the other barrel depending on the area they are hunting.

I hunted for years with a winchester model 24 in 16gage. Worked for me. Byron

[Drilling Man]

  Unlike a lot of folks, i don't like shotgun slugs.  I "choose" a rifle EVERY time over a slug, and for a break open gun i choose the 9.3x74R.  Nosler has a 286 partition bullet that is just about perfect in the 74R.

  Have you ever handled double rifle drilling???  They are HEAVY, and i wouldn't want to have to pack one around!!  I'd rather have a light drilling like i have, and then buy a reasonable priced double rifle for the biggest game.  Valmet made an O/U 9.3x74R bbl. set for their 412, and they shoot very good and are reliable...  A decent drilling and a Valmet 412 will cost less than any double rifle drilling i've seen...

  If you have more $$, buy a used Chapuis, there's some of them around in near new condition and they are nice doubles.

  DM

[pastorp]

DM, I'm curious, which shotgun slugs have you used? Of course a rifle gives you greater range and penetration. Have you ever experimented with the old paradox guns?

I'm amazed at the comments I read by some folks about loading shotguns with buckshot as bear protection. In my experience buckshot works very good on man or deer size targets out to about 25yds. Hard slugs, like the Brenneke, to about 75yds. I would never use buckshot on a bear if I had another choice.

I also get a kick out of the writers recommendations about wild hogs. Growing up in the Florida swamps, I've killed a lot of them with a ruger single six. I don't view a hog as hard to kill. You just need to but the bullet in the right place. Regards, Byron

[Drilling Man]

DM, I'm curious, which shotgun slugs have you used? Of course a rifle gives you greater range and penetration. Have you ever experimented with the old paradox guns?

I'm amazed at the comments I read by some folks about loading shotguns with buckshot as bear protection. In my experience buckshot works very good on man or deer size targets out to about 25yds. Hard slugs, like the Brenneke, to about 75yds. I would never use buckshot on a bear if I had another choice.

I also get a kick out of the writers recommendations about wild hogs. Growing up in the Florida swamps, I've killed a lot of them with a ruger single six. I don't view a hog as hard to kill. You just need to but the bullet in the right place. Regards, Byron

  I've used numerous factory foster type slugs, (includeing home swaged) also Brenneke's and sabot styles...  I'd choose a decent rifle round to any of them every time...  Some folks love slugs, i'm not one of them...

  DM

[dherr17241]

About a year ago I bought a Ferlach Austria hammer 16 ga. sxs with straight micro grooved rifling.  It has 2.5" chambers and i found a slug at ballistics Product called the dangerous game slug.  I since have been able to regulate the load to shoot both barrels into a 2.5" group consistantly at 50 yards.  This vintage gun in a sluggin caliber adds a new dimension to my deer hunting and also shoots shot shells quite well.
DHerr