How come DG calibers (.375 and above) don't come in Semi-auto

[nasem]

Heres a question that I been thinking about when I saw JJ hacks:
"So what do you think should be a functional minimum? "  <----thread here in the african forum.

After seeing those pictures of that lion / buff / and elephant, I realised "OH MY GOD!!! YOU NEED HUMMER TOPPED OFF WITH A FULL AUTO .50 BMF"

but seriously, how come no semi autos were created for the DG calibers like the 375 H&h / 416s / 458s / etc... is it because semis are less reliable ? or they are just hard to make ?

I underestand the only "repeater" you can have is a double barrel, and thats only 2 shots then you have to reload.......  But my question is mainly for semi-autos

[TreyAzagthoth]

my thoughts on this are probably wrong but i'm gonna say it anyways, I dont think semi autos can handle the pressure of the big rounds as easy as a bolt or single shot etc, granted there are 50bmg machine guns but the bolt alone weighs 12lbs and the barrets have a pretty big bolt and internal parts, this is what i think is why. if you see a DG charging you and you have a bolt i'm sure you could make it sound full auto in the adrenaline rush

[Syncerus]

They do. It's just that people who hunt Africa tend to be very traditional. Also, there are restrictions on autoloaders in most African contries.

Take a good look at this:
http://www.vigilancerifles.com/HOME__PAGE.html

Syncerus

[nasem]

wow, those rifles are SOOO nice

Im gonna go search and see what thier prices are

[Syncerus]

Get out your checkbook. I think they are going for $12K.

Syncerus

[Grumulkin]

There is a company that, for several grand, will modify an M1 Garand to shoot 458 Win. Mag.

http://www.mccannindustries.com/rifles/458garand/magnum2/magnum2.html

[JJHACK]

For starters you cannot use a Semi Auto for hunting  in any African Country I know of

Next, ........reliability issues. They just have too many problems under hunting conditions with the feed of the bigger round nose/ flat point ammo. I doubt there is a guy using a semi auto who has not had it misfeed at least one time.

The odds are that it would happen when you need it most.

Lastly the weight. Semi Autos are heavy enough, but add in 4-5 rounds of 500 grain ammo and it's just no fun to pack around.

I've never used one, or packed one. But only looking at the specs of them and the knowledge of the misfeeding issues.

The military rifles using little .223 pointy FMJ bullets which feed like magic are not the same as trying to feed a 500 grain round nose soft lead tipped bullet.

[Grumulkin]

Can't you use semi autos in Zimbawe or maybe it's Namibia?

As far as the M1 Garand is concerned, at least in the 30/06 version it's very reliable.  I've also shot the clone of the Garand (the M1A) quite a bit in matches, etc. and I can't remember ever having a misfeed.  It's possible to get feed problems in bolt action guns as well.  I've shot them a lot with pointed and soft nose bullets and it digests them all.

That said, I can't see a lot of advantage of a semiauto hunting rifle.  It's usually the first shot that counts the most anyway.  A 458 Win. Mag. hunting rifle would certainly give one bragging rights though.

[nasem]

You just have to find it cool as all hell-o having a laminated stock semi-auto 458 win mag.  My gosh the bragging rights along with "what is that cannon?" questions at the local gun ranges

[Drilling Man]

  I remember many years ago seeing an article in a gun magazine where the author took a Browning BAR in 7 mag., and converted in to .458 mag....  He had it all worked out, and it shot quite well....

  DM

[skippermdj]

I recall reading a few years ago about a Browning BAR that was rechambered in .458 WinMag.  The BAR, I've been told, will handle any of the standard-length magnums just fine.  Calibers suitable would include:  9.3x62, 375/338, 375 Chatfield-Taylor, 416 Taylor and 458 WinMag. 

Browning BARs seem to be running anywhere from $500-$900 depending on condition.  The rebarreling job, including barrel, should be less than $500. 

If there were no legal restrictions in the country you are going to, you are confident in the rifle and its ability to feed and functiion when needed and your PH is OK with it, why not? 

[jro45]

They do they come in Double Barrel very expensive.