Author Topic: What is a "big" bore ? (Read 1101 times)

onesonek · « **on:** October 19, 2003, 02:52:20 AM »

I know in the " traditional " Africa sense, big bores were 40 cal and up. But I believe this ? is purely subjective to geographic location, and game size. Even here on the NA continent deer (mature), can vary greatly in body weight. So traditionaly a .358 (medium bore), could be a "big" in the South, or even here in the upper Midwest.
In the "traditional", I think there were 4 catagories. Mini's, small, medium, and big. If I remember right, they were, up to .25, .26- .32, 33 up to .40, and 40 & above, respectively.
Well personally, that just ain't goodenuf. I think we need to break that down just little. My thoughts are, Mini's .24 & under, .25 up to .30 small, .30-.35 medium, .36 upto .40 big, above .40 large, really really big, or my favorite MAGNUS. ( excluding the 50 BMG and black powder.)
Like I said, purely subjective. Spose GB goina add more boards now?
Just my rambling thoughts! :roll:

1GLOCK · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2003, 08:50:26 AM »

A "Big Bore" to me is any cartridge .40 and larger capable of driving a 300 grain bullet at or above 1500 fps. I dont believe that a cartridge that can not do that in a pistol is automaticaly disqualified, if it can do it out of a rifle then is makes the grade.

wildman · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2003, 02:39:16 AM »

Well then, I'd have to say a hot loaded 44mag fired out of a lever action rifle could classify as a big bore in a sense. Here in the US, it works great for deer sized game up to about 100-125yds. A man just has to know the limitations of his particular firearm.

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2003, 08:21:34 AM »

To me there are two categories of big bores.

1.] Big bore handguns
2.] Big bore rifles

Qualifications are the same for both, .375 up to .600 is a big bore. A .44 Rem. Mag. is a big bore in both categories. Same with a .40 S&W as you can get them in both rifle and handgun. I guess my .450 Marlin fits into both categories as you can get one in a handgun(revolver). Now what's a wrist breaker. Lawdog

marlinman93 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2003, 08:35:28 AM »

In rifles, I have always thought that .40 and above, regardless of fps, or bullet weight, is a big bore. My old Rolling Block in .50-70 doesn't go over 1500 fps, but if it's not a big bore, then what is?
In pistols it's the same, but since the .38-40 is a true .40 caliber, I also include it.

1GLOCK · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2003, 10:43:39 AM »

I also think that when you hit the .45 dia. or above it automaticly qualifies as a big bore regardless of speed. Basically its all subjective, Im just tired of hearing about the 270 and 300's in the BIG BORE forum.

Paul H · « **Reply #6 on:** October 30, 2003, 11:05:30 AM »

My personal thoughts are, 30 and under are small, 8mm up to 375 are mediums, 40's are either a heavy medium or light big bore, and 45's and over are definately big bores.

I guess it does depend on where you are. I consider 338's, 358's and 375's as general purpose hunting rifles. The 40's are fine for moose and bears, and the 45's and up are somewhat specialized, though certainly fine hunting rounds.

My comments should be tempered with the fact that my smallest centerfire rifle is a 350 Rigby Magnum, other centerfire rifle is a 500 Jeffrey and I'm having a 458 lott put together.