Mediums that perform

[Doug Hamilton]

In early America it was considered a small game rifle.

In early America they didn't have smokeless powder or jacketed bullets. So compared to the 4 and 8 bore rifles that were used for dangerous game my .54 caliber muzzle loader would be considered small. Those numbers don't really apply today.

 

[Bush Buck]

I agree with Doug that, from an African hunting point of view, a medium is larger than .30 and smaller than .40. From a practical standpoint .338 to .375.
If my history is correct the 375 H&H has been the most popular and most widely available medium for about 75 years now (I'm speaking of it's international acceptance rather than it's introduction).

I find mediums to be useful and interesting but the only reason to use anything but the 375 H&H is because you want a handier rifle or less recoil - or you like to play with hunting rifles - like me.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I agree with Doug that, from an African hunting point of view, a medium is larger than .30 and smaller than .40. From a practical standpoint .338 to .375.
If my history is correct the 375 H&H has been the most popular and most widely available medium for about 75 years now (I'm speaking of it's international acceptance rather than it's introduction).

I find mediums to be useful and interesting but the only reason to use anything but the 375 H&H is because you want a handier rifle or less recoil - or you like to play with hunting rifles - like me.

The 40s are large mediums ending at .435 diameter. Big bores start at .458 caliber. I would start the medium bores at .323/8mm

 

[WAB]

The 40s are large mediums. Big bores start at .458 caliber. I would start the medium bores at .323/8mm

I think this is probably right, start with the 8x68/.325.

I am torn between two mediums; a highland stalker in 9.3x62 and a custom M70 in .375 H&H. Both have taken plains game and buffalo. I see no practical difference in terminal performance. The 9.3 is handier but the .375 is a stunning rifle and holds a lot of memories from Alaska to Africa. It’s a good thing we are not restricted on how many rifles we can own!

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I think this is probably right, start with the 8x68/.325.

I am torn between two mediums; a highland stalker in 9.3x62 and a custom M70 in .375 H&H. Both have taken plains game and buffalo. I see no practical difference in terminal performance. The 9.3 is handier but the .375 is a stunning rifle and holds a lot of memories from Alaska to Africa. It’s a good thing we are not restricted on how many rifles we can own!

I would love to own a Highland Stalker one day! And Amen!

 

[C.W. Richter]

No one has mentioned the 8x68s. It’s a great medium bore. Power wise similar to the 338 win mag but shoots a bit flatter. I have hunted Alaska twice with it taking Dall , caribou, moose and brown bear, all one shot kills. If your after something that you probably won’t find in camp the 8 x68s won’t disappoint.

I'd have to add the (oddball to America) 8mm (8x416) Rem Mag. It's a powerhouse and it'd be great on PG and many guides love heavier calibers for Goats to plant them where they are (in the cliffs!) 325 WSM?

 

[steve white]

This is a category where the 9.3X62 really shines. When I first got onto AH, I was astounded that the 9.3X64 was not more popular. It is after all, much more powerful, and to my mind, not a medium, just a 9.3 that is not always legal to DG. But I have learned to keep my mouth shut about the 9.3X62--it just has too loyal a fan base here. Still, I consider it a medium and not a large bore, and as such there are better long range mediums, like 338 WM or 340 Weatherby--now THERE is a reach out and touch someone round for heavy PG.

 

[Antho9364]

8 mm
The 8x57js, the excellent 8x64s, and the high-performance 8x68s.
9 mm
The 358 Norma Mag must be very good.
The wonderful 9.3x64 Brenneke (my favorite)
375 hh