.416 Remington, Rigby or Ruger?

[effendude]

I don't have a .416 and am toying around with building one, just because.
For those that have one, which one and why? Handloaded ammo, hunting
large and possibly dangerous game.
Thanks,
Scott

 

[CJ6]

The potential is better with the Rigby (larger case) when hand loading. I use 4895 and cast bullets for messing around with. That being said if you want the ultimate 416 get the Weatherby for the factory velocity advantage (about 300 fps).

 

[hogpatrol]

DG as in the Dark Continent?

 

[effendude]

DG as in the Dark Continent?

Yes, DG as at the dark continent as well as big bears here in Alaska and Russia, if Russia ever accepts US citizens again. I have a pre-64 Winchester I had rebarreled in .458 Lott with a receiver sight, several .375 H&H rifles, and a .375 Ultra from a dear friend who passed. Just looking for another unique rifle the kids will have to deal with someday.
Scott

 

[INTJ]

I like the 416 Rem in a CRF M-70. Mine wears a Supergrade style stock--I don't like the Win Safari stock. It is my third 416. I like the size and weight.

If you go Rigby, you'll need a big action like the CZ-550 Safari. I also have a 458 Lott built on a CZ-550 Safari and it is about a pound heavier. A 416 doesn't need to weigh more than 10 lbs scoped.

As to the increased case capacity of the Rigby, it isn't needed. Modern powders don't have the issues that Cordite had, and the Rem will easily give you 2400-2500 fps with a 400 grainer.

There are guys on some of the Safari forums that can give you better advice.

 

[effendude]

I like the 416 Rem in a CRF M-70. Mine wears a Supergrade style stock--I don't like the Win Safari stock. It is my third 416. I like the size and weight.

If you go Rigby, you'll need a big action like the CZ-550 Safari. I also have a 458 Lott built on a CZ-550 Safari and it is about a pound heavier. A 416 doesn't need to weigh more than 10 lbs scoped.

As to the increased case capacity of the Rigby, it isn't needed. Modern powders don't have the issues that Cordite had, and the Rem will easily give you 2400-2500 fps with a 400 grainer.

There are guys on some of the Safari forums that can give you better advice.

Great info, I've read the same about Rigby versus Remington. I passed a .416 Rem in CRF Mod 70 at a local shop a few years ago, figured it would be there for a while as larger bores usually do. My mistake!
Scott

 

[rgc54]

I built a 416 Ruger it lags behind the Rigby and the 416 Rem mag about 100 fps but it can be built on a standard mauser action.

 

[Scrumbag]

Rigby, the original and best...

 

[30378]

Went with the 416 Ruger. I liked the fact it functions through a standard length action and no belted case. Enough power for anything with 400 grainers.

 

[wboggs]

I have owned and used both the Rem and Rigby. Rem in M70 and Rigby in Cz.
There is no difference in the killing power. I did notice the Rem produced a sharper recoil than the Rigby with both loaded to around 2400fps. The M70 Rem was very accurate, 1 1/4" off shooting sticks at 100.
Will send you a PM.

 

[Rockchuck]

416 taylor?

 

[PA Jeep]

I've read articles about how under loaded / loading data is for the Rigby as a result of older rifles that can't handle the higher pressures of the Ruger. It sounded like the Rigby built on a modern rifle will get closer to the Weatherby vs the Rem or Ruger. The case capacity alone says that the Rigby has a lot of boiler room if the firearm can handle higher pressure.

 

[Adam in WI]

I thought the Rigby had the larger boiler so it could get the performance without higher pressure?

 

[wboggs]

I've read articles about how under loaded / loading data is for the Rigby as a result of older rifles that can't handle the higher pressures of the Ruger. It sounded like the Rigby built on a modern rifle will get closer to the Weatherby vs the Rem or Ruger. The case capacity alone says that the Rigby has a lot of boiler room if the firearm can handle higher pressure.

It can be loaded much higher then factory loads. Capacity is close to the Wby. The question is why do it? Velocity doesn't impress very large animals. Bullet mass, penertation, and placement is what gets the job done. Long range shots on these animals is folly.

 

[wboggs]

I thought the Rigby had the larger boiler so it could get the performance without higher pressure?

If you want to see a big difference in performace you have to go to a larger caliber or a heavier (450gr) bullet in the .416. Recoil is the price you pay.

 

[Ray123]

I made the choice,... and chose the Ruger in 416 Rigby. It has the capacity when hand loaded to out preform the others if wanted, close to the 416 Weatherby, Jack O'Conner turned the belts off 416 Weatherby cases to reload 416 Rigby and loaded them to 2600 fps...I run 400 grain bullets at 2550 to 2600 fps, and that's about all the recoil I want. Capable of 1" 3 shot groups at one hundred, Barns 400 gr solids and copper hollow points print very close to the same impact within an inch. Took mine out to 500 yards just for fun. Used it for deer hunting one year with the old 325 gr Barns at 2850 fps.... And on squirrels...

 

[effendude]

Awesome replies so far guys! Thanks. Keep em coming.
Scott

 

[284winner]

I don't have a .416 and am toying around with building one, just because.
For those that have one, which one and why? Handloaded ammo, hunting
large and possibly dangerous game.
Thanks,
Scott

Barrett !!! Course the 338 Lapua is based on the 416 Rigby case so it's no slouch. Next step would be the Barrett cartridge for me.

 

[Tom Baker]

The Rigby of course. Like mine, made 1927.

 

[effendude]

Barrett !!! Course the 338 Lapua is based on the 416 Rigby case so it's no slouch. Next step would be the Barrett cartridge for me.

I can't imagine going on a African hunt or big bears with a Barrett. Cool cartridge, but I don't think it would fit in a walkaround hunting rifle platform very well.