416 Van Horn?

[jambrdly]

Does anybody have any info on a wildcat called .416 Van Horn?

 

[swd]

Gil Van Horn was a gunsmith in Southern California. He worked for Weatherby as a stocker in the 50’s and built lots of African rifles from the 70’s through the early 2000’s. He passed about 5 years ago. I had a 500 VH Express and another friend had a 510 VH. Most of his cartridges were based on 505 Gibbs brass. I have another friend that knew him pretty well and he knows a lot of history about his rifles and cartridges but it be a few days until I can get ahold of him. Do you have a 416VH rifle or just want info on the cartridge?

 

[jambrdly]

I saw one for sale in an auction and wondered what would be involved in procuring ammo.

 

[swd]

I saw one for sale in an auction and wondered what would be involved in procuring ammo.

It’s a hand load proposition only. Dies are custom if it doesn’t come with them. His 50 cal cartridges were based on 505 Gibbs brass that has been shortened. If you don’t want to do a fair amount of brass prep don’t buy it. Although if it’s a Gil Van Horn or Ryan Breeding built rifle it’s a hell of a nice rifle..

 

[jambrdly]

Thanks!

 

[buckstix]

well, I just bought the 416 Van Horn custom rifle by Walter Abe serial number 1- is this the one you were talking about?

I happen to have a wildcat rifle chambered in 416 MRE from 1972 (Mid Range Express) ... that's the same caliber as the 416 Van Horn that Gill Van Horn invented in 1977. Its a 460 Weatherby Mag case shortened to 2-1/2" and necked down to .416 cal. Its basically a 416 Weatherby Mag "short"

 

[swd]

well, I just bought the 416 Van Horn custom rifle by Walter Abe - is this the one you were talking about?

Congrats, a very nice rifle!