Cartridges of the world 8th edition shows 98.0 grains of H-4350 pushing a 400 grain bullet to 2600 fps. Is this correct? It states the source as being Barnes. I know the Dakota cartridge was up there but i thought the Max for the Rigby was around 2400.

The Barnes #3 manuel shows 98gr. of H4350 at 2599 fps. out of a 26 inch barrel. I haven't tried that load myself, but I have shot maximum loads with 300 grain Barnes bullet that went over 3000fps.

2400 is simply the traditional range for the Rigby. You have to remember Roy Weatherby used the Rigby case as a basis for his 460 by adding a belt and double radius shoulder. You can load a Rigby to the same velocity range as the 416 Weatherby. However, I would suggest staying about 10% below the Weatherby.

Good Hunting, "Z"

Tanoose - The Rigby has been notoriously under loaded. I have both a .416 Dakota and .416 Rigby. Both cartridges can push a 400gr bullet at 2550fps with no pressure concerns from a 24" tube. If you want to press on, the Rigby can achieve another 100 fps. Recoil is a consideration and becomes quite noticeable in the 2500+ fps range.

Tanoose,

Yup, the rigby is capable of 2600 but WHY would anyone want to get velocity from a cartridge that may result in goofy bullet performance?

JMHO,

JohnTheGreek

The .416 Rigby really neally is the equal of the .416 weatherby magnum and it does not have the belt. IMHO it's a better round.

Tanoose,
The load you site is bogus, or a typo, though the .416 Rigby will do more than needed with any bullet, and more than 2600 fps with 400 grainers if one so desires.

To avoid "goofy bullet performance" avoid goofy bullets.

The Hodgdon manual shows for a 400 grain FMJ RN Hornady, with H4350, Federal brass, F215 primer, 24" barrel, 1:16.5" twist:

96.0 grains ..... 2392 fps
100.0 grains ..... 2414 fps

H4831 with other specifics the same:
100.0 grains ..... 2311 fps
106.0 grains ..... 2422 fps

These loads are said to be in the 41,000 psi or 40,000 CUP range, for safety with antique guns, and to match the original Cordite ballistics, for the sights on old express rifles.

My pet load uses the powder charge borrowed from Jack O'Connor's 400/410 grain load (I like Elmer too):

24" Ruger barrel
Norma brass
GM215M primer by Federal
H4831 powder, 105.0 grains
Bullet: GSC FN 380 grain
2509 fps MV
accuracy: 0.147" for three shots at 100 yards.
effectiveness on buffalo: profound

I know a fellow who gets considerably more than 2600 FPS from his Rigby and apparantly without excessive pressure and he has been duplicating the 416 Wby for years and that does not surprise me as the Rigby and the 416 are identical except for the belt....

Some books show 2750 FPS for the Wby. which brings up the question, Is the belted case that is so condemed by some not stronger than a non belted case of the same size, Hmmmmmm that is food for thought!! My "guess" is the Rigby could do the same, but I don't know that!!

I can get 2653 FPS out of the 404 Jefferys in my 27" barrel wihtout a hint of a problem...Most of these old guns were underloaded to cope with the guns of the era...A good idea is to shoot the older guns at the 2000 to 2400 velocity and 2400 seems to work as well as the higher velocities with a lot less fuss and recoil...

Ray - Take the Rigby and throw in the same goofy Weatherby freebore in the barrel and it will match the Weatherby velocity CUP for CUP - belt or no belt.

My Rigby likes the 105 gr H4831 load with both SAF and Barnes X. If I remember correctly it runs about 2450 (24 inch barrel, CZ action and barrel)in my rifle with great accuracy. That load has shot well in a number of rifles. You can load hotter but that is plenty of recoil for my fancy. Good hunting. "D"

The book didn't state the rifle or barrel lenght that Barnes used. Hornady showed 90.5 grains as there max load with the same powder. Thats why i asked , but i will tell you i am very impressed with everything i read about the Rigby and i think i'll purchase one in the Ruger M77 magnum in the near future. Thanks for your replys . Later Tanoose

Tanoose

There alright, if you can't get a .404 Jeff.