I bought a CZ 416 Rigby. I have already decided that I want to use Barnes TSX's and banded solids of the same weight.

I am going to send the rifle off to have the action reworked so it functions flawlessly. The gunsmith is requesting dummy rounds loaded with the bullets of choice.

Here's my question. Will the 350gr bullets work for the Cape Buffalo? Or do I need the 400gr.

It looks like the bullet ogive shape is the exact same on the Barnes website. The 400gr are just a little longer in the back end. If that's the case I could load the different weights to the same COL and they should cycle through the action the same.

Do I need to load solids? I have been impressed with the performance of the Barnes TSX's to the point that I don't know if it is overkill using solids.

Please voice your opinions.

350gr bullets would work on buffalo, however, I would recommend 400gr. Remember that although the bullet is longer, it will seat back into the neck further and therefore it should cycle nearly identical to the 350gr load.

I'm not a pro, but most use soft nose on buffalo. Some people, in 3 shot actions like your CZ, load a soft nose for the 1st shot and place solids on the bottom, giving you more penetration in your follow up shots if the buffalo runs off giving you a parting shot at his backside. A solid is also prefered for following up a wounded buffalo.

But as you said, bullet placement is key. good luck and good hunting

I spoke with Randy Brooks at Barnes and he used the 350 TSX to take over 22 buffalo in a cull, all with the 350TSX. YOu can EASILY attain close to 2700 fps (I tried a relatively mild load using 96gr of H-4350 and obtained 2660 fps with superb accuracy) and that I am sure will flatten any buffalo.
I also loaded 400grainers to 2500 FPS 94gr(also with great accuracy (sub MOA) and they printed close enough to the 350s for "Government work". With either bullet you do not need a solid on buffalo.
The 350 makes your rifle a 300 yard plsu PG rifle also. I'm old fashioned and lean to the 400gr, but the 350 is just plain awesome. jorge

I haven't shot buf with the 350 Barnes X, but I did shoot a Gemsbok with one. Was loaded with 98 grains of IMR 4350 on a Norma case with a Fed 215 primer making 2680 fps. "Mild" load

The impact yieded a visible shock wave that broke around the animal ... and it was 11 am on a warm sunny morning. Have never seen anything like that before. The Gemsbock was simply stunned by the impact. He kinda wandered a few feet and dropped. Exit was 2" in diameter. Hellova load for being comfortable to shoot!

I'd use it on buf!