If anyone would like to see Nosler produce a new 416 diameter bullet, please add your input at---

http://noslerreloading.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=134

A few of us would like to see a lighter, bonded bullet to use for stateside or african plainsgame uses.

Thanks for your time.

With all due respect, I am continually baffled by the use of or the desire to use "18" different bullets for the same caliber. How much difference can there be in trajectory, especially as might be required in Africa? Why not take a .375 or something similar for a flatter trajectory, or something even flatter for gemsbok or whatever that must be whacked at a quarter mile.

It seems to me that shooting the different 400 gr. bullets in the .416 makes life complicated enough.

Apparently I need some learnin'.

I prefer one type of ammo per gun.

Please pass the solids.

Will,



Based on unscientific studies, 90% of those who inquire about a light-for-caliber bullet in the .416 aren't planning to hunt Africa. They want to use their "elephant-crusher" on whitetails and the like without the punishment of a full-power 400gr. load. Personally, I'd use a cartridge more appropriate to the game, but hey, different strokes for different folks.



8% want to use their "elephant-crusher" on a plains game hunt. Not a bad thing, but again, why not use something far more appropriate, like a .338 or .375, or barring that, a 400gr.non-premium bullet?



1% think that using two different bullet weights on a hunt is a good idea.



The other 1% are just gun nuts who want to keep the powder and primer companies in business by trying different bullets.



George

I have used the 400 gr. Nosler on all plainsgame and on Buffalo...It does not need fix'en, it works like a charm on everything I have shot with it...

I'm with 500 gr each rifle I won has a specific load it's sighted for finito !!

If I want a new load I buy a new gun

I tend to agree. With solids costing over a dollar apiece, I am NOT going to spend a lot of time and money on load development. Find a good load and practice with a good substitute practice load. Even the non-solids are not cheap!
Maybe I am!
Peter.

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I think it is a good thing to have a rifle that will shoot two different types of bullets well(soft/solid) and why not a lighter bullet for an entirely different application. For those that can't afford it, I say stick to one bullet and be happy. If you can get a rifle to shoot two bullet weights accuately then you have the best of both worlds.

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If you'll notice, I've been here for a while and could have predicted most of these responses!

When I went to Africa last year I used 350 grain Barnes Xs, mostly on the recommendation of Mr. Hoffman. They worked fine.

Next year, if I take the 416, it'll have 400 grain Swifts loaded. But in both cases, I'll have another rifle along also.

My point is that some folks may want to use their 416 on a plainsgame only hunt where the heavy bullets aren't needed. Stateside, a lighter bullet would add utility to some 416 rifles that may be gathering dust currently. No use putting up with the kick and low velocity of the 400 grainers when all you are out to shoot is a cow elk, black bear or boar!

Now, I'm off to vote, you do the same.

Thanks, I've already voted.

My comments are based on two principles: practicality, and marketability.

I just don't see the point of using a .416 and ultralight-for-caliber bullets. You lose sectional density when you make a bullet lighter (unless you use a streamlined lightweight monometal, a la GS Custom). That diminishes penetration, although you need a lot less on mule deer than on a Cape buffalo. If you want to use a 300gr. bullet, use a .375H&H.

It also doesn't make sense to me to carry a 10- or 11-lb. rifle for African plains game or North American game, when an 7.5lb. .30-06, or an 8.5lb. .338 will do.

It's expensive for a company to invest in a tiny market niche such as the .416, let alone in a sub-niche like the one you propose. As my post on Nosler's forum stated, there are already several light-for-caliber bullets on the market that fit the bill; it doesn't seem profitable enough a niche for Nosler to explore (although they surprised the hell out of me when they came out with the .35 caliber Ballistic Tip).

If Nosler does heed the call, do yourself a favor, and buy a lifetime supply of the bullets. If the market isn't there, they will drop production.

George