JPK,

You are wound up these days, eh?

Anybody that is about to bounce bullets off of eles using a 458 500 gr. bullet at an anemic 2000 fps should be worried about other things!

I should also have added that my 404 is a converted Winchester Model 70 action and the box doesn't allow me to go much over the nominal C.O.A.L. In a CZ I would bet you could seat the bullet much further out (and still get a one caliber seating depth) and get more velocity than I do, especially with the longer NorthFork bullets. By the way, original velocities of the 416 Rigby, out of a real 24" inch barrel and not a 28" test barrel, are more like 2250 to 2300fps and not the 2400fps frequently quoted. But some people will claim there is a huge difference between the two calibers. The French reloading manual shows 2270fps at CIP pressures with TU 8000 (a very slow powder) for a 400 grain bullet in 416 Rigby. If anybody has ever measured the speed of a Norma factory made 416 Rigby cartridge in their rifle I would love to know what the velocity was. So, if a factory 416 Rigby gives 2270fps and my 404 handloads give 2200fps, we are not talking about a world of difference at 50 to 75 yards, except that the 404 will make a slightly bigger hole.

Will,

Thankfully, I have stumbled on a load that gives me 2140fps.

But I am still wound up!

JPK

Have fun and do us proud.

Thanks Will.

I will do my best. And I'll reread your book on the flight over just to make sure!

I leave Sept 11. Inauspicious date.

JPK