I'm tinkering with loads for my RSM in 416 Rigby using 400 Gr. Barnes banded solids. Will use this load for PAC ele in Zim. What velocity do the more experienced (I've only shot one and not with this gun or caliber) ele hunters recommend for this caliber/bullet? Right now I'm getting an average velocity of 2295 fps with 105 Grs. of H4831. Accuracy is very good.

That sounds perfect to me.

You are using the "Oom Janie/JOC" powder charge. You got that right.

Is the .416/400-gr "Barnes Banded Solid" accurate in your rifle?

The magical powder charge cannot overcome all.

The best way to have no doubts would be to get some GSC .416/380-gr FN copper solids.
They are shorter, not sub-caliber size like the BBS, and will certainly give best penetration possible in a 14" Twist rifle like your RSM.

23" Generation III RSM or old fat-barreled 24" Generation II RSM like mine?

That velocity seems a little low, whether it is 23" or 24", for the Oom Janie powder charge. That might be due to the loose fit of the bullet in your barrel.

An excuse to post one of my 115-yard targets that translated into 0.140 MOA for three shoots, the same load that killed a cape buffalo with one shot through 2 shoulders and the heart, and the bullet is still ricocheting around Botswana:

The once-upon-a-time I had a Ruger, I was getting 2400 fps with 100 grs. At 105, they should be zinging, but RIP's is the same as 2400 fps with a 400 gr. bullet with the 105 grs.

Maybe like RIP suggests, a loose bullet?

Tom,

I would wait till it warms up and chrono again... But the velocity will penetrate an ele...

Mike

Thanks guys for the info.
RIP - yes it is an old fat barreled RSM. My chrono shows an avg. velocity of 2439 with the same load and Hornady 400 Gr. softs so I'm sure it's the banded bullet giving lower velocity. Accuracy is quite good with the Barnes. All shots touching at 100 yds. Temp. was approx. 40 degrees when I ran them over the screens.

Does GS custom have a US outlet for their bullet. I remember all the problems guys had years ago getting their orders filled from RSA so I've stayed away from them. I had planned on using Northfork solids but had to change my plans when they closed up shop.

I just did a search on the GS custom bullets and took a look at their 380 Gr. offering. Impressive looking bullet but I don't think it will work for me. I don't think they will feed in my rifle. They look very much like the Northfork bullets. Back in December I had called Mike at Northfork to inquire about his solids and he sent me some samples of his 416 370 Gr. bullet. I loaded up some dummy rounds to check for feeding and just couldn't get them to feed well with the flat tipped design. The GS customs look almost identical.

Despite being banded and undersized, the Barnes do shoot well in my rifle.

quote:

I don't think they will feed in my rifle.

Labman, if you don't seat them out to long, any competent gunsmith will be able to make them feed reliable.

Tom,
The GSC FN bullets feed fine in my RSM.
So your barrel is 24" like mine.
Sometimes seating the FN's a little shorter for COL is all that is required for smooth feeding, as Karl S suggests.

Member "yukon delta" is starting up a dealership in GSC bullets, Northern Light Trading Co. I think he would do well to get some .416/380-gr FN's in stock.

Thanks guys for all the help. I was seating them to 3.630, but I'll give it a try with a shorter overall length.

quote:

Does GS custom have a US outlet for their bullet. I remember all the problems guys had years ago getting their orders filled from RSA so I've stayed away from them. I had planned on using Northfork solids but had to change my plans when they closed up shop.

Tom,
I believe Neil Shirley (aka RNS) is a retailer of GSC bullets in the US. If I am not mistaken, his website is www.custombrassandbullets.com
Gerard makes a hella good bullet.
Cheers,
Canuck

ps: in fact, it looks like he has the .416 380gr boolitz in stock and ON-SALE. See here... http://www.custombrassandbullets.com/fn53.html

I just placed an order for the GS custom FN solids. Chris - thanks for the tip on the sale.

RIP - It looks like we have the exact same combination right down to the same scope. Sure hope mine shoots nearly as good as yours.