Looking for load data- IMR 4831, CCI 250 primers, 300 gr Barnes -X and Norma brass, aside from COL and seating varible what is a good starting point and what results has anyone had , MOA, vel , etc.

25" barrel

John,

I get the best velocity with either Rel 19 or IMR4350. I would not cross the street for Barnes 300gr X bullets as they SUCK! My 300 Win mag shooting 200gr Sierra Game Kings is twice the killer of the 416 Rigby shooting 300gr X bullets. I know I have shot large animals with both bullet cartridge combinations.

The 300 grain X bullets that I tried (100 of them) were highly inconsistent with regard to group size. The groups would vary from just over an 1" to 3.5" or so, with the VERY BEST load I could put together (and it wasn't fast). These groups were shot at 100 yards.

So let me sum up "SUCK" for you:

Inconsistent accuracy (SUCKS)
Horrendous terminal ballistics (SUCKS) The bullets DO NOT Expand for shit. The "petals" either wrap around and blend into the shank or they break off.

I suggest you get a good bullet. Woodleigh 340gr PP, 350gr Speer, 350gr Swift, Northfork, etc.

I suspect with a case full of IMR4831 would get you into the lower/mid 2900s. You would be MUCH better off using IMR4350, you can crack 3000 fps EASILY with that powder and a 24" barrel. However, if you rifle is anything like mine, you will get 8" - 9" groups with the 300gr X bullet at those types of velocities.

The most accurate load I have for the 300 gr X bullet is with Norma or Federal brass, CCI 250 primer, 107gr of IMR7828, with a muzzle velocity of ~ 2650 fps. Driven faster than that, with any powder, and the accuracy goes to SHIT in a hurry.

Like I said, use a GOOD bullet.

Scott

ps - anyone get the idea I do not care for the Barnes bullet???

I load 99 grs of IMR4350 w/ the Barnes 300 X's in my Ruger RSM. I believe its well below maximum. Its as accurate as I can hold it with a 4X scope. Cannot attest to game performance.

ScottS is a troll well known on this site. If he tells you it's going to be dark tonight, bring your sunglasses with you.

NEVER trust any loading info he gives you. He does not own a .416, unless you count the O.D. of his air rfle barrel.

I thought I was clear this was about a "BIG BORE" not something smaller. I would prefer only replies that are relevant to the 416 , thanks for a great rant though

Thanks

I posted about a big bore, to be specific the 416 Rigby .

The 300 grain X bullet, diameter 0.416" does less damage to an elk than a 200 grain Game King, diameter 0.308". The Barnes 300 grain X bullet, diameter 0.416", is a PIECE OF SHIT! Your money though, so go ahead and waste it.

May be you should invest $25 in a Barnes reloading manual. Obviously, you NEED it. Data gathered from the internet is spotty at best, and down right dangerous at worse. Barnes does provide data on their 300 grain X bullet, 416 diameter in their reloading manual. If you can afford to both own a rifle and feed it ammo in 416 Rigby, you can afford the Barnes reloading manual too!



By the way, a 416 Rigby isn't technically a big bore. A 416 Rigby, to be technical, is a heavy medium bore.

Scott

I believe there is a source for more info. Go to Nickudu's Africa Files and go to Archives. Search for Ross Seyfreid's article on reloading the 416 Rigby. I think you should use a 350 gr bullet instead for better penetration and knockdown power.

I can't tell you very much about the 300 gr bullet. I used the 350 at first but settled on the 400 gr bullet. It works great. It's velocity is 2550 using 105 gr H4831. That ought to be plenty out to 300 yards. I hope to not have to shoot much past that. Good hunting. "D"

Your load with the H4831 and the 400 grain bullet. Is that chronographed? If it is what bullet and barrel length.

Thanks,
Scott

By the way I Chronied it yesterday. I did exagerate a bit. But not much. Three rounds were 2544fps, 2520fps, 2540fps. It has a 24 inch tube. CZ tricked out a bit by Jim Brockman. The bullet is a Swift A-Frame. This load is over the top by the Swift manual. Manual says 99.5 is tops. It is faster than it needs to be. I worked up this load using data from this forum and it seemed that it was Jack O'Conners 416 rigby load. My chrony was on the fritz and it was shooting very accurately with that load. My trip to Tanzania was close so I just used it as is. The buffalo didn't run far. I thought it may be 2500 or so. The 99.5 load is supposed to get 2403 fps. Got the Chrony fixed and got new sky screens and she seems to work fine. The rigby is supposed to have a larger than needed case for the velocity of 2400/400gr bullet. It can be loaded up to near 416 weatherby velocity in some rifles. As always use caution, work up slowly. Your milage may vary. Good hunting. "D"