Gentlemen:
I have recently purchased a vintage (1920's-1930's).416 Rigby rifle with three leaf express sights, and am looking to duplicate the original 410 grain and 350 grain loads.
I know that they were loaded with Cordite, and IMR-3130 is supposed to be a grain for grain equivalent. What were the original loads? I know somebody here has the information, I want to keep the pressures down on this old lady!
Hans

I have read the original charge was 69-71 grains of Cordite under the 410 grain bullet. Seems that the charge may have been different for solid vs. soft. I have no info on any lighter bullets.

I have also heard differing opinions on wheather the IMR powder transfers over grain for grain. Maybe someone with first hand experience will sign on.

Hope that helps, Joe.

Check the source:

http://www.kynochammunition.co.uk/
(This is Kynamco Limited.)

I've seen original ballistics quoted as 2300, 2350, 2370, and 2400 fps in various sources. There were loads with 400 gr and 410 gr bullets at various times if my memory serves me correctly. The 410 gr bullet is probably best known as the "standard" for the .416 Rigby. 400 gr bullets are probably more common now. I don't think the original .416 Rigby loadings (by Rigby, Kynoch, or ICI, etc.) used any 350 gr bullets.

I have a Ruger M77 Magnum in .416 Rigby but I haven't gotten around to doing much handloading for it yet. I would think that IMR-3031 would have too fast of a burning rate to use in the .416 Rigby. There are others more knowledgable here than I on handloading the Rigby and maybe they'll give some advice.

-Bob F.

I wondered about the 350gr. loads, but I was told that they existed...I had my doubts as I could not find them mentioned in any old catalogs.
I have a few 410gr. Round nose bullets, but not many, is there a current domestically available source out there or should I just figure on having to use the the U.S. made 400gr. bullets?
My standard load for my .416 in the past was a 350gr. Barnes X at 2550 ft/sec. I have used it in my last Rigby (built on a 602 action, which I have since sold, I am currently waiting on a new barreled action, built on a CZ550 action from John Ricks) but, I feel these might be to hot for this old rifle and don't want to chance her setting back and destroying her.

[ 06-27-2002, 03:59: Message edited by: Hans ]

I have been using H4350 in my 416 and if memery tells me I use 100 grians. Sorry I have my reloading room blocked of right now.If you are going to use that lite of a charge you will have to us a filler on top of it. If not you will have erratic preformance at the best. At the worst you will blow up your rifle.