First time to load for my Rigby 416. Went to Hornady table chose IMR 4831. Loaded Barnes TSX 400gr at 90.0gr avg velocity 2139. Raised to max charge per book 91.2gr avg velocity 2183. Question am I better to increase charge or change powder? I have R15, Varget, and H4350 to choose from. Any advice on getting round to 2300 would be great. BTW Federal factory are pushing 2429 avg!
Thx

I use 96 grn of H4350 for all bullets weights- 350 hot cores pushed 2650, 400 Horn Softs ( old ones) & DGS/Xs at 2420.

Ruger #1, so your results may vary if a double.

RL-22 might be faster. Got to 2360 fps with a RHINO mono-metal with 90 grains IMR 4831. (Trying to pair trajectory with 400-grain "soft" load worked up in my CZ 550 Safari Magnum. The "solid" and where the ogive touches the chamber wouldn't let H 4831SC work for me.) Soft load is 2400 fps / 400-grain RHINO molycoated / 100-grains H 4831SC / GM 215 / Federal nickel-plated factory cases / OAL 3.620"

That said, and your results suggest 2400 fps isn't advisable, you might benefit from two other loads:

1. 410-grain Woodleigh with 100 grains H 4831 -- work up to book max. to get 2400 fps.
2. 350-grain Barnes X or TSX with 102 grains H 4831 SC (yields 2500 fps and good accuracy in my rifle).

RHINO's, like Barnes are long and you want them magazine length for safe functioning. Are you sure your chrony is right? Factory values are usually "generous". Did you mean you average 2429 in your own gun? Also, unless you will be shooting in the Zambezi valley (or similar heat) why not wait for cooler weather to work up loads?

Cheers!

Barry

Spot on.

I found H4350 gave great results with 410 gr Woodleigh RN, 400 gr Hornady, 350 gr CEB, 350 gr Speer, 350 gr TSX & 340 gr Woodleigh PP. Also a couple of solids.

I found H4831 was not ideal - heavier recoil for lower velocity.

I first got 2650 fps with 400 gr & 2825 fps with 350 gr bullets. I reduced 2 or 3 gr charge and settled at 2450 fps and 2700 fps for more manageable recoil.

Good to see that you are working on conservative loads rather than the really fast ones which will kick the hell out of you and make you flinch.

What rifle are you shooting?

quote:

Originally posted by HPMaster:
I use 96 grn of H4350 for all bullets weights- 350 hot cores pushed 2650, 400 Horn Softs ( old ones) & DGS/Xs at 2420.

Ruger #1, so your results may vary if a double.

I use RL-22 in my hunting loads, 400 gr TSX, Hornady brass, 100 gr RL-22 seated to 3.630" yields 2455 fps out of my CZ 550.

I have been using 94 gr of H 4350 with a 400 gr TSX for quite some time. Gives a hair above 2400 in my rifle and shoots better than I can in the field. Just a bit less than 1 MOA for me.

Yes Doc. That is what I settled on finally. Also for 350 gr bullet I dropped down to 100gr of same powder for 2700 fps.

1993 London Rigby is rifle. Looks like need to switch to H4350. Thanks for input. Looked thorough old posts and was wanting any new thoughts. Thanks for input.

And if you want solids, I dropped 0.5 grains of powder and the velocity and POI were the same using Barnes Banded Solids...at least out to 100 yards.

But they were maybe 15-30 FPS faster.

I'm using an old recipe by Elmer Keith I think. 102 gr H4831 w/ 400 gr TBBC/Hdy Solid/Hdy soft. WW Mag primer in several brands of brass. All bullets print to same group (about 1.25") at 100 and I'm getting about 2550 fps. The original recipe was 104 gr I believe but I got better groups by reducing 2 gr. No pressure or problems except on the animal's end.

Its no trick to load the 416 Rigby or 404 Jeffery to incredible velocity, both have about the same powder capacity and 2600 with the 404 and 2700 with the Rigby has been used by many hunters I know personally...

That said and IMO, a 400 gr. bullet at 2400 FPS is magic, end of story..

I found the rifle shot well with all bullets and it actually grouped 4 or 5 different loads & bullets into the same area when shooting off hand at 50 meters and also with sticks. The 340 gr Woodleigs would also print into that same group. The 400 gr bullets would be 2 inches below.

I found that I tended to shoot 2 or 3 inches lower when shooting off hand compared to sticks.

My recipe for an all-around 416Rigby load is
101.5 grains of Rel 17, Fed 215M primer, Hornady cases, with Barnes 350 TTSX
for 2820 fps in a 25-inch, 16.5" twist CZ.

Here is a picture of last year's sight in at 100 yards.


The two shots were taken by two different persons. Previous testing of the load produced groups between 0.5 and 1.0 MOA.

The impala agreed that this was an accurate load.


So did the buffalo.



The mushroom of the bullet from the buffalo is a secondary mushroom. The petals flew off for additional wound trauma and the bullet formed a secondary mushroom from the remaining cylinder and 74% of weight.

I especially recommend 350 grain bullets or the GSC 330 grain in a barrel with 16.5" twist. You may find that the recoil of the lighter projectiles, while enlivening, is quite tolerable, especially when shooting sessions are limited to 10-12 shots. Just hold on tight with both hands and you will get to appreciate its attractiveness as a hunting tool.
Muzzle energy is over 6000 foot-pounds and around 505Gibbs levels.
Not bad for the 416 !

I run Woodleigh 410gr RNSP with 104gr of RE22 @ 2525fps out of my 25.5" CZ 550 barrel.
Load is very good to the brass, no stretching after running the same 10 cases @ 10 loadings each, much as expected with the low pressures these loads produce.

Cheers.

I am not sure how sensitive you are to recoil.

I found the 410 gr Woodleigh with 100gr H4831SC (AR 2213 SC) brutal and I could not control the rifle - it often bounced off the front hand holding the fore end. However velocity was below 2300 fps!

410 gr bullet with 96 gr H4350 (AR 2209) gave higher velocity by 200 fps and lower recoil because of 4 gr less powder.

I dropped that further to 94 gr of H4350 & settle on 2400 fps and manageable recoil AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - better accuracy with no flinching and no fliers.

I found the 416 Rigby recoil to be similar to a 470 NE 500 gr load at 2150 fps with a heavier rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I am not sure how sensitive you are to recoil.

I found the 410 gr Woodleigh with 100gr H4831SC (AR 2213 SC) brutal and I could not control the rifle - it often bounced off the front hand holding the fore end. However velocity was below 2300 fps!

410 gr bullet with 96 gr H4350 (AR 2209) gave higher velocity by 200 fps and lower recoil because of 4 gr less powder.

I dropped that further to 94 gr of H4350 & settle on 2400 fps and manageable recoil AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - better accuracy with no flinching and no fliers.

I found the 416 Rigby recoil to be similar to a 470 NE 500 gr load at 2150 fps with a heavier rifle.

Ummmm, no, recoil doesn't bother me. I have my 505 Gibbs running a 600gr Woodleigh @ 2350fps, have had it as high as 2550fps, that was punishing. The powder you choose has as much influence on recoil as does the velocity.
RE15 has the lowest 'pulse' of any powder in big bores I have seen. The 416 Rigby isn't as lively as my 375 Weatherby with 300gr Woodleigh PP's at more than 2800fps. Just a gentle push really.

Cheers.

quote:

The 416 Rigby isn't as lively as my 375 Weatherby with 300gr Woodleigh PP's at more than 2800fps. Just a gentle push really.

You may need to let your Rigby run free. If you've learned to handle the 505 then you will want to try a little more life in the Rigby loads. 300 grains at 3000, 350 grains at 2800+ and 400 grains at 2650+ can all become great hunting loads, depending on what is accurate in your rifle. The accurate load is the one to choose. And if you give enough life to the Rigby it will reward the shooter with game on the table from most any distance (with a bullet with a good BC) and less tracking. But if 2525 with the 410 grain is the most accurate, then just be content with the gentle push. You can't have everything.

I have been using 102 gr of 4831 average velocity from a 5 shot group has been 2437 using 350 grain barnes tsx and banded solid.

Has proven to be an accurate load for my rifle and done the job on my buff hunt and ele hunt.

100 gr of H4350 will give you lower recoil and higher velocity with 350 gr TSX or 340 gr Woodleigh.

In my rifle both shot very accurately.

As said earlier, it depends on one's ability to handle recoil. I dropped the charge from 102 gr to 100 gr only due to heavy recoil.

100 gr RL 22 or IMR 7828 ssc pushes a 400gr TSX 2380 fps for me. Oddly, I had to increase to 102 gr to get the same velocity from a Barnes banded solid.

Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

The opposite is what happens. I use a load of 98grains of AR2209 (H4350)this pushes 410 Woodleigh RNSP at 2450 fps and the same load pushes the 400grn Hydro's-bore rider at 2550 fps. Both to same point of impact.

You do need pressure to generate velocity but less friction means the projectile will start moving earlier and accelerate faster. I have found this with all calibres I have used Hydros in.

Not all banded solids are bore riders, if their shank is grove size like Barnes, the groves are there to give displaced brass/copper from the rifling a place to go as well as reduce surface area in contact with the barrel. These types of banded solid will probably require more powder.

I don't want to get into an argument mate.

My comment was based on my actual comparison of loads of 400 gr Hornady RN & Barnes Banded solids. The banded solid needed more powder to get to same velocity. Shot to same point of aim.

Also 350 gr TSX, 340 gr Woodleigh & 325 gr CEB. - The CEB surprisingly needed more powder despite being a lot lighter. The Woodleigh & TSX were about the same on velocity.

All 3 bullets shot a composite group of 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks.

Your loads are 410 gr & 400 gr. So the change in velocity could be the bullet weight. I found the exact situation with 410 gr Woodleigh RN & 400 gr Hornady RN.

I was also using AR 2209 (H4350)

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

The opposite is what happens. I use a load of 98grains of AR2209 (H4350)this pushes 410 Woodleigh RNSP at 2450 fps and the same load pushes the 400grn Hydro's-bore rider at 2550 fps. Both to same point of impact.

You do need pressure to generate velocity but less friction means the projectile will start moving earlier and accelerate faster. I have found this with all calibres I have used Hydros in.

Not all banded solids are bore riders, if their shank is grove size like Barnes, the groves are there to give displaced brass/copper from the rifling a place to go as well as reduce surface area in contact with the barrel. These types of banded solid will probably require more powder.

After puddling with the Rigby in a CZ for a while I finally found a load I really liked ... 350 gr Barnes X driven by 98 gr of AA4350 to 2700 fps.

Shoots flat and penetrates like a banshee!

Doing a followup shot on a down Cape Buf in the grass, I hit him in the right hind thigh. (Am not very tall and could not see really well.) Projectile broke the femur, when through the gut and the heart. Found under the skin at the front of the chest. Many feet of penetration. Petals blown off by the femur.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I don't want to get into an argument mate.

My comment was based on my actual comparison of loads of 400 gr Hornady RN & Barnes Banded solids. The banded solid needed more powder to get to same velocity. Shot to same point of aim.

Also 350 gr TSX, 340 gr Woodleigh & 325 gr CEB. - The CEB surprisingly needed more powder despite being a lot lighter. The Woodleigh & TSX were about the same on velocity.

All 3 bullets shot a composite group of 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks.

Your loads are 410 gr & 400 gr. So the change in velocity could be the bullet weight. I found the exact situation with 410 gr Woodleigh RN & 400 gr Hornady RN.

I was also using AR 2209 (H4350)

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

The opposite is what happens. I use a load of 98grains of AR2209 (H4350)this pushes 410 Woodleigh RNSP at 2450 fps and the same load pushes the 400grn Hydro's-bore rider at 2550 fps. Both to same point of impact.

You do need pressure to generate velocity but less friction means the projectile will start moving earlier and accelerate faster. I have found this with all calibres I have used Hydros in.

Not all banded solids are bore riders, if their shank is grove size like Barnes, the groves are there to give displaced brass/copper from the rifling a place to go as well as reduce surface area in contact with the barrel. These types of banded solid will probably require more powder.

Naki, no argument just stating what I have found. Re weight difference, 10 grains in a 400 grains pill does not make that much difference in velocity. like I said I have found the same in all calibres I have used the hydros in even when they are the same weight as the cup and core projectiles. Hydros are bore riders so have less frictional area then no bore riders. Are the CEB and Barnes projectiles bore riders. Just asking as I don't use them so would not know.

quote:

Originally posted by mstarling:
After puddling with the Rigby in a CZ for a while I finally found a load I really liked ... 350 gr Barnes X driven by 98 gr of AA4350 to 2700 fps.

Shoots flat and penetrates like a banshee!

Doing a followup shot on a down Cape Buf in the grass, I hit him in the right hind thigh. (Am not very tall and could not see really well.) Projectile broke the femur, when through the gut and the heart. Found under the skin at the front of the chest. Many feet of penetration. Petals blown off by the femur.

Well it worked and did the job. I wouldn't have any complaints about that.

I am no expert mate. But my CEB 325 gr loads needed more powder to get same velocity as a 350 gr or 340 gr Woodleigh.

The great thing was all those 3 bullets gave a composite group of less than 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks - rapid fire.

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I don't want to get into an argument mate.

My comment was based on my actual comparison of loads of 400 gr Hornady RN & Barnes Banded solids. The banded solid needed more powder to get to same velocity. Shot to same point of aim.

Also 350 gr TSX, 340 gr Woodleigh & 325 gr CEB. - The CEB surprisingly needed more powder despite being a lot lighter. The Woodleigh & TSX were about the same on velocity.

All 3 bullets shot a composite group of 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks.

Your loads are 410 gr & 400 gr. So the change in velocity could be the bullet weight. I found the exact situation with 410 gr Woodleigh RN & 400 gr Hornady RN.

I was also using AR 2209 (H4350)

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

The opposite is what happens. I use a load of 98grains of AR2209 (H4350)this pushes 410 Woodleigh RNSP at 2450 fps and the same load pushes the 400grn Hydro's-bore rider at 2550 fps. Both to same point of impact.

You do need pressure to generate velocity but less friction means the projectile will start moving earlier and accelerate faster. I have found this with all calibres I have used Hydros in.

Not all banded solids are bore riders, if their shank is grove size like Barnes, the groves are there to give displaced brass/copper from the rifling a place to go as well as reduce surface area in contact with the barrel. These types of banded solid will probably require more powder.

Naki, no argument just stating what I have found. Re weight difference, 10 grains in a 400 grains pill does not make that much difference in velocity. like I said I have found the same in all calibres I have used the hydros in even when they are the same weight as the cup and core projectiles. Hydros are bore riders so have less frictional area then no bore riders. Are the CEB and Barnes projectiles bore riders. Just asking as I don't use them so would not know.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I am no expert mate. But my CEB 325 gr loads needed more powder to get same velocity as a 350 gr or 340 gr Woodleigh.

The great thing was all those 3 bullets gave a composite group of less than 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks - rapid fire.

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I don't want to get into an argument mate.

My comment was based on my actual comparison of loads of 400 gr Hornady RN & Barnes Banded solids. The banded solid needed more powder to get to same velocity. Shot to same point of aim.

Also 350 gr TSX, 340 gr Woodleigh & 325 gr CEB. - The CEB surprisingly needed more powder despite being a lot lighter. The Woodleigh & TSX were about the same on velocity.

All 3 bullets shot a composite group of 3 inches at 50 meters off sticks.

Your loads are 410 gr & 400 gr. So the change in velocity could be the bullet weight. I found the exact situation with 410 gr Woodleigh RN & 400 gr Hornady RN.

I was also using AR 2209 (H4350)

quote:

Originally posted by Rule 303:

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yup Banded solids have less bearing surface and so pressure is lower and you may need more powder.

I found that with CEB 325 gr Raptor - I got less velocity than 350 gr TSX for same powder charge!

BTW 400 gr bullet with 94gr H4350 gave me over 2400 fps and less recoil than all other loads I tried with same bullet.

The opposite is what happens. I use a load of 98grains of AR2209 (H4350)this pushes 410 Woodleigh RNSP at 2450 fps and the same load pushes the 400grn Hydro's-bore rider at 2550 fps. Both to same point of impact.

You do need pressure to generate velocity but less friction means the projectile will start moving earlier and accelerate faster. I have found this with all calibres I have used Hydros in.

Not all banded solids are bore riders, if their shank is grove size like Barnes, the groves are there to give displaced brass/copper from the rifling a place to go as well as reduce surface area in contact with the barrel. These types of banded solid will probably require more powder.

Naki, no argument just stating what I have found. Re weight difference, 10 grains in a 400 grains pill does not make that much difference in velocity. like I said I have found the same in all calibres I have used the hydros in even when they are the same weight as the cup and core projectiles. Hydros are bore riders so have less frictional area then no bore riders. Are the CEB and Barnes projectiles bore riders. Just asking as I don't use them so would not know.

That is the fascinating thing about ballistics is people or should I say rifles seem to produce their own results.

In my 35Sambar 74 grains of AR2209 :Barnes 225grain Triple shock 2810fps: Woodleigh 225 grain PP 2798fps : Sierra 225grain 2801fps. Use this as it is the only rifle I have had any luck with Barnes shooting a group that want the size of a shotgun pattern, so only rifle with Barnes info. Not much difference in them at all.

Maybe the CEB's are a harder alloy so cause more friction???

Got me interested now. I will have to get off my butt and try this with the 35 Whelen and see what the results are.

Like several others I found the H4831SC loads abusive and harsh to shoot from the bench in my CZ 550.

102gr H4831SC and the NF 370SS averaged 2489pfs, very harsh to shoot from the bench.

Tried 90gr H4350 with the Barnes 350TSX and 400TSX

The 350's averaged 2406fps, the 400's 2393fps; the 400's seemed to recoil less than the 350's.

Both bullets sub MOA and very easy to shoot from the bench.

Both TSX bullets with a COL of 3.695 had mediocre
accuracy. Reduced the COL to 3.635" for both bullets and got sub MOA groups.

In my CZ the NF370SS are 3.67" COL into the rifling.

Both TSX bullets are 3.74" COL into the rifling.

The H4350 loads leave lots of seating room for the very long 400TSX without excessive powder compression.

I find that hard to understand.

I got 2630 fps from 350 gr TSX (also 340 gr Woodleigh) with 98 gr AR 2209 (H4350) and 2380 fps with 400 gr Barnes solids & Hornady RN and 92 gr AR2209.

I found the 350 gr load distinctly easier on my shoulder and from the bench.

This was AFTER reducing 4 grs!

quote:

The 350's averaged 2406fps, the 400's 2393fps; the 400's seemed to recoil less than the 350's.

I though it was strange as well, I will do another session with my chronograph and see what happens; maybe I need a new one

Laws of Physics - every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

So a 400 gr bullet compared to a 350 gr bullet with same powder charge cannot give same recoil.

The Recoil from the 350 gr bullet has to be less.

I found a 350 gr bullet at 2800 fps easier to shoot than a 400 gr bullet at 2600 fps (power charges were 100 gr & 96 gr respectively)

Off the bench both were brutal.

I found a distinct increase in felt recoil with 410 gr Woodleighs and 96 gr AR 2209 (same charge as for 400 gr Hornady & Barnes)

I have used 105 grains of H4831 in both my 416 Rigby and 416 Weatherby.

Depending on the rifle, velocity is over 2400 fps and shoots very accurate.

Saeed

I have looked at your loads on the AR loads section. I have also discussed them and other loads extensively on a thread a few years ago.

While I am no expert, I see that your loads are about 15 years old at least. The powder lots (and manufacturer) are different as the Hodgdon & IMR powders have changed a fair bit in the last 15 years.

The old AR loads for H4530 in 416 Rigby with 400 gr bullets would be way over pressure if used with current lot of powders. (I think that thread probably needs a note of caution - in case someone actually tries such hot loads now.)

Yes your below load is max. I found that even 102gr of H4831SC with 410 gr Woodleighs gave very stiff recoil and I was not able to control my Kevlar stocked CZ off sticks.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I have used 105 grains of H4831 in both my 416 Rigby and 416 Weatherby.

Depending on the rifle, velocity is over 2400 fps and shoots very accurate.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Saeed

I have looked at your loads on the AR loads section. I have also discussed them and other loads extensively on a thread a few years ago.

While I am no expert, I see that your loads are about 15 years old at least. The powder lots (and manufacturer) are different as the Hodgdon & IMR powders have changed a fair bit in the last 15 years.

The old AR loads for H4530 in 416 Rigby with 400 gr bullets would be way over pressure if used with current lot of powders. (I think that thread probably needs a note of caution - in case someone actually tries such hot loads now.)

Yes your below load is max. I found that even 102gr of H4831SC with 410 gr Woodleighs gave very stiff recoil and I was not able to control my Kevlar stocked CZ off sticks.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I have used 105 grains of H4831 in both my 416 Rigby and 416 Weatherby.

Depending on the rifle, velocity is over 2400 fps and shoots very accurate.

All loading data should be taken with caution, as they are used in different rifles.

quote:

The old AR loads for H4530 in 416 Rigby with 400 gr bullets would be way over pressure if used with current lot of powders. (I think that thread probably needs a note of caution - in case someone actually tries such hot loads now.)

It is hard to be 'way over pressure' with a 416Rigby. Only when a 400 grain bullet is between 2600 and 2700 would I be concerned about pressure with slow powders like 4831. i find that the Rigby needs something a little faster, like Rel-17 in order to explore its potential.

Yes mate.

I do not want to be rude to anyone, particularly Saeed who is our host.

That old load is way over max with current H4350 lots of powder. http://www.accuratereloading.com/416rigby.html

The old H4350 load of 105 gr gave 2593 fps. Now I get 2550+ with 96 gr and same Hornady bullets. Yes - 9 grains less!

Hence my note of caution. May be that part of the site could do with an update.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:

quote:

The old AR loads for H4530 in 416 Rigby with 400 gr bullets would be way over pressure if used with current lot of powders. (I think that thread probably needs a note of caution - in case someone actually tries such hot loads now.)

It is hard to be 'way over pressure' with a 416Rigby. Only when a 400 grain bullet is between 2600 and 2700 would I be concerned about pressure with slow powders like 4831. i find that the Rigby needs something a little faster, like Rel-17 in order to explore its potential.

Some loads for the .416 Rigby might exceed the antique-rifle pressure limit set by CIP of 3250 bar (47,137 psi), but no dramas please ...
except for that load of 105.0 grains of H4350 with a 400-grain bullet!

Know your limitations, but do not urinate in everyone's breakfast porridge, please.
I would be happy with running loads forever in the .416 Rigby at 60,000 psi, because my rifle and brass are modern.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I have used 105 grains of H4831 in both my 416 Rigby and 416 Weatherby.

Depending on the rifle, velocity is over 2400 fps and shoots very accurate.

That is the load that Uncle John (Buhmiller) recommended to Jack O'Connor over 50 years ago.
It is still going strong.

A QuickLOAD estimation:

.416 Rigby Rifle
Barrel length = 24 inches
Bullet: 410-grain Woodleigh RNSN Weldcore
C.Oa.L. = 3.750"

Powder: Hodgdon H4831 SC (An "Extreme" powder, ThermoBallistically Independent)

97.0 grains >>> 2296 fps @ 43,050 psi
99.0 grains >>> 2346 fps @ 45,843 psi
101.0 grains >>> 2396 fps @ 48,837 psi
103.0 grains >>> 2445 fps @ 52,045 psi
105.0 grains >>> 2495 fps @ 55,488 psi

I did some load development for the .416 Rigby using a 380-grain GSC FN and every 400-grain/.416-caliber soft and solid bullet I could lay hands on,
back in 2001.
The first load I tried is hard to be beat.
After the first 3 shots fired, shown here, I was done with load development:



I know my pressure with the above load is way below 55,000 psi, and it shoots a "bug hole." I liked it.
A month later, one shot through the heart of a cape buffalo at 50 yards in the Botswana mopane produced one dead buffalo:




Any bullet of 410-grains or less weight would be safe with this load in modern rifle and brass.

As for lighter bullets, like 350-grainers and less, listen to 416Tanzan,
But remember POWDER LOTS CAN VARY A LOT, no pun intended.
I like H4350 Extreme, or RL-17

So as not to be tedious by telling about shooting fallow deer at a Tennessee game farm, at 342 yards, with the old Barnes X .416/350-grainer,
check out the estimations below which I would rely on.
Start at a load that is estimated to give about 55,000 psi and work up to one of no more than 63,000 psi,
as long as you have a modern rifle and good brass.
Your mileage may vary, of course.










Rifles In Progress by Riflecrank Internationale Permanente aka Squirrel Killer
Pet Wildcat Certifying Authority and Tree Rat Control Specialist
NRA Life Benefactor and Beneficiary to the Fourth Degree
https://home.nra.org/

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Yes mate.

I do not want to be rude to anyone, particularly Saeed who is our host.

That old load is way over max with current H4350 lots of powder. http://www.accuratereloading.com/416rigby.html

The old H4350 load of 105 gr gave 2593 fps. Now I get 2550+ with 96 gr and same Hornady bullets. Yes - 9 grains less!

Hence my note of caution. May be that part of the site could do with an update.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:

quote:

The old AR loads for H4530 in 416 Rigby with 400 gr bullets would be way over pressure if used with current lot of powders. (I think that thread probably needs a note of caution - in case someone actually tries such hot loads now.)

It is hard to be 'way over pressure' with a 416Rigby. Only when a 400 grain bullet is between 2600 and 2700 would I be concerned about pressure with slow powders like 4831. i find that the Rigby needs something a little faster, like Rel-17 in order to explore its potential.

The point is one load which is perfectly fine in one rifle, can be extremely dangerous in another.

The whole point of reloading is to find a safe, and accurate load for your rifle.

Take any loading data only as a guide, nothing else.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

The point is one load which is perfectly fine in one rifle, can be extremely dangerous in another.

The whole point of reloading is to find a safe, and accurate load for your rifle.

Take any loading data only as a guide, nothing else.

Saeed,

That is excellent advice, for anyone except Walter.
Walter should use only ammunition loaded by a commercial factory
or by a competent handloader, which means he should not be allowed anywhere near the reloading components.
On second thought, Walter should not touch a firearm without adult supervision.