Good morning, This is my first post, Been reading infinate wisdom from these pages for 2 months now, very enjoyable. Would the 416 Rigby loaded w/400 TSX @2630 fps be sufficent backup for 500 N.E. w/ 570gn softs and solids. Am planning first safari for Buffalo, Lion, and Leopard, but want to be sure to strike a lethal and effective blow to the game animals i want to hunt. It may sound weird but i have a high degree of respect for those magnificent creatures. Thanks to all for any advice on my weapons selection.

The .416 Rigby w 400s at 2630 is VERY, VERY heavy medicine for ANYTHING, but not necessary for the species given. Loading with 350 gr TSXs at 2700 will work as well, and be much less severe in recoil.

The typical loading for the Rigby with 400s or 410s is about 2400 fps.

Jerry

Everything Mike says X2.

Michael

Yes, excellent "light rifle," the .416 Rigby.
Ditto Mike.
350-grain Barnes X at 2700 fps was an excellent +300-yard plains game round for me.
I first-shot-connected on deer-sized game at 342 yards.
You might improve on that with a 330-grain GSC HV at about 2800 fps.
Use The Barnes TSX 350-grainer at 2700 fps if you must.

I have also used the 350-grain X on a water buffalo. The first one in the chest from 150 yards made him sick, so I ran up to him and put a second into his neck at 50 yards.

A single 380-grain GSC FN solid at 2500 fps through the heart and on-side humerus at 50 yards (exited off side) was all it took to get the death bellow seconds later from a cape buffalo who only ran 50 yards away from the shot.

For buffalo, I would prefer 370 to 400-grainers at 2500 fps for a little more punch than standard, zeroed right on at 100 yards.
Monometal FN solid (North Fork FP 370, GSC FN 380) or monometal copper soft (400-grain Barnes TSX), or North Fork 370-grain soft.

The 330 to 350-grainers will shoot higher at faster velocity, and you can use them to hold properly at long range.

350 TSX at 2850, still not full blast.

IMHO, a scope sighted .416 Rigby bolt rifle is much better suited than a .500 double for hunting any or all of buffalo, lion and leopard.

Not to mention the general bag of plains game.

For what you are after, you would be better off leaving your double at home and just taking your .416.

That is true no matter whether you choose to shoot 350 or 400 grain bullets.

Yes the 416 would be ideal for the game your after but I would make sure its not too heavy in weight and would bank back the velocity so as not to effect my shooting ability which I think if far more important than top speed velocity.
I would be happy with a speed of around 2400fps ( give or take 100fps) with one load of 400grners.

Good evening Gentlemen, I do appreciate all the advice and guidance. Yes i am a fan of heavy bullets, this load is very accurate,something has to be said for confidence w/ a good handload and lots of practice. Recoil is not a factor, That 500 Nitro makes the 416 Rigby very manageable, it is scope sighted in quick detatch warnes. {416} The 500 is for Buffalo. I just wanted to make sure my light rifle would cover all three animals in a pinch. The P.H. i have been speaking with says there is nothing in this world like facing a Buff w/ a good double. Again thank you all very much.