since its introduction ,hows the 416 ruger doing in the field against the big bears and african dangerous game,i have one in the guide gun but have yet to be able to use it,

Just as good as any big bore in that caliber and bullet weight range.

The couple of black bears one 500+ pounds, many hogs and deer I shot with 416T all died.

But so have all the rest of the 100's of big game animals I have shot in various calibers.

Good bullets good placement one kills what one is shooting at.

Some times it is just fun with a big bore.

Don't worry about the 416R if you do your job it well have a very good effect on big bears moose ect.

One shot, one non-trophy elephant in Zimbabwe

Excellent rifle. Quite accurate
("Course, an elephant is rather hard to miss at 27 yards!)

Although it doesn't quite equal modern ballistics of larger cases like the 416 Rigby, The 416 Ruger matches the ballistics of the original 416 Rigby and bests the 404 Jeffery. Both of which became icons !

From a custom standpoint , the cartridge makes sense.

Short enough to comfortably fit a standard length action..no belt design is liked by many

This question is for Phil. If 458 Winchester Magnum was not available, how do you think this would perform on the great bears. Would this rifle / ammunition combo be a reasonable replacement for Old Ugly ?

quote:

Originally posted by brair:
This question is for Phil. If 458 Winchester Magnum was not available, how do you think this would perform on the great bears. Would this rifle / ammunition combo be a reasonable replacement for Old Ugly ?

Like a lot of young guides, After my first really close call with a wounded bear I decided something bigger than my 30-06 would be more comforting. Andy Runyon, an old Kodiak guide I respected loved the 40 caliber wildcats as he had become disallusioned with the .375 as a close range stopper.
The 416 was intriguing but other than the 416 Rigby, which at the time was difficult to obtain and no one was making ammo for it, I got a 458. It was a wise choice at the time. But since then I tried both the 416 Rigby, as they were re-introduced, and then the 416 Remington. when my daughter needed a backup rifle she got a 416 Remington. and as soon as the 416 Ruger came out I got one and put it in an old canoe paddle stock and have been alternating it with my 458. It's a great cartridge and arguably the best of the 40's as it was designed to fit in a standard action and duplicates, or surpasses, the original ballistics of the original 416 Rigby and the 404 Jeffery.

Interesting thread, I wonder however about the availability of factory ammo of new cartridges in remote areas. Hunters flying in can bring ammo, but residents have to purchase local or order online.

quote:

Originally posted by Tanoose:
since its introduction ,hows the 416 ruger doing in the field against the big bears and african dangerous game,i have one in the guide gun but have yet to be able to use it,

I have not used the 416 Ruger on those animals. But, I have killed a couple of moose with it using the 350 grain TSX bullets. I really like the cartridge. The older Alaskan version with a stock replacement is a very favored hunting rifle. Easy to carry and accurate.

Thanks so much for your response Phil. It's impossible to get better information than from someone who has your level of experience.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
Just as good as any big bore in that caliber and bullet weight range.

The couple of black bears one 500+ pounds, many hogs and deer I shot with 416T all died.

But so have all the rest of the 100's of big game animals I have shot in various calibers.

Good bullets good placement one kills what one is shooting at.

Some times it is just fun with a big bore.

Don't worry about the 416R if you do your job it well have a very good effect on big bears moose ect.

I will just add, Much more Fun for me.

Fully agree the bullet, at the same size and type, at the same speed or very close, equals the same performance. Regardless of the brass that it launched from. Of course the Rigby has the potential for quite a bit more speed at more modern pressures, the Remington a bit more velocity potential because of a little more case capacity and a bit higher SAAMI pressure. But, I really do not see the 416 Ruger lacking much, particularly in a slightly more compact factory rifle. For my North American use it lacks nothing of importance to me. I have both the 416 Remington & Ruger.
All larger bore ammunition and components can be a PIA to acquire, even in times of plenty. Prices are always higher than the .308’s. But so is the fun level.

I built a couple for a local doctor, and I believe I prefer it to the 416 Rem, an old favorite of mine..Same with the 375 Ruger, I sold my H&H and went to the 375 Ruger and never looked back..

thanks to all for your comments.