I am very interested in Rigby's new "Big Game" model in the Single Square Bridge version. I would appreciate your thoughts on choice of calibre in this model between 450 Rigby Rimless and the classic 416 Rigby. Is there that much of a difference in hitting power on game etc?

Yes. 500gr VS 400gr bullets at about the same MV.

I have both. I choose my 416 Rigby far more than my .450 Dakota (450 Rigby). I find no practical difference between the two in the field other than heft and recoil. Cost of reloading may also be a consideration. The 450 costs more to source and feed.

Before you got too excited about the new Mauser (aka Blaser in disguise), spend a little time with it and pay attention to the new safety. I was not wild about it and the new Mauser is not like the old Mauser. Personally, I think the guys at Blaser screwed the pooch on it. But I am a traditionalist so your mileage may vary.

Although I love big bore rifles, I'd probably opt for the 416 Rigby. I've done one-gun safaris for Elephant and Hippo thru Steenbok with a 416 Rigby without issue. If you feel you need more bullet weight, just use 450gr loads in the 416.

450 .. IF you reload..

rem 405gr bullets are cheap to practice and train with...

.458 DG bullets are usually cheaper

and you can load down to the 416..

but i'd buy a Lott or build a 458 AR over either

Having shot both recently, it would be an easy choice for me.

416

I also have both. The 416 Rigby is probably a better all around gun (plains game, buffalo, & elephant) unless you are planning on doing a lot of elephant hunting in which case I would go with the 450 Rigby. The 450 Rigby really thumps and is nice insurance when hunting in thick cover. If you reload the 450 Rigby has lots of bullets to choose from.

450 Rigby


Three 450 Rigby on left with two 416 Rigby on right

Thanks for the feedback lads.

When comparing the cartridges, remember that published loads for the 416Rigby are artificially anemic, restricted to 47000psi.

The question that you are really asking is whether to go "460Weatherby" or "416Weatherby" ballistics, with the additional filter of dealing in beltless designs and claw-extractor rifles.

I happen to like the 416 Rigby with its wide options of handloading, and inexpensive Hornady brass. For example, CEB now offers a 307 grain (with tip) ESP Raptor, that can be loaded anywhere between 2700fps and 3000fps, that provides one bullet for everything from oribi to buffalo. (Hippo and Ele still need solids). A 350grain TTSX .416" and 330 grain GSC can be loaded anywhere from 2600-2800fps for a similar all-around single bullet hunt, 'cepting hippo and ele.

true, but note that the 450 Rigby has the same capacity as the 460 Wby.

The 450 will fire the 500gr bullets to the same speed, or a bit more...

I habe replaced the 416 Rigby by a 416 Remington because it makes a much more compact package. If elefant is the focus 450 Rigby clearly. And as already oulined please have a very close look at the new Rigby Big Game, I am not impressed.

What problems have been found in the new Rigby Big Game?

I have a set of 450 Long Vicent RCBS dies if any of you big bore guys are interested..I have a lot of dies, so I'll just post them in Classifed.

quote:

Originally posted by jac:

What problems have been found in the new Rigby Big Game?

Not so much problems as a well executed poor design - typical of the new Germany. The new safety is abysmal and the wood is a joke on the models I have shot - supposedly their production rifles. Metal finish is too bright and glossy. All in all, unimpressive.

I have asked for an action in white, but that's not going to happen. And they are too damn expensive to cannibalize. So I'll stick with the traditional stuff.

Both!

But if only one, then the .416, as it's more versatile.

I would also look at the Heym Martini bolt action......personally I like it better than the new Rigby bolt action.

The .416 diameter makes for a much more accurate cartridge especially from 100yds on.The .450 diameter is best suited for close range and double rifles.The only reason I would buy a bolt rifle in 450 caliber and up is for economic reasons.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:

quote:

Originally posted by jac:

What problems have been found in the new Rigby Big Game?

Not so much problems as a well executed poor design - typical of the new Germany. The new safety is abysmal and the wood is a joke on the models I have shot - supposedly their production rifles. Metal finish is too bright and glossy. All in all, unimpressive.

I have asked for an action in white, but that's not going to happen. And they are too damn expensive to cannibalize. So I'll stick with the traditional stuff.

Is that abysmal safety the case with both models single square bridge "flag safety" and double square bridge "Winchester Mod 70 style safety?"

"Is there that much difference in hitting power on game". I believe the 450 Rigby was developed due to unsatisfactory performance of the 416 on elephant. I own and shoot both, as far as purpose goes the 416 is very versatile and adequate for big game and I would consider the 450 more of a stopping rifle. I have no comment on the new Rigby and would dismiss opinions of those who have no hands on acquaintance with any rifle.
I would not buy any rifle in that price range unless I tried feeding and operation with dummy cartridges From The Shoulder to determine reliability and could assess the handling
characteristics as these are highly personal.
+1 0n reloading, these are expensive to feed and practice is required. Good luck on your purchase.

quote:

Originally posted by jac:

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:

quote:

Originally posted by jac:

What problems have been found in the new Rigby Big Game?

Not so much problems as a well executed poor design - typical of the new Germany. The new safety is abysmal and the wood is a joke on the models I have shot - supposedly their production rifles. Metal finish is too bright and glossy. All in all, unimpressive.

I have asked for an action in white, but that's not going to happen. And they are too damn expensive to cannibalize. So I'll stick with the traditional stuff.

Is that abysmal safety the case with both models single square bridge "flag safety" and double square bridge "Winchester Mod 70 style safety?"

The M12 has the goofy safety and the M98 has the more traditional M70 safety. The M12 should not be a consideration. The M98 Magnum with the double square is OK but not over the top. Metal finish and the wood selection I have seen so far is poor. I spent a day shooting both models in several traditional calibers and a new .338 cartridge Mauser is considering introducing.

As I said, I just could not see the value at the prices they are asking. Maybe in the $4,500 range, but not in the $12,000 - $14,000 range. All you are paying for is a name and not real quality - Again, my opinion only...

Pretty good description of the new Rigby. I guess they will work but the ones I have handled did not match the asking price. I particularly disliked the glued on barrel sleeve to give the impression of original Rigby barrel contour. Wood also not impressive but I guess one can negotiate that.

Very interesting. Thanks for your thoughts.

Wasn't overly impressed with the new Mauser in 416R we had up in the Terratory. And supposedly they are better than the Rigby is what I was told by three mates

Just buy a Ruger in 416 ruger and solve it all

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
Just buy a Ruger in 416 ruger and solve it all

P Dog,
I am seriously contemplating that very thing as a second rifle to a 500AccRel Nyati.

I have been especially impressed by the availability of a tipped Raptor at 307 grains that can be sent down field at 2700fps and 2800fps. That is firepower that covers all plains game and buffalo and recoils fairly tamely at 44-49 ftlbs in the little Hawkeye African, not so different from a 375. More diameter, relatively flat shooting for Africa, relatively light recoiling, and a relatively easy carry. That's win, win, win, win. And the price is right.

quote:

I have been especially impressed by the availability of a tipped Raptor at 307 grains that can be sent down field at 2700fps and 2800fps

Should work well

I have a 416 Rigby in a RSM and really like it. I just received a 450 Rigby for Christmas from my son and have not yet shot it because it has been really cold out(-mid 30s).
This 450 Rigby is a custom rifle made by Noreen and my son brought it from a follow AR member.
I am looking forward to shooting it and killing a Musk ox with it.
A trip back to Africa might be coming but our Canadian dollar is so weak right now that is out of the picture for the time being
joe

quote:

Originally posted by jaegerfrank:
Pretty good description of the new Rigby. I guess they will work but the ones I have handled did not match the asking price. I particularly disliked the glued on barrel sleeve to give the impression of original Rigby barrel contour. Wood also not impressive but I guess one can negotiate that.

Glued on barrel sleeves sound's very cheap. Very disappointing to hear but better than after purchasing. Thanks for the heads up.

I can't comment on the 450 Rigby, as I haven't owned one, but I am very happy with my 416 Rigby. It is an extremely versatile cartridge, being capable of shooting 300gn to 450gn bullets at good velocities. I recently replaced the barrel on mine after wearing out the first one, so I have done a lot of shooting with it. My plains game load is 114gn AR2209 (H4350 equiv) behind the 300gn Barnes TSX, for 3010fps, (If you reload and want to try this, please work up to this load very carefully, as it is a maximum load in my rifle). I took Wildebeest, 2 x warthog, Eland and Impala in South Africa in 2012. The Eland went 30 yards, one of the warthogs managed 10yards after being drilled end to end, and all the rest were bang-flop one shot kills. I have also taken a number of wild pigs with the 300gn Barnes load, and also the 410gn Woodleigh, and they were all satisfactory one-shot kills. The only bullet I recovered was the Barnes from the Eland, and it must have gone through 30+ inches of animal, entering at the last rib, quartering away before ending up under the skin on the far shoulder. Comparitively the 450 will beat it for stopping, and very large animal duties, but flexibility wise the 416 has been more than I could have wanted.

338User,

I enjoyed your write-up. You couldn't ask more of a cartridge, and you are to be complemented on using the full 6000 ftlb capacity.

Reloading books should probably add a section for modern pressure loads (+M) for the 416Rigby.

Having used the 416 Rigby and the 450 Rigby as well as the 450 Vincent long, I found the all work great, therefore my choice is the 416 Rigby to answer your question, but that said I'm sold on the 404 Jefferys as my all time favorite for anything that walks this planet.

quote:

Reloading books should probably add a section for modern pressure loads (+M) for the 416Rigby.

And the 404 Jeffery as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

Reloading books should probably add a section for modern pressure loads (+M) for the 416Rigby.

And the 404 Jeffery as well.

agreed.

Good rifle, good brass, 60k psi shouldn't be a problem.
65k would work but why bother if the trajectory is already +2"/100yards and -7 at 300?