Has anybody had a chance to run Factory ammo 416 Ruger/400gr. through the 20 inch barell? If so what is the true velosity in the shorter 20" barell? Thanks Maddog

I will let you know tommorrow if somebody does not beat me to it. I did shoot a few rounds but did not chrony it. Its stiff but very manageable. The recoil does bottom out the Houge butt pad though. I like this rifle a lot. Its all business.

Woody

Thanks Woody.
I'll be shooting mine this Saturday for the first time. Chrony loaned out to a son. Won't see it for a while. Please let me know actual FPS w/factory curiosity is killing me. thanks Maddog

From the Real Guns site:

"The chronograph data was also good news. Both the solid and expanding tip ammunition are rated at 2400 fps, with data collected from a 24" test barrel. The Alaskan 20" barrel, 4" shorter, still produced an average velocity of 2369 fps with solids and 2349 with expanding tip bullets; only 31 and 51 fps less, respectively, with a much shorter barreled gun. That is impressive. "

Cheers...
Con

If there is no more velocity loss than that, it is indeed impressive. Should make a very handy rifle for close quarters.

So,
I am wondering if the 380-grain GSC FN
or the 370-grain North Fork softs, FP solids, and CUP points can be gotten up to 2500 fps from that 20" barrel?
Maybe?
The handloader surely ought to do over 2400 fps with the 370 to 380-grainers, unless the monometals intrude on case capacity too much.

What a handy package of whomp.

With the Hornady factory 400gr DGX the average was 2366 for 3 shots with the slowest one at 2356. Temperature was right around 85 degrees but the ammo did not sit in the direct sunlight. Very good factory ammo and yes, quite impressive. I did not shoot any solids, but I do have a box of them. This cartridge in this small package is outstanding. I may never get to even shoot my Alaskan in 375 Ruger!

Just got back yesterday from my hunt in Zimbabwe with mine, and used it successfully on buffalo and tuskless elephant with phenomenal results. It was a joy to carry in thick brush also. Then switched to the 450/400 for bushbuck and impala. Will get a hunt report up tonight with pictures.

Looking forward to the report.

I absolutely loved my 416 Ruger in Zim the last few weeks. Light and handy, carried really well and balanced perfectly for one-handed carry in the jess. When on the sling with barrel up, the barrel didn't get caught in all the brush and vines. As hot as it was, we were sweating profusely and my grip stuck like glue to the Hoque stock. Both PH's were impressed with the power in a small package at reasonable cost. Roy's 416 Rigby costs him $25 a shot too.

Used the factory DGX on my buffalo and one was all it took. Weight retention was good and still weighed 340 grains upon recovery. Just shredded everything it went thru.



Shot the DGS on the elephant, but didn't recover any of them. Wasn't too worried - it put the cow down great. Heart/lung shot, then two into the right hip to anchor before she could leave, and a rear raking brain shot to put it down.

The Leupold 1.75x6X seems to be the perfect match for this rifle. Want to try it on some winter-time elk hunting this year, and maybe research and Alaska bear hunt when I am at Reno SCI next January.

Excellent Report , Thanks !!!! All VERY GOOD NEWS .... It just takes the wind out of the sails for any custom rifles .. Well mine will be customized . I,ll put a canoe paddle stock on it ............ I,de sure like to find some of those green grip inserts for it ....... Wouldn,t that look great !!