Would the .416 Rigby be suitable for hunting elephant provided proper shot placement and the use of premium bullets such as Woodleigh or Barnes solids? I am planning a future African safari and currently own a Ruger chambered in .416 Rigby. I know it is not considered a "stopping rifle", however if I do my part, will it perform? Perhaps a new aquisition, something in .458 caliber is what the doctor ordered. Anyone have any experience with this caliber and dangerous game?

Rebarrel for 450 Rigby, Dkota, or rebarrel for 470 Mbogo

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Behling:
Would the .416 Rigby be suitable for hunting elephant provided proper shot placement and the use of premium bullets such as Woodleigh or Barnes solids?

Yes, absolutely. And a lot of PH's use just that.

Now that you have a .416, all you need to do is practice with it a lot and book a safari. Good luck!

[NOTE: Double check your Ruger to make sure it ejects properly each and every time. Some Rugers had a problem with that and needed attention from a gunsmith.]

In a word...YES. The .416 Rigby is a well respected dangerous game caliber and a favorite of the likes of Tony Sanchez Arino and Harry Selby. I've used the round on three buffalo and one tuskless elephant and I can tell you that it's reputation is well deserved.

Practice with your rifle and get to the point that you have confidence in your bullet placement and you will have no worries. The Rigby hits hard enough to kill any animal on earth.

Geronimo

Took a nice bull last year in the Matetsi region of Zimbabwe with a CZ in 416 Rigby with 400gr Woodleigh solids. Heart/lung shot, no problem. Also have a Ruger that is very good also, just like the CZ better.

Good enough.

Why do you like the CZ better? I have always heard that the Ruger is cheaper to get into safari shape. I am in the same perdicament..... CZ vs Ruger vs Winchester.

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Behling:
Would the .416 Rigby be suitable for hunting elephant provided proper shot placement and the use of premium bullets such as Woodleigh or Barnes solids?

Yes, absolutely. And a lot of PH's use just that.

Now that you have a .416, all you need to do is practice with it a lot and book a safari. Good luck!

[NOTE: Double check your Ruger to make sure it ejects properly each and every time. Some Rugers had a problem with that and needed attention from a gunsmith.]

Ditto

Roland

Hi Rick,
Welcome to the forums. You have a good choice in your 416 rigby. As mentioned by 500 Grains and others just practice with your rifle and be confident with it. There are lots of good solids and softs out there in .416. Try out different bullets and see what flies best for you. With any luck you'll find a soft point and solid that will hit close to the same point of impact.
Take good care,
Dave

quote:

Why do you like the CZ better? I have always heard that the Ruger is cheaper to get into safari shape. I am in the same perdicament..... CZ vs Ruger vs Winchester.

In two words, fit & balance. Some folks really like how the Rugers feel, fit and swing. Others like the CZ with the new American style stock. I find that the CZ with the hogback stock fits me perfectly, and swings like a well balanced target type shotgun.

So, find what fits and works for you the best, and then invest as much or as little as it takes to make it dead nuts reliable. Then of course, shoot the crap out of it until it is an extension of your will (ha, ha), and not just your arm.

lawndart

A good long, great penetrating, .416 caliber bullet is all you'll need!

I make the choice based primarily on esthetics. I don't like the triggerguard (don't like the shape or the latch),bolt handle(don't like the shape and it hits my finger) but mostly don't like the extremely heavy barrel and stock shape. My Ruger 416 has had bolt handle replaced with a longer straight handle and the stock has been slimmed and reshaped. Has been Magna-ported and is most pleasant to shoot. My CZ 416 has a Brockman laminated stock , handle has been straightened, Barrel cut to 21" ERA front ramp with fiber optic adjustable for elevation and shoots like a house afire. I also have a Mdl70 SS in 375, David Miller/Curt Crum laminated stock that is one of the most accurate rifles I own. To me it's a tossup between CZ/Brno or Winchester Mdl 70. Really don't care too much for Ruger's except No 1's.
All in all it just boils down to personal likes. I am probably the only person in the world who has never gotten a "lemon" from ANY manufacturer. I can say in the last 50 years I have never owned a gun that would not shoot under 2" groups with the exception of doubles. Again just lucky I suppose.

I killed one very dead with one shot from a ballistic twin the 500/416.

Perry

Commander David Blunt also used mainly a .416 Rigby for his entire career and took goodnes knows how many elephant, as with most calibres correct bullet choice and placement count for everything

It was used and recommended by Pondoro, Blunt, Tony Sanchez Arino, Harry Selby and even Jack O'Connor. It is not only suitable it is an excellent choice!

465H&H

By many people's standards the .375 H&H is adequate for the task.....It stands to reason that the 416 Rigby will do so or better.

For what it's worth . . . the LARGEST ELEPHANT ever killed with a sporting rifle, ( don't know if it was ivory weight or elephant weight), was shot with a .416 Rigby!

I have a .416 Rigby. Absolutely love it!

I've shot exactly two elephant and both were with the .416 Rigby shooting 410 grain Woodleigh solids and I can recommend both the caliber and the bullet.

My PH on that hunt was using a .416 Rigby as a backup.