Guys,

Can someone give me a quick update on this caliber ... such things as bullet diameter, weight, velocity, recoil, TKO, availability of cases, etc.

Thanks,

It is generally a double rifle cartridge. 500 NE necked down to take any .416 bullet. I don't know the exact cartridge specs, but I am assuming it is the full length 3 1/4" case and not the shortened 3" case. Bullet weights, velocities, etc. will be identical to the 416 Rigby, but probably with lower pressure because of the case capacity.

There is some information on the Krieghoff web site in Germany

I think it is www.krieghoff.de

There is an English flag for the English version. You may need to look around a bit.

Also check out this thread

[ 05-05-2003, 08:38: Message edited by: NitroX ]

I recently spoke with Butch Searcy, and although he will build you a rifle in this calibre, he personally thinks the calibre stinks.

Why does Butch Searcy think the 500/416 stinks?
Due to the fact he is a gun builder I am curious as to his thoughts.

I know much less than many posters on this and the African Hunting forum. While researching prior to purchasing my 416 Rigby (CZ) and, later, my Kreighoff in 500/416, the concensus seemed to be that while the 500/416 was NOT a "stopper", the penetration of the 416 bullet was second to none. It is possible that many criticisms of the 500/416 are based on these considerations. The fact that the 500/416 is chambered in a double rifle, which is supposed to function as a "stopper", is perhaps the reason for some people taking umbrage at the notion!
peter.

This smacks of those comments where the 416 Taylor was said to be minimal for DG but the .450/.400 was said to be great ie same or very similar ballistics.

I would think that unless the published ballistics are way different in the .500/.416 to reality, it would have to have similar ballistics to the .450/.400 NE.

Strange?!?

the 500/416 is the ballistic twin of the 416 rigby in a low pressure double rifle round.

which is to say, a flanged 416, 410at 2400, and all the gun one would ever need...

jeffe

The 500/416 makes more since to me than any double rifle caliber on the market...It is a double rifle in 416 Rigby, to my mind the 416's are the best African cartridges in the world along with the 450-400 and 404 Jefferys. I have no idea why anyone could find fault in such a caliber unless the velocity is creating pressure in which case I'd load it down to 2200 or 2300 FPS...and still have a fine DGR.

A stopper is something that keeps water in the tub and thats all it is...

If I cannot stop any animals with a .416 cal bullet at 2400 FPS ( a solid on Buff and elephant ) then it is because I stuck it in the wrong place and a 700 NE would have no more effect IMO...

I would still like to know why Butch Searcy thinks the 500/416 stinks.
I think that if the makers of "new" doubles would all make 500/416, or either one of the 450/400,s they would sell a lot more doubles.
My 450/400 3 1/4" would be my pick for an all round double suitable for use in North America Africa, or Jurassic Park.

I think Butch's idea of a DGR is one that indeed will be the best at STOPPING a dangerous animal when the need arises. So, consequently he advises the use of at least a .470 NE (easy to get ammo) and better yet the .577 NE (hard to handle for lots of hunters and ammo not as widespread), both with ejectors, not extractors. His opinion is to arm yourself with THE MOST GUN; this was why he advised me to pick another calibre for a DGR. That said, if you pick the .500/.416, he'll build one for you.