So I finally got around to trying some new loads with the 225gr Safari Raptors I ordered a few months back from CEB. Man, what beautiful bullets! Even if they didn't work as advertised, they look damn good doing it!

Anyway, I used load data provided by CEB to another reloader for the 225 in the 416 Ruger. I was able to source Win 748 so that's what I used for this test.

Rifle Specs:
- Factory stainless Ruger M77 with 20" barrel
- Previous owner swapped out the Hogue for a Ruger Alaskan laminated stock, which I really like!
- Ruger stainless rings
- Nikon 1-4x African Monarch, #4 reticle

Load Specs:
Virgin Hornady brass, FL sized in Redding die
Federal 215M primers
Winchester 748
CEB 225 grain Safari Raptor ("thin skinned")
C.O.L. 3.005 inches



The data provided by CEB listed a max load of 86 grains, so I started at 82 and worked up in 1 grain increments to 85 for this test.

5 shot groups for each increment.

Environmental Conditions for Test:
70 degrees F
42% R.H.
30.24 mmHg
no wind, sunny, clear

Target was at 55 yards, verified by Leica range finder







Short version is, these things shoot GREAT with Win 748! The fact that I was able to shoot sub-MOA 5-shot groups with no load development really says a lot about CEBs data. They predict a MV of 2900+ for 86 grains W748, so I'm hoping I broke 2800-2850 with the 83 and 84 grain loads. I'm blaming the 1 flyer in the 84 gr group on me, I definitely pulled it. The remaining 4 shots made a ragged .760 MOA group, so that load shows a lot of promise.

I'm hoping to chrono them soon, and stretch out to 200 yards, with the CEB plastic tips, for a real test. Considering the coarse #4 reticle, and the fact that I was really starting to fatigue from shooting this thing off the bench, I'm thrilled with the performance. CEB really ARE easy to load.

The 225 grain Safari Raptor out of a 416 Ruger should make a superb bullet for big NA and Alaskan game, as well as a relatively long-distance PG round for a mixed bag PG/DG hunt, where you will be running a heavier bullet for Buffalo or whatever.

This is my first rifle larger than a 300 WSM, and I'm loving it so far!

Very nice shooting!

From your posted COAL you have room in your magazine for the Talon R Tips which will enhance both the 'within flight' and 'within mass (game)' performance of the Raptor bullets.

Good luck in your endeavors...

kala.azar....

Fellow South Carolinian........ The .416 225 Raptor is a big winner. I used it in Australia for culling buffalo with extremely good success. Many broadside shots exiting. Hitting as hard as any 416 can hit anything as well.... Of course I consider this a bit of a stretch for the bullet, but this is what I had to work with so I did......

quote:

The 225 grain Safari Raptor out of a 416 Ruger should make a superb bullet for big NA and Alaskan game, as well as a relatively long-distance PG round for a mixed bag PG/DG hunt, where you will be running a heavier bullet for Buffalo or whatever.

100% spot on correct, exactly what it was designed for and I believe after seeing what I have seen, it will do a really good job of it.........

Looks like you are doing great with it...........

Michael

You should easily beat 2900 fps-

I was chronographing yesterday and got 2970 fps with 69 grs of H-4198 in my 416 B&M. I think you have a bit more room in the Ruger so should be able to come close to 3000 fps.

* 416 B&M w/ 20 in barrel

I am looking forward to trying these CEB 416 225 grs-they shoot great and should flatten PG types.

Good luck

Thanks for the comments.

Michael, I'm down in James Island if you ever need anything! I keep telling myself I don't have any need for a .375 B&M, but I'm a sucker for the short magnums.... Your website is a terrible influence

quote:

Originally posted by kala_azar:
Thanks for the comments.

Michael, I'm down in James Island if you ever need anything! I keep telling myself I don't have any need for a .375 B&M, but I'm a sucker for the short magnums.... Your website is a terrible influence

No man, I can tell you now, you don't need a 375 B&M, or any other 375 anything.... You already entered a better world at 416 caliber, anything else is going backwards, Man, you need to move FORWARD... HEH....

James Island, not far, we get down that way time to time, expect we will be down there next around end of December or so with Paul Truccolo and Wife.. Maybe we can make a plan....??? And too, get up this way, make a plan to come visit, I have a few things you might like... HEH HEH.........

Anytime I can help out with anything just let me know...... But I think you are on the right path right now...

Michael

Awesome, hit me up anytime. Im always up for a gun nut chat!