I'm actively looking for a .404 and .375 right now and found the feedback on the .375 weight to be interesting, and hopefully helpful to AR users as reference in the future. Thought I'd put up another poll as I'm curious as to the right amount of step up in weight between a .375 and a .404 or .416

Question:
What is the ideal weight for a bolt action DG rifle in the low .40 calibers. Example is the .404 and .416. Expectations are that it would be shooting a 400gr bullet in the 2200-2500 fps range.

Given that some would use these rifles with no scope or something light like a red dot. Let's assume that the recommended weight is for the rifle AND any sighting device - scope, red dot, etc. but NOT ammunition. Total weight before loading the rifle.

Be great to get comments on why you recommended a specific weight as well.

Choices:
6.5 lbs
7 lbs
7.5 lbs
8 lbs
8.5 lbs
9 lbs
9.5 lbs
10 lbs
10.5 lbs
11 lbs
11.5 lbs
12 lbs

 

I voted 10 pounds for a .416 Rigby. I am not a glutton for recoil punishment. Many others here seem mostly immune to it.

I voted for 8.5 lbs. for a 404 Jeffery, as that is what I have and like in my Dakota Safari. However, that is total weight without a scope, as I don't use one on rifles over 375 caliber.

I guess if one wanted to scope their 404, I'd then vote for an 8 lb. rifle, so it would end up around 8.5 lbs. with the scope.

I don't find the recoil of an 8.5 lb. 404 Jeffery, shooting 400gr, bullets @ 2,300 fps, objectionable at all. I do find carrying heavy rifles more objectionable however. To each their own I guess.

The consensus on .375 weight seemed to be a rifle weight before scope of 8-8.5lbs. I had suggested a scope would be added which would imply that most felt 9-9.5lbs in total weight feels right.

What was very interesting to me is how many .375's are much heavier than that - walking around DSC and looking at rifles, was surprised at how many were in the 9-10lb range without a scope.

Dakota Safari line (pre-scope) is around 8.5 and the African line is around 9.5lbs from what I could infer at the show.

I split the difference at 9 pounds. Particularly, if velocity is kept in the 2000 to 2400 FPS range. My 416 Remington ways 9 pounds. I find it to be the right number.

Everyone is different though.

Interesting that the votes are saying 8.5 lbs total, I would think that would be on the lighter side.

A relatively light 404 is no problem but a light 416 Rigby will kick the snot out of you ! These are two very different animals when shot a full tilt ! The originals and I have examples of both were not light rifles !

8# .. it's a 404, for goodness safe, not a 4116 weatherby -

10# 404/416s are, well, rubenesque at least, certainly attractive though

I went and grabbed my 400 Whelen and placed it on my Wife's canning scales after reading your inquiry.

It's built on a Dumoulin-Herstal 98 Mauser action, with four rounds in the mag well along with a 1.5-5 Leupold in Sunny Hill QD rings and a Galco leather sling, it's precisely 9.25 lbs.

I must have carried that rifle close to a hundred miles in Africa, I think the weight is perfect, so is recoil firing both the Woodleigh 400 gr softs and solids at 2255 fps, even with the Fisher steel butt.

Hey Jerry
Being a huge 400 Whelen fan I'd love to see a picture of yours. Maybe could hear about your load info and about the rifle and game taken by PM?

My 400 Whelen pushing a 400 grain Woodleighs is very comfortable to shoot weighs 9 pounds 9 ounces with 2-7 Leupold scope quick release rings/bases and open sights. Mine is built on a 1903 Springfield action.

Sure thing Snellstrom, pm on the way, it'll have to be a cell test pic though.

IIRC I once saw a "Anything new on the 400 Whelen?" thread here on AR sometime back, maybe we can find and refresh that thread.

Your 400 sounds like a very nice rifle.

JM

quote:

Originally posted by 10generation:

Dakota Safari line (pre-scope) is around 8.5 and the African line is around 9.5lbs from what I could infer at the show.

I own (4) Dakota Safaris and (1) African, and that is exactly (given an ounce or two for wood density and barrel length) what the two models that I own weigh.

I like my 404s and 416 Remingtons to weigh 8.75 to 9.25, just a tad more than a .375..thats with scope..Not written in stone as a half pound or even a pound difference was something I personally could not detect, so Im more for the Packing around weight in the four cornors orf the world, don't like too heavy a rifle in 375 and 40 caliber calibers.

I feel that's a tad on the light side, but Ive never had any problems handling them, and they are easier to pack all day in the heat of Africa or wherever. If one has a recoil problem and willing to admit it, then I suggest 10 lbs. scoped would be ideal for most, if they don't shoot all the time, or aged, have health problems, or anything that recoil becomes a problem..

But this brings up another subject, the best way to deal with recoil is a muzzle brake, they work, I know all the nay sayers go nuts when you mention a brake, but use ear plugs, furnish them to the folks around you. Don't book with the outfitters that wets his pants over you using one, lots of outfitters would love your business, If it makes you a better shot Im all for it, rather deal with ear plugs than have Buff in my lap from bad shooting..