I have a Cape buffalo hunt coming up and will be testing some loads in my 416 Rigby. I may also be after hippo, and crocodile with various plains game as well. I have never hand loaded the 416 Rigby. So I have a few questions.

Does the cartridge need to be crimped?

Anybody have any experience with the following bullets and what were your results and load data?

400 grain Barnes banded solid
350 and 400 grain Barnes TSX
400 grain Nosler partition
400 grain Woodleigh FMJ
400 grain Woodleigh Soft Points

I am primarily interested in accuracy and perfomance on DG.

Is the partition sufficient for my soft point needs?

Is the TSX sufficient as a solid or should I use the Barnes banded solids?

Any other bullets you recommend?

GN

I find the 400 gr. TSX to be very accurate behind 100 gr. H-4831 with Federal 215M primers in my Ruger RSM. I get 1" groups at about 2440 fps. You will get differing opinions but I believe that with the tougher softs like the Woodleigh's, TSX's, and Trophy Bonded Bear Claws a solid is not necessary for hunting cape buffalo. Many hunters, however like a soft first followed by solids. I think either way is acceptable. BTW you will find many who also like to hotrod the Rigby. I see no need to do this, the caliber made it's mark over the last 94 years by pushing a 410 gr. bullet at 2370 fps. and that will kill any animal that walks the earth with aplomb. The above ballistics will shoot through a buffalo almost end to end with the proper bullet. I hope this helps.

Geronimo

I wouldn't class the Woodleigh bullet as one of the tougher bullets. You have to stay within Woodleighs bullet impact velocity or you could end up with bullet failure. The Swift A-Frame is a very good choice for your Rigby along with the Barnes TSX or one of the Northfork bullets. It's not a bad idea to load up some solids to take with you. If you have a bit of time make up some loads and work on getting your softs and solids to hit to the same point of impact. It's true that you may never fire a solid on your trip but it's a good idea to have them if you need them. If you have a wounded Buffalo and have to shoot at him while he's running away you'll be glad you have them.
Take good care,
Dave

400 grain partitions, 104 grains of reloader 19, norma cases,federal 215 primers. 2497 fps 15 feet from muzzle, complete penetration on asiatic bufalo on side shots, enough penetration to reach the vitals from any angle, smooth feeding, no presure signs even on very hot days. Also tried some 350 barnes banded solids but feeding was a little rougher and I did't really see the need for them anyway.

I like the North Fork with 105 grains of H4831, shoots like a varmint rifle. I haven't checked velocity, but 104 with a 400 Nosler goes 2530 and shoots almost as well.

I used the North Fork 370 grain soft and solid for my Buffalo in Tanzania with my .416 Remington at 2450 fps and it performed perfectly. I use the same with my Rigby at the same speed but it has the capacity to be loaded much faster. As long as I get the accuracy I am getting I will not change a thing. Good shooting.

quote:

The Swift A-Frame is a very good choice for your Rigby

. I agree with Mbogo

I have used the 350 gr Swift A frame out of my 416 Rem Mag. I Chrony 2617 fps and have taken Buffalo along with plains game with never a failure. These are recovred from buffalo at about 75yds and 150yds. They retained 98% of original weight.

Good information please keep it coming.

I have had good luck with the Woodleigh 410 grain softs and solids in the original Federal Premium loading for buffalo and with the solids for elephant. The solids tend to displace a small amount of lead out of the back of the bullet which was a bit disconcerting at first until I heard others mention it was a common occurence with this bullet...it certainly did not affect performance or penetration. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words...here is a recovered solid from an ele cow along with the group from my rifle.

Man, I'm getting much better velocities than what you all are getting and with less powder:

400gr TSX: 2550 fps/94gr H-4350
350gr TSX: 2660 fps/96gr H-4350
400gr TSX: 2400 fps/90.2gr IMR 4350
400gr Swift 2400 fps/90.2gr IMR 4350 (this is the load and bullet combo I used on my buffalo along with 410gr Old Hornady solids@2375 fps and same POI)

All the 400s shoot to the same POI and all sub MOA accuracy. All brass is Norma with Federal 215M primers and I use a Lee Custom factory crimp die.
Although I had great results witht he A Frame, I am switching to the TSX as I feel it will penetrate better on buffalo and they are about 15 bucks/box cheaper than the A Frames. jorge

I use the 400 gr TBBC now made by Speer for my soft in front of 104gr H4831. Kills buffalo dead. My solid is the Hornady 400 gr "encapsulated" with the same powder charge. Shoots completely thru the buffalo every time.
Don't mess with Barnes Xs. They are the most marketed bullet out there, for good reason. They usually work as advertised but I would hate to have a failure on a pissed bovine.