I've got a chance to trade a Ruger #1 45-70 for one in 416 Rem Mag. Only thing is, I have a lot of .458 bullets including North Forks and Swifts to get rid of...........Whaddya all think? It sure is tempting.

I guess it all depends on what you are wanting the rifle to do for you. I just bought a stainless #1 in 45-70 myself. I really like this compact rifle. It is perfect for a "brush and timber" rifle where you won't be shooting over 150 yards. It will hit much harder than the 44 mag., 45 colt, 444, etc. in a carbine.
On the other hand, if you are after the big bears or moose, the 416 might be better. If it were me, I don't think I would want a 416 Remington. I would get a .416 Rigby if I was going to get a #1 in 416. Remington is realizing the 416 Rem. cartridge never cought on, and now dropped brass for it. I think they are going to introduce a 416 Ultra mag sometime.
If you are not going after the big stuff, I would say stick with the 45-70. It's been proven since San Juan Hill.

old4X4,

I'm of the other opinion. Trade it for sure, and get a rifle that you can use on anything on the planet.

While I also like the Rigby cartridge, for all intents and purposes, the REM can do anything the Rigby can, and I guess you will have the 'lower pressure' thing being raised again. IMHO, you can ignore it, because if you load it HOT, you will have problems - be it REM or Rigby.

Rest assured, the REM Cartridge is an excellent one that can be relied on.

Lastly, you will find willing buyers here for the old .458 bullets.

Don't sweat it....go do the trade!

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Regards
Dave

You will have no problems getting 416 brass, I have several thousand rounds and they (Rem) just ran off another batch...Bell makes 416 Rem brass I believe, but at any rate its a simple process to make 416 Rem from 375, 8mm Rem mag, 300 H&H...

I prefer the 416 Rem over the Rigby, because it can work through a standard action, its not nearly as costly to support and it basically the same gun...You can allways rechamber that 416 Rem to the Rigby or the new 416 on the 404 case thats alleged to be comming out, but when?????

I would make that trade but then I'm no fan of the 45-70 for hunting..been there done that and never was impressed with it.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

To old4x4:
This is a tough decision. As far as the bullets go, i would try to trade them with the gun for some extra money if you decide to get rid of the .45-70.