the 450 Marlin necked down to 416-caliber ?????

Most of us agree there's not much real benefit in cramming long-action performance into a short action, especially as the energy climbs, the weight benefit becomes a detriment. Nonetheless, I can't help thinking on such things. I've shot some fairly heavy rounds in fairly light rifles, enough to say I can bear it. Not the sort of thing you shoot 40 rnd in a day. With that in mind:

The 416-300 RUM x 2.4" w/35 deg shoulder (catchy name, eh?) will have the same neck configuration as the 416 Remington, and with a 3.15" magazine, will have the case capacity!!!
MRC1999 short action, with a #5 sporter, 23" long, old german mauser stock (I like the Great American Gunstock's Freisch�tz, but with less drop), monster recoil pad, all-up maybe <9#? Make it up like an old-world Big Bore.
400g @ 2400 fps in a tight, light package.
The idea is obsessing me.

What's the expected OAL? Right at 3.15? Anything that gets 2400fps with a 400gr bullet is OK with me, just as long as you don't need 70,000psi to do it.

Using less powder, even if it raises pressures, has to be good for recoil, right? I've never shot a 416Rem and 416Rigby side by side to compare, but the Rem gets to 2400 with less powder and higher pressure. Does that mean less recoil?

Go for it and let us know what all it cost and how it works.

Exactly! See the original post. I really think that you could match the Rem with a "x57mm" action, ala M1999 or M70 short.

not at all! i was just saying get the most for the most. i think it would be a great round in anything. i have a fascination for the 416. dont ask me why. i just think it would make one of the best lever rounds of all time. also a short tube bolt would be much fun.
after i priced out the blr conversion i had to sit down. i could build a bolt gun for mucho less. if anyone proceeds with a blr 416 shorty i would be willing to spilt some costs with you.
woofer

You might find the easiest way to achieve that would be to use the short Lazzeroni case as I think it is only about 2 inches long but has the 416 Rigby dimensions. I think they already have it up to 375...375 Hellcat?? so would be easy to neck up to 416. The 375 Hellcat equals or exceeds 375 H&H.

Shortening a 300 RUM case back would be a fair bit of work since the thick body metal of the case would become the neck.

Mike

Before the advent of the 416 Remington and the reintroduction of 404 brass on an as need basis, I used the great little 416 Chatfield-Taylor (416/338 Win.) but with the 416 Remington I can open a std. M-70 or 98 Mauser to a 416 Rem. or even a 404 Jefferys which is actually shorter than a 414 Rem or .375 H&H....

I no longer see a need for a wildcat nor a shorter action than the Mauser 98 for a DGR...

Bill,

Thanks for the info. I have for sometime been interested in a short action 458. John Noveske has come pretty close to what I might try. I had some serious thoughts on a shortie on the Rigby case. Hopefully, 2150 with a 500 grainer. Low pressure being a must. I'm sure the magazines on most short actions would require alot of work. This would probably limit my selection of actions.

I'm still waiting for John to do some load development with 500 grainers. He is busy doing some work at his place. Not sure he can keep the pressure down with the WSM case.

Again,

Thanks, Roger QSL
BTW, not in Ca. anymore.

Roger......John Lazzeroni claims it isn't based on any existing cartridge but they are "close" to the Rigby. Brass is very thick and lasts a long time. I've heard of some who have had problems with run-out using the Lazzeroni brass but mine is very consistent and produces very nice reloaded ammo.