the 500/416 is a hard kicking, higher pressure 'version" of the 450/400 ..

the BEST version is a 500/416 bubba -- which is loaded down to 2150, nil recoil...

the 450/400 is a 404 jeffery .. PERIOD .. it's low pressure, low recoil, high SD, rapid delivery, in a light enough rifle.

Jeff:

the 500/416 does indeed run at higher pressures than the 450/400 but it is by no means a "high pressure" cartridge. I came across the following in the literature:

"Although maximum permissible pressure is prescribed as 48,686 (340 MPa), .500/416 NE 3¼” factory ammunition delivers its performance, according to Krieghoff literature, around 39,885 psi (280 MPa) CIP transducer measured. Although modern propellants are not as heat sensitive as cordite, it remains reassuring to take low pressure cartridges up against dangerous game in hot, humid and low lying areas"

I can verify the above quote. My primers are barely flattened. This gun functions at the same pressures as your average 30-30 Winchester.

More recoil than a 450/400? To be sure but to borrow a quote from old "Pondoro" with respect to the .500 Jeffery, when I first shot the 500/416 "I was most pleasantly surprised at the lightness of the recoil-no normally constituted hunter would be worried by it in the slightest."

PERFECT!

Dave

If you read the older African hunting books NOBODY ever says ANYTHING negative about the killing power of the 450/400's.

The ONLY reason the 375 H&H took the place of the 450/400's, is because of MONEY, as a bolt 375 is cheaper than a 450/400 double.

The 500/416 has the same felt recoil to me as a 470. I have shot them side by side.
Might as well have the bigger diameter heavier bullet.

The 450/400 on the other hand is much more plesant to shoot.

It is in a class by itself.

The 450/400 is and was a great round. I feel the 500/416 is a more powerful round that will show its stuff upon impact. Recoil is a bit stouter than a 450/400, but I personally don't feel it's as stout as a 470 when loaded to 2150 or so FPS.
The 500/416 is the Rigby in a double....pure and simple...and I think that's high praise for a cartridge.
Not everybody's cup of tea....don't know what is....but it is a great round.

Now, the recoil of my 500 Jeffery on the other hand.......

Gary
DRSS
NRA Lifer
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