I was given a Winchester 1917 Enfield that has had most of the work done to it - ears milled off and Weaver bases installed, bolt handle altered, action modified to cock on opening, floorplate straightened, Fajen stock glassbedded, etc.

It still wears the original barrel, and I do not need another .30-06, especially one this heavy.

Having been exposed to the .375 H&H in Africa this past Spring, I enjoyed shooting it. How does a .416 Rigby compare? This rifle would just be for Africa, possibly Cape Buffalo and maybe a grizzly if I ever get that urge. Whihc would you do? Stick with the .375, as it will do all I need, or go bigger?

Thanks!

416 Rigby

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost..

Funny story. Knew a gunsmith told me of a '17 that had been rebarreled to .22/250. -!!- Shot good, but... if you worked the action fast, the cartridge would jump out of the rifle... over the receiver ring... !! So that is a bit short.

Beyond that, unlimited. I believe Mr. Weatherby developed his line on the 1917. That includes the .460 and .378 on quite large cases. Jack O'Connor used to remark (back when I knew little about gunsmithing and thought this was arcane) that to get .416 Ridgy cases, he would (or have done) turn the belt off .378 Weatherby cases... The only real big-bore shooting I have done is with over loaded .45/70 in Siam Mauser. I would say with certainty the .416 kicks more. Heavier bullet. But if you need it to preserve your life, I am told (Jack O claimed) you don't feel it... Adrenalin... .375 is old and respected, but was the bottom end of "enough" for elephants and other dangerous games some places... (As written one law permitted the .38/40 but not the .35 Whelan. Pure caliber. .375 up!)

My '17 Patterns are Winchester '14s. I am happy with the .303. Great "shooting iron" and whatever you decide... best of luck.

Over 89 views and only 1 vote for the .416 and a discussion of other options?

I have a couple of 1917 winchesters. One is a 300H&H and the other is a 30-06.

The 30-06 is more than likely either gonna be a 416rigby or 458winmag. I'm leaning towards the rigby.

2nd vote for the 416

While the Rigby is "doable" on the '17 IMO the bolt body os not large enough for that case.

The largest I'd do is the .404 Jeffery.

As a practical matter, the .416 Remington and the .458 Lott are a lot of power and they fit nicely in the old Enfiends.

Just a thought but why not try the 375 Ruger and maybe blow it out to .416?????? I'm sure someone is going to do this and you might wish to be the first.
And BTW, keep us posted up here, pictures and all as the project develops.
I'm holding a 1917 Enfield (Winchester) and can't quite decide where/what/when/if - someday, maybe.

quote:

Originally posted by TrapperP:
Just a thought but why not try the 375 Ruger and maybe blow it out to .416?????? I'm sure someone is going to do this and you might wish to be the first.
.

I have the chamber reamer for the 416 Ruger and many were made before mine.....I assure you that you will not be the first.

But it's a good option and should be used over the 416 Taylor in today's world.

It will match the 416 Rem in performance.

When I get home, I'll compare the .416 Rem and the Rigby performance - most firearms sites are blocked here at work. (I usually visit here on my breaks so I'm not wasting their time!)

I take it the Remington case is smaller diameter at the base? How is ammo availability elsewhere in the world? That is one concern I would have with the .416 Ruger, along with the concern that the eventua factory kload would be a different shape/shoulder angle than the wildcat.

mine is in the works as a tip burns .416 taylor... the next will be a .404 jeffery... 3rd will be a long barrelled 9.3....

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Originally posted by TrapperP:
Just a thought but why not try the 375 Ruger and maybe blow it out to .416?????? I'm sure someone is going to do this and you might wish to be the first.
.

I have the chamber reamer for the 416 Ruger and many were made before mine.....I assure you that you will not be the first.

But it's a good option and should be used over the 416 Taylor in today's world.

It will match the 416 Rem in performance.

You have mail.

Calif.Hunter;

I have enfields in both 375 H&H and 416 Rigby. I have taken several elk with the 375. All I can say is wow! it even impresses the elk. I've not taken any game with the 416 as it seems a bit over the top for anything local. Hope to take it to Alaska for bear. The bottom line is what do you really see yourself using it on. If you are going to Africa for truly big game the 375 works, but the 416 would work even better on tough stuff, if you shoot it well. Try both of them before you decide.

Regards.

Vapodog, A-Square puts the largest rounds on earth in an Enfield. I have never came across a smith that doubted the size or strength of the Enfield action for any cartridge known. If I had a dollar for every Enfield chambered in 416 Rigby, I'd be hunting with a Holland&Holland double rifle.

Calif. Hunter: The Rigby is a great round but the 375 has so many more bullet choices and brass is easy and cheap to obtain. Go with the H&H.

Joe