Which one hits hardest and is more accurate? Which would you choose?
mtech;
Welcome to the Campfire!
I think there's little argument that the .458WM hits harder than the .416 Rem if we compare 400grs to 500grs. A 400gr would have to leave the muzzle at 2500 fps to match the momentum of a 500 gr at 2000 fps. That's probably more than the Remington can produce and for the.458 that's a rather mild load.
As to accuracy... it has already been stated: both are capable of fine accuracy potential, perhaps more than the shooter!
But loads that make MOA, or better, are common if the shooter is up to it.
Which would I choose? Well, I've chosen the .458 in a CZ because I simply like shooting .458" projectiles... There are many more components available for .458" than for .416", and that includes the brass. I've used .45-70s for many years and I consider the .458WM a logical extension of that. I've never lost any animal hit with a .458" slug.
But, I think you couldn't go wrong with either cartridge in a good rifle. In a .458WM, just don't go too light. 10lbs is about the minimum (all up) I would recommend if you intend to do much shooting of the real heavyweights at, or near, max velocity.
Bob
www.bigbores.ca
