Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa .416's in Zim

Great posts and pics on that link!!

I'm a believer in applying the right rifle and cartridge to a specific situation. So, as much as I like my 500 NE DR and various 458s, the heavy mediums are tailor made for Cape buffalo. I prefer 404s (0.423" diameter bullets), but grudgingly admit that 416s are probably almost as good.

I like the .404J, too. Built one, but sold it after shoulder surg. Kept my Classic NH, M-70 .375 H&H.

Here's a link to .404J info, including ideas on building one on the cheap, well sorta cheap...

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/7846376/3

DF

Here's the one I kept. This link has posts by BobinNH. I really miss him.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...Number/11468586/Searchpage/1/Main/743270

DF

I always preferred the 416 Taylor to the others. I can make them on GEW length Mausers with only a small amount of work on the feed lips and opening up the bolt and extractor.
Still they fire a 400 grain bullet at 2350 or even 2400 just like the Rigby
My customers got more rifle for their money because the actions would cost about $150 to $175 instead of costing between $700 and $2200.
And the standard Mauser carries nicer then and magnum actions do because they are slimmer.

Just my ideas. Not all agree. But that what I think a 416 should be.

That's a SWEET .416 Taylor,Szihn!

That's actually 2 of them.
The one with the peep sight was made as a gift for a friend of mine here in Wyoming.
He's put a bunch of elk meat in his freezer with it too.
He uses Barnes X bullets and the gun will keep them touching at 100 yards. 2350 FPS.

The top 2 sets of pics were of my old rifle, but I ended up trading it off. maybe someday I'll make another one. It was lighter and slimmer than my 404 Jeffery and shot a 400 grain bullet 100 FPS faster. I love my 404, don't get me wrong. But I think all around, the 416 Taylor was probably a better gun to go hunt with.

I have made a lot of 416 Taylors and many of them have gone to Africa. I believe the count is 17 so far. I have never had any man complain about one (or the one woman I made one for either) If you like how the performs acts, you'll like the Taylor too. Same bullet, same speed.

Played around with the .416 Rem & Rigby,would not mind messing with the Taylor.

Just got to convince the wife though.

Now, that's nice, szihn.

What's the weight and how's the recoil?

DF

Well most I make come in at about 8-3/4 to 9 pounds. Because I make the stocks and turn the barrels I can adjust the weight to about any practical desired weight.

I guess I could make one at 7.25 pounds, but I doubt anyone would shoot it very many times.

When they come in at about 9 pounds, the recoil is less then a 458 by a noticeable margin, but heavier than a 375H&H. So I guess it's about what you'd expect. My 404 weighs 10 pounds and 9 oz, and I feel it doesn't kick any harder than my 375. So the 416s would be about the same if I were to make them about 10 pounds. Both shoot 400 grains bullets at aboutt he same speed. (I usually load my 404s to only 2200. I think that's all I need.


Wood density and barrel contour are ways to adjust the weight. I make them to the specs of the customer.

The single most useful rifle I have is a Dakota 76 African in .416 Rigby. It has taken DG at 16 paces and PG out to 200 yards.

At 11 lbs loaded with scope, it's a tad heavy, but with a good sling carries well and groups under an inch.

A PH friend has a 1920's Rigby .470 double, but his preferred backup rifle is a custom .416 Rigby built around a pre-war M98 action with open sights.

I once had a Dakota 76 in .270. Really nice rifle.

I traded it, wasn't using it. And, it was a .270...

DF

How could you not lose your hearing shooting a 416 rem with a brake and no hearing protection? I would have to use electronic hearing protection so I could hear and save what's left of my hearing.

I guessing he carries it a lot more than he shoots it.

I was surprised to hear a PH had a brake, having read so much negative stuff about brakes and PH's.

DF

You guys think the 416 Ruger will die? Seems to be floundering. The 375 Ruger is off to a good start. 416!? Not so well.

Seems we hear a lot about the .416 Remington.

It probably has a lot to do with rifles so chambered, price and availability.

DF

The

I have seen several .416 Remington rifles in Africa. All were Winchester M70's.

The .416 Remington is essentially an 8mm Remington Magnum necked up to .416. It duplicates the ballistics of the .416 Rigby in a standard length action, albeit at higher pressure levels and with a compressed charge of powder. While I have no numbers offhand, I would venture that because of it's shorter action length, more makers chamber rifles for the .416 Remington than are chambered for the .416 Rigby.

It is interesting to note that while a number of ammunition makers load the .416 Remington, it's parent company, Remington Arms, no longer catalogs .416 Remington ammunition.

While I own (and prefer) a .416 Rigby, there is nothing "wrong" with the .416 Remington and no reason not to own one of it suits your needs. 400 grains at 2,400 fps is still 400 grains at 2,400 fps; whether the case says .416 Rigby or .416 Remington. It will kill anything that walks this earth if you do your part.

Got an extra nib Win 375 H&H lefty(I am) that will be most likely a 416 Rem or maybe a 300 H&H. I'm really liking that way of that 20-22 inch fluted rig. Will be perfect for when I get around to a C.A.R. or Cameroon rainforest hunt. Often point blank run ins with stuff.

Those M-70 barrel shoot very well. With mine, I didn't have the heart to can it and add an aftermarket tube.

So, I started whittling it down until it felt right.

One Fire member made the comment on what a great cat gun it would be with the Victory 1.5-6x42 T* scope. I would agree, but never hunted big cats.

Now, someone like gunner500 would probably load 380 gr. Rhino bullets in the .375 H&H, turning it into a near .416.

No telling what he's do with a real .416...

DF

Photobucket sucks...

Here's the .375 H&H mentioned, flues by Karl.

DF

Well, I want(maybe need?) A Win lefty 416 and yes, those barrels are nice. Need to ponder would it be simpler, easier and CHEAPER to rechambered/rebore to 416, chop and flute? Any thoughts.