Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Cape buffalo! Which 416 would you build?

Ross Seyfried once wrote an article about the .416 Rem. Mag. being about perfect. He was really convincing. I would look there.

I have a 416 express on a short Mauser action - it is a great little 416 and you NEVER see one mentioned! Think I would want a bit faster 416 for Cape Buff though.

My PH was more than pleased that I was using a 416 rather than a 375... I put my 416 Rem M70 together a few years before the hunt. I swapped to an unbedded McM stock, Wisner front and rear sights, Williams extractor and Talley QD's. I used a VXIII 1.5-5X on the hunt. I now have a Burris 1.75-5x32 Signature Safari Posi-Lock that will go on it. My PH thought it was an excellent combo that "just felt right". He was using a custom 416 Rigby built on a Brevex action. It was beautiful and a tank. I used a handloaded 350 gr TSX. The one shown without petals was a finisher at 10 yards, the other from the first shot at 125 yards. He loaded the 400 gr TSX. The rifle weighs a hair under 9# as shown. Planning to head back when things clear up.

About as good as it gets there, Ed. Years ago, I spoke with Connie Brooks at Barnes and she told me their testing in Africa on Buffalo and other large game, the 350 TSX shoed better performance than the 400gr. I don't remember whether what kind of 416 it was, but I think it was the Remington version, which in my mind is the most practical of all the 416s.

Ed how fast were your running the 350 gr?

2550 fps

None, i'll be the odd man out and have a nice double rifle built pushing the 416 cal bullets from a rimmed 450 or 500 Nitro Express case.

What powder? I am going to try H4895, TAC and IMR 4451 under the 350gr TSX. My goal is to end up somewhere between 2500-2600 fps.

My PH in Zambia was also happy to hear that I was bringing a 404 Jeffery for Buffalo and not a 375 H&H.

Ed, what pattern McMillan is that?

I have a .416 Ruger and my 350 gr load at 2500 +/- is with RL-15. When I use up the 15, I will go to RL-16 because it appears to be more temp stable. That is assuming that I can find powder.

RL-15.

Winchester Express.

I probably will never go Cape Buffalo hunting as i have been a blue color worker all my life that`s just to of a expensive hunt for me and most other Americans. but if i did ever get to go i would use a 416 Rigby Ruger #1, that i own just because i believe in a great old classic cartridge the 416 Rigby with a great American made single shot rifle the Ruger #1 that now is no longer produced much and soon will probably never be made again. good luck with your choice,Pete53

Pete, I understand what you're saying about a cape buffalo hunt being too expensive. I understand from a blue collar worker's perspective, these prices are crazy. Especially if you start considering kids in college, or needing a new (used) truck, etc. That being said, if you really desire to go do it, you can find a way. It might take a few years of saving, but Cape Buffalo is really the last "affordable" dangerous game hunt and if you watch and plan, you can find some fairly affordable hunts. Granted, you're still going to spend a bundle, but you'll have the time of your life if you go with a reputable PH/outfit. And, it is never going to get cheaper, we all know that, so the sooner you get there to hunt, the less money you'll spend. If it is a dream for you, then I would do whatever you can to make it happen. Just my 2 cents!

thanks for the thought after all my years working,health issues now and paying for colleges for my kids and still helping my kids cause i want too. i will think about still going to Africa but this year because of how this election has turned out ,.i hopefully get drawn for a combo big game license in Montana. thank you,Pete53

Ok, I bought a 458 win mag yesterday. Darn nice rifle.
So my 416 budget is blown and I’m just thinking a good Winchester 70 in 416 Remington and skip the build.

Umm
We need details on the 458 please I know this a 416 thread, but....

Make some .45/70 level cast bullet loads & have a ball all day. I’ve done that with a couple of .458’s I’ve had. Full factory loses it’s fun factor quickly & your retinas are important.

Nothing fancy just a post 64 Winchester. Came with a stack of bullets and ammo.
When I figure out how to post pictures I will toss one up.

Looking forward, heading to range in the morning to play with my 416.