I personally like 416 the best as it offers the best all round performance for my use. The 500s definitely hit harder but not as versatile IMHO. The 458s are a tried and true standard, but something about 416s that just gets the job done. They make a great choice for a one rifle safari of dangerous and plains game. A lot to be said for using the same rifle. I have both a 416 Rigby and 416 Remington. The Rigby is a CZ that feeds flat point solids perfectly and has the trigger tuned and the action bedded. The Remington is a Whitworth that shoots and handles wonderfully.
My favorite BB is my 500 Nitro double, I do agree with your .416 assessment, my 416 Taylor heaving a 400 gr bullet 2350 fps is a lot of performance without a lot of fuss in the recoil and flash department.
I would hazard a guess that 400 gr Woodleigh softs followed by any needed Woodleigh solids of the same weight would handily dispatch ANY game animal on earth.
45cal for sure. I load my 458accrel with 400gr to match 450/400NE ballistics when I want mild, 400gr at 2600fps when shooting with 416Rigby owners, too pee them off, 500gr at 2230fps is mild and runs like a hot loaded 458WM, better a 300gr at 2800fps for a deer hunt. For my mind, the 45cal has it all over the 416s.
But... I've grabbed a Ruger Hawkeye 30/06 as a donor for a 400whelen. So who knows what next year's favourite will be. Cheers... Con
I like the 50s for Buff and Elephant. I love my 500 A-Square and 505 Gibbs, but my 500 MDM (RUM 50 cal) tosses a 570gr bullet to 2,350 fps with less recoil and from a 20" barrel. Very handy little cannon.
I want a 458 but I know I'll never use the damn thing on anything.
I've got a 'cherry' old Ruger African tanger in 458 WM that shoots like a varmint rifle and about 50 rounds of 500 gr Woodleighs loaded up I'll sell ya.
My favorite BB is my 500 Nitro double, I do agree with your .416 assessment, my 416 Taylor heaving a 400 gr bullet 2350 fps is a lot of performance without a lot of fuss in the recoil and flash department.
I would hazard a guess that 400 gr Woodleigh softs followed by any needed Woodleigh solids of the same weight would handily dispatch ANY game animal on earth.
Just substitute 450NE on the above quote and good to go!
Any case that propels .458 caliber bullets is fine with me.
What, even the terribly designed, poorly thought out and woefully underpowered Win Mag case???? ;-)
Mel The .458.is officially in +P mode these days with better bullets and powders available. Besides, how can anyone not like a .458 without automatically slandering the .45/70, albiet, perhaps unintentionally? John
I'm down to my 500 jefferey which is still a project rifle, one of these days...
If I was to get serious about dangerous game hunting I'd go with a 416 remington. As much as I enjoyed my two 458 lotts, there is just a recoil threshold with 500 gr bullets at 2100+ fps where you simply can't ignore the recoil and it takes significant concentration before squeezing off shots. For a hunting rifle I want something I can get into any field position and ignore recoil, and that is what the 416 offers that the 458 and larger rifles don't.
Currently, a Shiloh 1874 Saddle Rifle - 45/70 with 26" barrel. Over the years, I've had a total of 4 Marlin 1859SS's, 1 T/C Contender, A Browning 1885, and a C. Sharps 1875..................all in .45/70. Granted, the .45-70 isn't the best choice for a big bore rifle for dangerous game, but it does get the job done if used in its range.
You still have that Sharps??? Had a chance to see Elmer's, but darn camera wouldn't work.. Should have just looked.. But I thought next time... You know how that went!!
The Whitworth 416 rem is relatively light and fast handling, accurate and will flat out get the job done with proper shot placement. After all, shot placement is key with all cartridges
The favorite probably depends on the day. As to the cartridges and my purpose, I have an extreme like for the 375 H&H, 375 Ruger. I mostly use the 375 Ruger and have a few in various configurations.
Though, I do love the way the 375 H&H feeds in a M70, very smooth, slick, and almost effortlessly. My upcoming project is to slim up a couple of M70 stainless rifles in 375 H&H.
The 416's are excellent rounds. I have recently picked up a couple of the 416 Ruger Alaskans. I will be replacing the Hogue stock. But, for as is, it is hard to beat for a wet weather and in close type rifle. The 416 Remington is a great round also. I have one in a M70 Safari Express, but prefer synthetic and stainless for my hunting. I would like to handle one of Montana Rifle Company 416 Rem in SS.
I like the Whitworth rifles also, a classic looking using rifle.
I personally like 416 the best as it offers the best all round performance for my use. The 500s definitely hit harder but not as versatile IMHO. The 458s are a tried and true standard, but something about 416s that just gets the job done. They make a great choice for a one rifle safari of dangerous and plains game. A lot to be said for using the same rifle. I have both a 416 Rigby and 416 Remington. The Rigby is a CZ that feeds flat point solids perfectly and has the trigger tuned and the action bedded. The Remington is a Whitworth that shoots and handles wonderfully.
My first 375 H&H mag. was a Pre-64 Winchester Mod. 70 (when I was 23). It killed several blackies in Quebec before I sold it to an Austrian friend of mine who still has it sleeping in his gun cabinet.
The year after I purchased a Browning Safari in the same caliber. This one followed me until 2008 and has accounted for moose, bear, european stag and several truckloads of wild boar notwithstanding roe-deer who could never tell the difference.
Another good friend of mine has it standing in his gun cabinet in France.
After a severe heart attack in the fall of 2007 I thought hunting was all over (and lifetime expectancy limited...).
I wasn't sure either if I could still shoot large calibers safely. Therefore the decision to part from the faithfull lady.
Well, you know what? I should have kept the motha and asked to be buried with it.
The 375 H&H magnum is a fabulous number. It makes one hell of a difference on game as compared to standard calibers.
The very best rifle for it was the Mauser 98 magnum rifle. For the ordinary guy it is the Winchester Mod. 70.
The Browning Safari was not a true Mauser magnum but it could handle the pressure of the 375 H&H magnum.
My son has a Winchester Model 70 in left-hand version. It is topped with both a Leupold 2.5-10x45 LPS and Leupold 1.5-5x20 Vari X-III.
My Merkel 500NE double is my favourite Big Bore. It's heavy enough to tame the recoil to manageable levels and it has near perfect balance. I can also find the sights very quickly with it.
I still think I might need a 500Jeffery bolt gun, but none of my friends have one, so I can't try it out. I did fire a friends 505Gibbs and discovered that went beyond fun for me.
... Well, you know what? I should have kept the motha and asked to be buried with it.
Someone would have dug you up for it. I hope your heart issues are resolved and that you can still enjoy one of life's little pleasures ... shooting a .375 H&H.
If you think a 375 H&H is a pleasure to shoot, then you should try a 416 and enjoy even more pleasure.
I am looking at a 416 Rigby right now. I already have a .308, a .30-06, (2 actually), a 9.3 x 62 and a .375 H&H. Want vs Need argument going on in my head at the moment. We'll see which wins out? Luckily I reload, since at over $4.00 a round, a 416 Rigby addiction can get costly in a hurry!
If you think a 375 H&H is a pleasure to shoot, then you should try a 416 and enjoy even more pleasure.
I am looking at a 416 Rigby right now. I already have a .308, a .30-06, (2 actually), a 9.3 x 62 and a .375 H&H. Want vs Need argument going on in my head at the moment. We'll see which wins out? Luckily I reload, since at over $4.00 a round, a 416 Rigby addiction can get costly in a hurry!
Well, Frank Barnes in his Cartridges of the World wrote "The .416 Rigby is probably the best magazine big-game cartridge ever offered.".
Whether one believes that or not how you gonna know 'til you see for yourself? That's justification right there, right?
Massaged my M70 .458 Win into an 11 shot .458 Lott culling machine. It now has to earn back its "favorite" status, but it seems likely to pull it off. It takes 5 or 10 shot modified Accuracy international .300 Win magazines.
Did you also put a lift kit on your Cadillac? I'm sorry, but that's just so wrong on so many levels!
It was with a lot (get it a Lott, har, har, har) of trepitation that I set out to change something I already liked, and which worked exceedingly well into something that I felt would be an advantage in a very specialized application.
I shot 123 total buffalo (Mixed trophy and culls) with this rifle before it was modified, and the temptation to leave it alone was high. Still, when trying to convert a herd of live water buffalo into a herd of dead buffalo it becomes quite clear that an empty rifle is of little use. Then you get a Hmmmmmmmm "what I really need" moment and the result is in the picture. Hopefully my opportunity continues into the future and I'll see if my decision was the right one. If not, they still make the M70 and I'll get another one. Might anyway.
My light culling rifles have been fitted with 10 shot mags already, and there is no question that firepower is the only way to fly on multiple targets.
My favorite is an Old Ugly clone I got in a trade deal with a good friend of Phil's. For close work in the brush nothing is as comforting as a 458 with 500gr bullets. I used a 425 Express for 15 years and there is a noticeable difference on impact. I've switched to 450gr Northforks for the upcoming seasons and maybe our late moose season here at the Lake.
I really like my CZ550 in 9.3x62. Does it qualify for this thread?
The 9,3x62 and .375H&H are sub .400 or 10mm diameter therefore these do not qualify as big bores.
The only big bore I liked was Sako sporter (pre-Mod 75) called A-V or something similar. It had wooden stock, iron sights caliber .416RM and weight of about 8.5lbs. Despite good handling characteristics I didn't buy it because I had no need for such a cannon. That was in then days when 20 pack of .416 was about $45 per 20. I had .300 magnum at that time which is powerful caliber in its own right.
First choice is my 10.75x68 Mauser. My 11.2x72 Schuler is a close second.
Those are good. Another popular offering was .404 Rimless NE Jeffrey aka 10,75x73. I would like to come across one of those rifles assembled in UK from foreign components (Santa Barbara Mauser Action I think). These were made in 1970s and 1980s. The only affordable option today is CZ Safari Classic.
Someone was selling two original 10.75x73 all original Magnum Mauser rifles several years ago for $10,000.00 each. A bit steep but I'm still kicking myself for not buying one. They were purchased by one individual.
I just ordered a Lothar Walther barrel to build a 404 Jeffery Rimless on one of two Southgate Weatherby rifles I own. The other Southgate might become a 40 Newton.
Someone was selling two original 10.75x73 all original Magnum Mauser rifles several years ago for $10,000.00 each. A bit steep but I'm still kicking myself for not buying one. They were purchased by one individual.
I just ordered a Lothar Walther barrel to build a 404 Jeffery Rimless on one of two Southgate Weatherby rifles I own. The other Southgate might become a 40 Newton.
I would not have bought either of those Mausers. For some reason those German pre-WWII sporters are dreadfully expensive. About two ago I looked at Hoffman Arms Co. .404 on magnum Mauser action. Not sure if it was Cleveland OH gun or Ardmore OK piece but I recall price was $8500 which was very reasonable price for gun equal to Rigby, Holland or Westely Richards of same vintage.
Big Bore for DG or very heavy game : undoubtely .416RM ... - 400grs : 160yds MRD, 300grs : 200yds MRD If you are used to shot with .375H&H you can shot .416RM (get a good stock's rifle, straight or a beat inversed) Duplicate the famous and "Native African" Ammo .416 Rigby. Forget the speech about pressure, we are in 2014, not in 1914 .. .416 Ruger is quite interesting but .. it's a proprietary ammo ...
Big Bore for no DG : short shot (100yds max) : 45-70 Hornady 325grs (Big Bore cause its diameter ... only) , medium shot 9.3x62 Mauser ( 170yds MRD) The most popular Native "African" Ammo with the .375H&H, the both have been created for african game !!
I really like my left handed .416 Rem Mag I had cobbled together with a 700 action, HS Precision stock and a Remington Custom Shop barrel I got from Dober. The barreled action is parkerized and it is topped with a Kahles 30mm tube 1.5-6x scope in Warne QD rings backed up by iron sights. Shoots an inch at 100 yds with 400 gr Partitions at 2400 fps.
I've had a few .375 H&H's but I kind of felt like they were neither fish nor fowl. The .416 diameter seemed like a more meaningful step up from my 8mm Rem Mag.
My favorite I guess....just bought it. Only Big Bore I own. Cabelas Ltd. FN Winchester Model 70 African Super Grade .458 Win Mag. Putting a Nikon Monarch African 1.1x4x24, 30mm Illuminated scope on it. Beautifukll wood on it.
[quote=Wacenturion]My favorite I guess....just bought it. Only Big Bore I own. Cabelas Ltd. FN Winchester Model 70 African Super Grade .458 Win Mag. Putting a Nikon Monarch African 1.1x4x24, 30mm Illuminated scope on it. Beautifukll wood on it."
Great looking rifle, nice to have some good figuring in that wood too. Family heirloom in the making!
Mine is my .500 A-Sq. Hannibal. I shoot cast 575gr. bullets around 1500fps to make shooting the thing fun. I will touch off a couple around 2200fps once every other month just to stay in touch.
A 500 A Square is about the baddest thing I shot. I swear it weighed 12# and still kicked the living hell out of me. I knew better than to try it from a bench. I had a SAKO 416 Rem mag that was the prettiest thing you ever saw but it would give you a cut forehead every time. It cut me and 2 other guys who are used to stuff like 505 Gibbs and regularly shoot DGR rifles. Somebody else thought it was pretty and bought without asking to shoot it. He lives far away. I like the 450 Rigby and shoot a 450 Dakota loaded down to 2300fps with a 450gr North Fork. It shoots a one hole group at 50yds with very little prompting. I like the 375 H&H and have a BRNO and a Win 70.
I bought a 416 Rigby a few years ago. I guess I have this dream to go and hunt cape buffalo one of these years and wanted to have a buffalo capable rifle that I am well practiced with when the time comes.
I bought the Rigby just based on everything I could read about the various .4 + bores. I cannot say it is the best big bore but it sure kills bears better than anything else I've used.
A 500 A Square is about the baddest thing I shot. I swear it weighed 12# and still kicked the living hell out of me. I knew better than to try it from a bench. I had a SAKO 416 Rem mag that was the prettiest thing you ever saw but it would give you a cut forehead every time. It cut me and 2 other guys who are used to stuff like 505 Gibbs and regularly shoot DGR rifles. Somebody else thought it was pretty and bought without asking to shoot it. He lives far away. I like the 450 Rigby and shoot a 450 Dakota loaded down to 2300fps with a 450gr North Fork. It shoots a one hole group at 50yds with very little prompting. I like the 375 H&H and have a BRNO and a Win 70.
.500 A-Sq. I was shooting the 575's with a 900 in the middle.
Brockman .375 Weatherby on ZKK-602
It shoots pretty well.
My Husqvarna 9.3x62mm. I think it is a 146 but since reading up on them I am not sure. I bought two boxes of ammo for it ($176.00!!!), and haven't shot it yet. It is ssssooooo light I know it is going to seriously hurt. Really, I think it weighs like 6.5 pounds; it is ridiculous.
A 500 A Square is about the baddest thing I shot. I swear it weighed 12# and still kicked the living hell out of me. I knew better than to try it from a bench. I had a SAKO 416 Rem mag that was the prettiest thing you ever saw but it would give you a cut forehead every time. It cut me and 2 other guys who are used to stuff like 505 Gibbs and regularly shoot DGR rifles. Somebody else thought it was pretty and bought without asking to shoot it. He lives far away. I like the 450 Rigby and shoot a 450 Dakota loaded down to 2300fps with a 450gr North Fork. It shoots a one hole group at 50yds with very little prompting. I like the 375 H&H and have a BRNO and a Win 70.
.500 A-Sq. I was shooting the 575's with a 900 in the middle.
Brockman .375 Weatherby on ZKK-602
It shoots pretty well.
My Husqvarna 9.3x62mm. I think it is a 146 but since reading up on them I am not sure. I bought two boxes of ammo for it ($176.00!!!), and haven't shot it yet. It is ssssooooo light I know it is going to seriously hurt. Really, I think it weighs like 6.5 pounds; it is ridiculous.
45-90 on a Winchester 1885 action - favorite - Would very much like to take it out for bison.
My 375 H&H AI pre 64 Model 70 may take it's place though. I plan on taking it to South Africa next summer. I'll leave the 1885 at home. Just wonder if I should take a smaller rifle... 300 WM or 06 perhaps or even a 280.
I bought a 416 Rigby a few years ago. I guess I have this dream to go and hunt cape buffalo one of these years and wanted to have a buffalo capable rifle that I am well practiced with when the time comes.
I bought the Rigby just based on everything I could read about the various .4 + bores. I cannot say it is the best big bore but it sure kills bears better than anything else I've used.
You will enjoy the 416 Rigby on buffalo. If you handload, try the 350TTSX Barnes or 330 HV GSCustom at over 2800fps for plains game and a great reach on elk or such. I like the feel of a Rigby round in the hand. It's comforting.
I've owned several over the years to include: > Parker-Hale in 404 Jeffery > Winchester M95 in 405 WCF > Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby > CZ 550 Safari in 416 Rigby > Winchester M1886 in 45-70 > Marlin "Guide Gun" in 45-70 > Winchester M71 re-barreled to 450 Alaskan > Pre-64 M70 in 458 Win > Winchester M-70 opened up to 458 Lott > A-Square Hannibal in 458 Lott
Of this bunch only the Model 1895 and 1886 remain; I don't see any more safari's in my future and as I'm on the other side of 50 I'm not as recoil proof as I used to think I was.
I use my CZ 550 LUX in 9.3x62mm as much as I can and I still keep a Winchester M-70 in 375 H&H on standby.
My favorite is a 404 Ruger re-bored from 375 in an early Hawkeye African. Light enough and handy either in the factory wood or a Borden synthetic stock.
If the game is large enough then a 500 3" NE Krieghoff DR gets the nod. A stopper with 570 grain CEB Solids and a good dose of H-4350.
My favorite big bore is a 450 Dakota in a ZKK 602. I have several 375s from Winchester Model 70,BRNO ZKK 602 and Remington 700. 45-70, Win 71, Marlin 450,444 Marlin and Sabatti 92 in 450 31/2NE. My favorite rifle is a CZ550 Lux in 9.3x62. It and my Remington 700 30-06 have been to Africa with me 6 times. Now we've all made our last trip. Sometime in the next couple years my son will have an sale with all of them except the Remington 30-06 and the 9.3. He killed his first Kudu with the Remington.
My favorite is my model 70 375 H&H Super Express and my Marlin 1895CB 45/70. My two favorite to shoot was a AHR 600 Overkill and a Merkel 500 Nitro double rifle.
I'm kinda partial to that 500 Nitro of yours myself 
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