500/.416 NE in a single shot

[Rimshot]

I'm dreaming about a rising block single-shot by Bailey Bradshaw. Something a bit odd and unique. Stock dimensions designed for scope use. Faster than standard twist to stabilize high BC copper bullets like the Cutting Edge 'single feed' for long range fun, but still fine with the 400 A-Frame or solid for DG (I know, single shot is controversial subject on DG).
Why? I like rimmed cartridges. I don't have any real heavy hitters besides 9.3, which is more medium hitter. I like single shots and combination guns. I like to reload and tinker, so a non-double gives a lot of flexibility in velocity and bullet choice. 500/.416 looks cool, isn't that reason enough?

Go ahead, tell me this is genius, or the dumbest idea since Winchester invented the .243

 

[Green Chile]

Why not? Bradshaw builds excellent rifles and the 500/416 should be more popular...great case capacity with a very common bullet diameter. In the doubles, it is getting 416 Rigby velocity instead of 2150-2200 but with a rimmed case. If needed, I have brass and some reloaded ammo that I'm not using.

 

[IvW]

416 Rigby No.2 or 450 No.2 NE 3 1/2 the latter would be great

 

[grand veneur]

I'm dreaming about a rising block single-shot by Bailey Bradshaw. Something a bit odd and unique. Stock dimensions designed for scope use. Faster than standard twist to stabilize high BC copper bullets like the Cutting Edge 'single feed' for long range fun, but still fine with the 400 A-Frame or solid for DG (I know, single shot is controversial subject on DG).
Why? I like rimmed cartridges. I don't have any real heavy hitters besides 9.3, which is more medium hitter. I like single shots and combination guns. I like to reload and tinker, so a non-double gives a lot of flexibility in velocity and bullet choice. 500/.416 looks cool, isn't that reason enough?

Go ahead, tell me this is genius, or the dumbest idea since Winchester invented the .243

In my opinion it would be a good idea.

This would take advantage of a lot of the potential of the cartridge 500/416 Nitro Express, as mentioned for shooting at longer range, which cannot be fully exploited with a double rifle of this caliber. When this cartridge was designed in the middle of the nineties, I can clearly remember that this topic was already controversial at the time.

As for using a single shot rifle for hunting big and dangerous game, we have already discussed this topic very controversially on the Forum, but whoever hunts with a PH for backup can use such kind of rifles.

 

[IvW]

The Rigby No.2 has a much stronger case.

500/416 has a very thin rim get the resizing a bit wrong and the rim pulls off. It is an old black powder case design. I would stick with more modern case designs designed for todays powders. Especially in a build like this.
The 450 No.2 3 1/2 has the biggest and strongest case of them all.....

 

[BeeMaa]

I believe it's a good idea, but with qualifiers. The biggest of which is the weight of the rifle. Single shot rifles are usually made to be considerably lighter than their bolt action cousins. The lack of a magazine, fewer metal parts and overall shorter length makes them quite handy companions on long treks in search of game.

Because you will only have one barrel the weight of the rifle is likely to be around 9 lbs with a scope. For reference, a Blaser S2 500/416NE weighs in at ~10.5 lbs without an optic.

A 500/416NE with a 400 grain bullet / 110 grains of powder / 2300 fps / 9 lb rifle - generates 76 lb-ft of recoil energy. This is much closer to the same felt recoil of a 470NE than a 416RIGBY. Maybe increase the weight to around 10 lbs to bring the recoil energy down to around 68 lb-ft.

Second is the balance/handling of the rifle. I really like a rifle that balances between the hands or as shotgun shooters say, "at the hinge pin". You may want to consider having the ability to add/remove weight (like shotgun balancing weights) from the stock as part of your build. Combine this with the barrel profile that you want to achieve the desired balance.

Having a rifle that fits properly will make a big difference in felt recoil. Normally this is an issue, but seeing as you are going with a full custom from BB...you will be fine.

What kind of scope were you thinking about using?

 

[grand veneur]

I looked at the homepage of Bailey Bradshaw. He builds nice rifles, but his block action was unknown to me.

 

[Altitude sickness]

If you can fund it. I think it’s a great idea.

If that doesn’t work out find a 500/416 DR

 

[BeeMaa]

If you can fund it. I think it’s a great idea.

If that doesn’t work out find a 500/416 DR

GB Blaser S2 500/416NW