Anyone loading .416 300gr Barnes TSX?

[ldmay375]

Old thread but I went to Africa with my .416 rigby in August 2022. I used 400 gr swift A-frame for everything between a frontal shot at buffalo at 35 m and a 212 m shot at a baboon. The only bullet recovered was the one from my sable, under the skin at the far side. So, it is possible to go with a .416 Rigby for do it all but a recommendation is to know the drop for longer shots (which I didn't and hence I missed a truly great sable and had to settle with a good one). I also experimented a lot to find 2 bullets (swift A-frame and barnes banded solids) that produced small groups at the same place. Eventually I found recipies for sub inch groups with centers sub 2" apart but I had to sacrifice speed so they were only travelling 2050 and 2090 fps, but apparently it was enough...


Link to hunt report:
Link

I enjoy your hunt report. Congratulations on that hunt.

Pretty amazing what a good 400 grain bullet, traveling less than 2100 fps can do on a 1750 pounds plus of tough buffalo.

 

[Fredrik]

Thanks Idmay375! I had in my mind to try to make a return in 2026 or 2027 but got a good offer for the 2025 season so I'm currently making a detailed budget to see if I could make it back to the Sabrisa Ranch and the great operation by Chris Troskie.

 

[WarEagle03]

I know this is an old thread, but I read it before I worked up my own load for my 416 Rigby with 300 gr Barnes TSX and I wanted to report my results after a real world trial. Using good ol IMR 4350, got an average velocity of 2,750 fps. Took this to NM on a Bison Hunt and it worked awesome. First shot was a little forward of the heart, but passed through the chest completely and broke his leg on opposite side, which anchored him. Follow up shot was perfect and he dropped after teetering for a moment or two. We recovered the second round from opposite side of rib cage below the hide. Pedals open up perfect with 100% weight retention. He was a massive 2,000lb bull, so the bullet was tested no doubt, but passed in my assessment.

 

[analog_peninsula]

Old thread, but this was a .416 300 grain TSX @ 2800 fps out of my .416 Weatherby. Hit behind the shoulder, the pig ran about 75-80 yards. The trail was easy to follow for obvious reasons.

 

[Hayti]

This is my recipe. Unfortunately the RL-19 is unavailable, however I have plenty for any future hunts. I use this load for plains game and whitetail deer.

Ruger M77 MK II 416 Rigby:
- Bullet: Barnes TSX, 300gr / Powder: RL-19, 109gr. / Fed 215M / COAL: 3.615 - 3.620 / 4 shots - 1/2 in @ 100 yds / FPS: 2834

 

[ldmay375]

I have a couple of boxes of the 300 TSX. I bought them during the oboma shortage years. At the time, I could not find the 350 TSX in stock. I know of a few folks that have used the 300 grain in various 416's for moose and bear.
I have stuck with the 350 TSX, recently the 350 TTSX, and currently going to try the CEB 325 grain Maximus.