Got to field test a .416 Ruger

[CTDolan]

I’m completely smitten with the 416 Ruger. It carries so well and packs one heck of a wallop.

 

[ChrisG]

I’m completely smitten with the 416 Ruger. It carries so well and packs one heck of a wallop.

I can't agree more! I think it is the best of both worlds. It can be built on a standard length action which makes it a viable choice for any quality bolt action manufacturer, It has a case capacity similar to a .416 Remington (not quite, but close enough) and it slings a bullet with a SD over 0.300 to a reasonable velocity. I haven't ever gotten up to hornadys claim of a 400 grain to 2,400fps, but I have driven a 400 grain Barnes monolithic solid to 2250-2300 which is respectable. It will sling a lead core bullet a little faster and I still am showing absolutely no pressure signs. There isn't much data available for the cartridge and I don't deviate from published data if I can help it (the 340 grain load was extrapolated and is definitely safe, but isn't published anywhere.) I really hope this cartridge sticks around because it is a great case and feeds like butter from my Hawkeye African, despite being so straight walled.

 

[CTDolan]

The 416 Ruger definitely isn’t going anywhere. It’ll never be as popular as it’s little brother, the 375 Ruger, but it’ll be with us for a good, long while.

 

[CAustin]

The 416 Ruger definitely isn’t going anywhere. It’ll never be as popular as it’s little brother, the 375 Ruger, but it’ll be with us for a good, long while.

I agree 100% CT. I have used mine in various hunt with positive results.

 

[CTDolan]

It’s pretty well known that the 416 Rigby earned its reputation sending 410 grains downrange at 2,250-2,300 fps. The advertised velocity of 2,390 fps was in a 28 inch long proof barrel. Granted, cordite in the heat of Africa may have given the same (2,390 fps) from a 24-26 inch long barrel, but even today Kynoch loads the 416 Rigby to a mere 2,300 fps (410 grains, 26 inch barrel). Well, the 416 Ruger, even with a 20 inch barrel, will send 400 grains flying at an honest 2,250 fps. Yes, the pressure is higher but well within what is considered reasonable given modern powders, brass and all.

 

[Doug375]

I'm also a big fan of the .416 Ruger and the Ruger Hawkeye African rifle. I used mine in Zambia on an old Cape Buffalo. It did the job.