Quick Advice Poll- 416 Rem Mag / 300 Gr TSX

[Cooposo]

I've had great initial results with handloads in my new Winchester Model 70 Safari Express in 416 Rem Mag. I used the Hodgdon data, a starting charge of H335, and the 300 grain Barnes TSX at 2618 FPS to sight in my rifle and shoot a single group- a nice 0.85" group at 100 yards, as pictured. I plan on taking this rifle to South Africa and Namibia in 2026 along with a 30-06. Target species: Bushbuck, Kudu, Nyala, and Springbok in RSA. Gemsbok, Hartmann's Zebra, and Eland in Namibia.

As per the question, I'm trying to decide on my next step. I ask for advice because I don't have unlimited time for my typical reloading process. I'm trying to cut to the chase on my 416 load. I'm trying to make the best two-cartridge combo (30-06 + 416) for my trip, with the plan of using the 416 on at least eland. Both rifles will always be with me, as my brother is going with me and will be carrying one. Let's call the maximum shot range with the 416 Rem Mag 200 yards, and a 300 yard shot (only if able to be prone and steady) the maximum for the 30-06.

Please feel free to share any advice, anecdotes, data, eland stories, 416 stories, Model 70 Stories, or anything else that might or might not be relevant. I'm interested in your experiences.

 

[BryceM]

Well, there’s nothing on your list that the .30-06 wouldn’t be perfect for. If you’re taking the .416 because you want to, that’s fine. If you’re getting a 1” group with a 300 grain bullet, what’s not to like? Sounds like you’re done with load development to me.

If Buffalo is in the cards, move up to a 400 grain bullet. If not, just stay where you’re at. Keep it simple.

I asked a guide recently what two rifles I should bring in a deer hunt. He said “Just bring one. The guys who bring two seem to have problems getting their deer….”

 

[Cooposo]

If you’re taking the .416 because you want to, that’s fine.

That’s a big part of it. I’d also like to take it to gain some experience with it. Buffalo is not on the menu for this upcoming trip, but I don’t want a future buffalo hunt to be the first time I ever point my 416 at an animal.

I’m not particularly recoil sensitive and I’m shooting that 416 well. The section on Eland in The Perfect Shot II made me think a step up in power (beyond the 30-06) would be advisable, but I’m not married to the idea.

Thanks for your input!

 

[baxterb]

Tia Shoemaker uses the 300 TSX in her 416 Echols. Bears to buffalo.

Go forth and have a good time

 

[ftrovato]

300's are fine (excellent) for plains game.... I plan to do the same next year. But I will feed 400 swifts if I carry that gun for buffalo.

 

[Cooposo]

Tia Shoemaker uses the 300 TSX in her 416 Echols. Bears to buffalo.

Go forth and have a good time

That’s a pretty solid endorsement!

 

[YancyW]

The 30-06 would do everything you need, but that I get that isn't the question. As fast as load development, for a hunting around, if I get under an inch, and I have the SD I am happy with, I rarely keep going.