The Ultimate Dangerous Game Rifle

[BB416]

I posted a pic of my new John Rigby Big Game 416 before. I have just installed the optics on it, so here are a couple of newer pics. The scope is a Leupold VX 6HD 1-6X24. It has the CDS dial, which I have ordered and should be here in a day or so. I've been practicing with the Rigby at the range and still getting used to it. For those who haven't experienced big bore rifles, the recoil is not a lot different than my 375 H&H. Only problem is 416 Rigby ammo is pricey!! Even if I only shoot two 4 round groups, at $8 to $10 per round, it's an expensive day at the range!!

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Very nice! A 416 Rigby is also my ultimate DG rifle. I bought one also! Hand loading is a wonderful hobby that I started after getting the 416, though I now reload for a variety of calibers. Took my first buffalo in May with my Rigby shooting my AFrame loads. Quite a feeling!

 

[Tanks]

For me it is .458 B&M wildcat.
-- Model 70 CRF medium action with 18" barrel.
-- Accurate Innovations Turkish stock.
-- Picatinny rails with Talley rings and Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x BT scope.

Shoots CEB 420 grain raptors and 450 grain solids same POA/POI for DG
Shoots CEB 258 grain tipped raptors, good for up to 250 yards

Now, for elephant I have used .500 MDM in the past.

I do have a .416 B&M configured very similar to .458 B&M but with a 20" barrel as well.

 

[chashardy]

Very nice! A 416 Rigby is also my ultimate DG rifle. I bought one also! Hand loading is a wonderful hobby that I started after getting the 416, though I now reload for a variety of calibers. Took my first buffalo in May with my Rigby shooting my AFrame loads. Quite a feeling!

Congratulations on the buffalo! I'm booked to hunt buffalo in July 2021 and will be taking the Rigby to Limpopo. I take back what I said about recoil being about the same as my 375. I shot both on the range last month and the 416 is significantly more recoil, but I'm getting used to it.

 

[BWH]

416 Rigby for me.... 100%

 

[Lyleedward]

Something I have been wondering about for some time while reading the various posts on the virtues of DG rifles.

What constitutes the ULTIMATE DG rifle? The perfect all round DG rifle?

Bolt action, double, caliber, brand, model? I won't mention price because for this discussion it is immaterial and could unduly affect the outcome.

Bolt action 458 with good Bullets is fine if it feeds well. The Short action can be a blessing for fast follow ups. Works for clients and pro. Bullet selection is very critical though. 500 gr woodlieghs good. Also 450 gr Barnes x ok but a bit long. They work great in 450 ack though. Some long action Bruno’s converted to 450 ackley can jam with round nose Bullets so the Barnes pointed Bullet seems to solve this problem.

 

[Badboymelvin]

I own the perfect DG rifle - for me! It might not be yours...

It's a Zastava M70 .458WM.
It feeds and ejects PERFECTLY everytime, is accurate and shoots a 550gn projectile at approx 2100fps.
It has CRF which I like and is fitted with a Hogue aluminium bedded stock which is not only very strong, is also comfortable and grippy in all weather conditions. It's also not too heavy at 9lb all-up including the 1.5-4 Leupold scope.

I have complete faith in this rifle and It'd be the last rifle I ever sell...

Russ

 

[Probono]

I have several custom and factory DG rifles, I have 2 stainless classic MODEL 70 actions with HS Precision sporter stocks, one in 375 Weatherby 24" barrel and the same in 416 Rem Mag 24" barrel. Both of these are custom builds.
My other rifles are CZ 550 Safari Magnums, both factory, factory custom shop and custom.
These are very robust actions, in factory trim, they are a little notchy and tight, but slick up well with a little work. I have 2 customs, 1 custom shop and 2 factory rifles, in, respectively, 404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 505 Gibbs, 458 Lott (2). One of the factories started as a 458WM, but I re-chambered to the Lott so I could have a couple of back up rifles for clients.
These are the 2 actions I like for DG rifles.
There are also Granite Mountain, Dakota and Montana that will do the same thing.
Any one of the above cartridges will take the game you list.

Cheers.