.416 Rem Mag
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.416 Rem Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Dangerous Game |
| Case Design | Rimless, Belted, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1988 |
.416 Rem Mag: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for large and dangerous game
- ✔ Flat trajectory for a big bore cartridge
- ✔ Versatile for various big game hunting scenarios
- ✔ Good balance of power and recoil for its class
- ✔ Readily available factory ammunition
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, challenging for inexperienced shooters
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Heavy rifles required to manage recoil
- ✘ Overkill for most North American game
- ✘ Limited practical range compared to smaller calibers
.416 Rem Mag: The Powerful Big Game Cartridge
The .416 Remington Magnum is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting large and dangerous game. Introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1988, it was created to replicate the performance of the .416 Rigby in a cartridge that could be chambered in standard-length actions. Known for its excellent penetration and stopping power, the .416 Rem Mag has become a favorite among professional hunters and sportsmen pursuing large African game.
Development and Characteristics
The .416 Rem Mag was developed by Remington Arms Company in response to the growing demand for a powerful, yet more readily available alternative to the .416 Rigby. It is based on the 8mm Remington Magnum case, necked up to accept .416 inch (10.57 mm) bullets. The cartridge is designed to propel a 400-grain (26 g) bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,400 ft/s (730 m/s), generating 5,115 ft-lbs (6,935 J) of muzzle energy.
One of the key advantages of the .416 Rem Mag is its ability to fit in standard-length actions, making it more versatile than some other big bore cartridges. This allows for lighter, more maneuverable rifles, which is particularly beneficial in dense brush or when quick follow-up shots are necessary. The cartridge's performance is nearly identical to the .416 Rigby, but with the added benefit of being able to use more commonly available components for handloading.
Applications and Usage
The .416 Rem Mag is primarily used for hunting large and dangerous game, particularly in Africa. It is considered an excellent choice for species such as elephant, cape buffalo, and hippopotamus. The cartridge's high sectional density and momentum allow for deep penetration, even on the largest and toughest animals. It is also effective against large bears and can be used for hunting most North American big game.
Professional hunters often choose the .416 Rem Mag as a backup rifle when guiding dangerous game hunts. Its combination of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil makes it a reliable option in high-pressure situations. While primarily designed for big game, some hunters also use it for long-range shooting on smaller game, taking advantage of its flat trajectory and retained energy at distance.
Timeline of .416 Rem Mag Development:
.416 Rem Mag Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .416 Remington Magnum cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 400 grains (26 g) Standard load for big game hunting |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,400 ft/s (730 m/s) With 400-grain bullet |
| Muzzle Energy | 5,115 ft-lbs (6,935 J) Provides excellent stopping power for large game |
| Effective Range | Up to 300 yards (274 m) For ethical hunting of large, dangerous game |
| Recoil | High Manageable in properly designed rifles, but significant compared to smaller calibers |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .416 Remington Magnum loads.
.416 Rem Mag: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .416 Rem Mag ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Game Hunting | 0-100 | Optimal for close-range encounters with dangerous game |
| African Big Game | 0-300 | Effective for all African big game species |
| Bear Defense | 0-150 | Powerful stopping power for large, aggressive bears |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-500 | Capable of long-range accuracy with proper loads and optics |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .416 Rem Mag is known for its high energy retention and deep penetration at all practical hunting ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .416 Rem Mag
The .416 Rem Mag's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific, demanding applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .416 Rem Mag's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .416 Rem Mag with other large-bore rifle cartridges. (Based on a 10 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .416 Rem Mag with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .416 Rem Mag with other large-bore rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .416 Rem Mag with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .416 Rem Mag
The .416 Remington Magnum is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting large and dangerous game. It offers excellent penetration and stopping power.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .416 Rem Mag | 400 | 0.330 |
| .416 Rem Mag | 350 | 0.289 |
| .416 Rem Mag | 325 | 0.268 |
| .416 Rem Mag | 450 | 0.371 |
| .416 Rem Mag | 410 | 0.338 |
Note: The .416 Rem Mag offers high sectional densities, contributing to its excellent penetration capabilities. This makes it particularly effective for hunting large, thick-skinned game such as elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. The cartridge's performance is also influenced by factors such as velocity and bullet construction.