.416 Rigby Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

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 Rigby: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Big Game Hunting, Dangerous Game
Case Design Rimless, Straight
Year Introduced 1911

.416 Rigby: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent stopping power for large and dangerous game
  • ✔ Deep penetration for thick-skinned animals
  • ✔ Flat trajectory for a large bore cartridge
  • ✔ Reliable performance in adverse conditions
  • ✔ Versatile for various African big game species

Cons

  • ✘ Significant recoil, challenging for inexperienced shooters
  • ✘ Expensive ammunition
  • ✘ Heavy rifles required to manage recoil
  • ✘ Overkill for most non-dangerous game hunting
  • ✘ Limited availability compared to more common calibers

.416 Rigby: The Classic African Big Game Cartridge

The .416 Rigby is a powerful large bore rifle cartridge developed in 1911 by John Rigby & Company of London, England. It was specifically designed for hunting dangerous game in Africa. Known for its excellent stopping power and penetration, the .416 Rigby has become a favorite among professional hunters and safari enthusiasts. Its performance characteristics make it highly effective against large and potentially dangerous animals such as elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros.

History and Development

The .416 Rigby was introduced in 1911 by the British firm John Rigby & Company. It was designed to bridge the gap between the .375 H&H Magnum and the more powerful but harder-recoiling .470 Nitro Express. 

The .416 Rigby gained immediate popularity among professional hunters in Africa due to its excellent penetration and stopping power. It was capable of cleanly taking down any African game animal, including elephant, at reasonable ranges. The cartridge's success led to its adoption by many notable hunters and explorers of the early 20th century.

Despite a period of decline in popularity during the mid-20th century, the .416 Rigby experienced a resurgence in the 1980s. This revival was partly due to the efforts of custom gunsmiths and the introduction of new rifles chambered for this cartridge by major manufacturers. 

Cartridge Specifications

The .416 Rigby uses a 2.5-inch (63.5mm) belted case, which allows for high powder capacity. It typically fires a .416 inch (10.57mm) diameter bullet weighing between 400 and 450 grains (26-29 grams). The standard load achieves a muzzle velocity of around 2,400 feet per second (730 m/s) with a 400-grain bullet, generating over 5,000 ft-lbs (6,800 J) of muzzle energy.

The .416 Rigby's performance is characterized by its ability to maintain velocity and energy at longer ranges, making it effective for both close encounters and shots at moderate distances in African hunting scenarios.

Timeline of .416 Rigby Development and Usage:

Year Event
2010 Continued popularity in African hunting safaris and among collectors.
1990 Ruger introduces the M77 RSM rifle chambered in .416 Rigby, further increasing the cartridge's availability.
1989 Remington begins producing .416 Rigby ammunition, making it more widely available.
1980s Resurgence in popularity, with custom gunsmiths and major manufacturers offering rifles in this caliber.
1950s-1970s Decline in popularity due to ammunition scarcity and changing hunting trends.
1935 Famous hunter and author Robert Ruark adopts the .416 Rigby, further popularizing it.
1912 First documented use of the .416 Rigby in Africa by W.D.M. Bell.
1911 Introduction of the .416 Rigby cartridge by John Rigby & Company in London.

.416 Rigby Performance Characteristics

The .416 Rigby offers exceptional performance for dangerous game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Muzzle Velocity 2,400 fps (400-grain bullet)
Provides excellent penetration and energy transfer
Muzzle Energy 5,115 ft-lbs
Sufficient for the largest and most dangerous game animals
Effective Range Up to 300 yards
Maintains lethal energy for large game at this distance
Recoil High
Manageable for experienced shooters, but significant practice is recommended
Bullet Weight 400-450 grains
Heavy bullets provide deep penetration on large animals

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .416 Rigby loads.

Note: These values are based on standard factory loads. Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads and barrel length.

.416 Rigby: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .416 Rigby 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 at typical hunting distances
Long-Range Shooting 0-500 Capable of long-range accuracy with proper loads and optics
Bear Defense 0-100 Excellent stopping power for large, dangerous animals at close range

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .416 Rigby is renowned for its power and penetration, making it a top choice for dangerous game hunting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .416 Rigby

The .416 Rigby's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific, demanding applications:

Dangerous Game Hunting
  • Designed specifically for hunting dangerous African game
  • Excellent stopping power for large, thick-skinned animals
  • Provides the penetration needed for deep-bodied animals like elephant and cape buffalo
African Big Game
  • Ideal for all African big game species, including the Big Five
  • Flat trajectory allows for accurate shots at varying distances
  • Heavy bullets retain energy well for deep penetration
Long-Range Shooting
  • Capable of impressive accuracy at extended ranges
  • Heavy bullets resist wind drift better than lighter calibers
  • Used by some hunters for long-range shooting of large game
Bear Defense
  • Excellent choice for defense against large bears in North America
  • Provides the power and penetration needed to stop a charging bear
  • Used by some guides and hunters in grizzly country

Caliber Comparisons: .416 Rigby

The .416 Rigby is a powerful big-game rifle cartridge. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar large-bore cartridges:

.416 Rigby vs. .458 Winchester Magnum ▼

.416 Rigby vs. .375 H&H Magnum ▼

.416 Rigby vs. .470 Nitro Express ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .416 Rigby with other large-bore rifle cartridges. (Based on a 10 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .416 Rigby with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .416 Rigby with other large-bore rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .416 Rigby with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .416 Rigby

The .416 Rigby is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting dangerous game. It's known for its excellent penetration and stopping power.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.416 Rigby 400 0.330
.416 Rigby 410 0.338
.416 Rigby 450 0.371
.416 Rigby 400 (Solid) 0.330
.416 Rigby 450 (Solid) 0.371

Note: The .416 Rigby offers high sectional densities, contributing to its reputation for deep penetration on large, dangerous game. Solid bullets are often used for maximum penetration, while expanding bullets are used for increased tissue damage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .416 Rigby cartridge?

A: The .416 Rigby is a large bore rifle cartridge developed in 1911 by John Rigby & Company of London, England. It's designed for hunting large and dangerous game, particularly in Africa.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .416 Rigby?

A: The most common bullet weight for .416 Rigby is 400 grains, though bullets ranging from 350 to 450 grains are available.

Q: What is the muzzle velocity of a .416 Rigby?

A: With a 400-grain bullet, the .416 Rigby typically achieves a muzzle velocity of around 2,400 feet per second (732 m/s).

Q: Is the .416 Rigby suitable for North American game?

A: While the .416 Rigby is powerful enough for any North American game, it's generally considered overkill for most species. It's primarily used for dangerous game in Africa, such as elephant, cape buffalo, and lion.

Q: How does the .416 Rigby compare to other big game cartridges?

A: The .416 Rigby offers excellent penetration and stopping power. It's more powerful than the .375 H&H Magnum but not as overwhelming as the .460 Weatherby Magnum. It's known for its flat trajectory and ability to retain energy at long ranges.

!