416 Ruger

Definitely a cool cartridge...

Just not sure a dangerous game rifle in a short action gains much...slightly shorter bolt throw and stiffer action being the best gains. Weight savings often sought by mountain hunters, not typically a factor for big bores where extra rifle weight aids in reducing felt recoil and muzzle jump. Short fat cartridges can feed well, but will not feed as smoothly as the older longer cases with more taper. All the main topics people like to banter over with drinks around the campfire! (or online! LOL)

I know I went with the 416 Taylor as it was definitely easier to find a left hand donor rifle, in a standard length action, was a SAAMI cartridge with properly headstamped brass available, and had the cool factor that there aren't as many out there. Do not get me wrong...a LH 416 Rigby would be very cool, and a LH 416 Rem is possible, but again a LH action of sufficient length is not as easily found. And my first rifle in 416 Taylor was a Ralf Martini build on a RH Ruger 77 and was a great rifle that consistently shot clover leaf groups with open sights, and I wanted a mirror image rifle after that!
 
BlackRam said:
Definitely a cool cartridge...

Just not sure a dangerous game rifle in a short action gains much...slightly shorter bolt throw and stiffer action being the best gains. Weight savings often sought by mountain hunters, not typically a factor for big bores where extra rifle weight aids in reducing felt recoil and muzzle jump. Short fat cartridges can feed well, but will not feed as smoothly as the older longer cases with more taper. All the main topics people like to banter over with drinks around the campfire! (or online! LOL)

I know I went with the 416 Taylor as it was definitely easier to find a left hand donor rifle, in a standard length action, was a SAAMI cartridge with properly headstamped brass available, and had the cool factor that there aren't as many out there. Do not get me wrong...a LH 416 Rigby would be very cool, and a LH 416 Rem is possible, but again a LH action of sufficient length is not as easily found. And my first rifle in 416 Taylor was a Ralf Martini build on a RH Ruger 77 and was a great rifle that consistently shot clover leaf groups with open sights, and I wanted a mirror image rifle after that!
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The .416 Ruger fits in a long action receiver, too long for a short action. Like the .375 Ruger, it's designed for a 3.340" COAL. It has a bit more capacity than a .416 Taylor.

That said, I grew up reading John Wootters' articles about the .416 Taylor as a teenager and I have a hankering for maybe Yukon moose at some point in the next 4-5 years. A .416 Taylor should be a great choice for one of the rifles I'd bring. Not sure what I'd build it on, maybe someone will offer a T3 prefit in .416 Taylor at some point. I have tons of 7mm and .338 mag brass kicking around. Probably near 800 cases :)
 
I must have mis-remebered that the 416 Ruger was on the long action, and thinking of the RCM's. Thanks for the reminder.

I recall an article where a hunter had shot a Cape buffalo with the 416 Taylor, and then followed up with finishing shots on it as it went away in the fairly open terrain, out to more than 300 yards.
I have been shooting the lighter bullets (300-350 gr) as I don't think I need the 400's here on our game, and when my shoulder was bad, the less recoil was preferred. Really like the cartridge and shooting these rifles. Just haven;'t taken any game with it as yet.
The fellow that bought the rh rifle did take an elk with it. The bull was running through the aspen in front of him, and he shot when he thought he had a good opening. The bull somersaulted and expired. Walking up on the bull, he found that he had centerred a 10" aspen, and got complete pass through on both the tree and the bull, through the shoulders.

With the 350 gr TSX @ 2481 fps and 4783 ft-lbs, zeroed at 150 yards (1.2" high @ 100) , it would be down 8.4" at 250 yards and 1889 fps with 2774 ft lbs of remaining energy. Not sure I would want to go beyond that in order to ensure reliable expansion on unwounded game. But on a Texas heart shot of a wounded animal, it should give good penetration!
 
Just three shots at a small plastic jug when I was out camping, 400 grain Hornady, I have to take it out with a proper target to sight it in properly, it was shooting a little high. The scope is a good size for it but I would prefer one of the single post #4 reticles.
 
remington jim said:
Ha ! Very Nice Big Bore Rifle Milt ! I see you built yours on a WBee Vanguard action as i did mine too - I really like that action ! Does your Ruger cartridge feed fine ? or did you have to modify the follower ? RJ
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Missed this question, it feeds fine, it was originally a 300WM. I am a fan of the Vanguard, just a basic well built rifle, I have a few now.
 
No hand loads, I finally sighted it in just used factory Weatherby ammo. I shot it standing up, not interested in shooting it off the bench. It was very easy to sight in so I am pleased with the barrel. POI didn't change over a few shots.
 
Milt Dale said:
No hand loads, I finally sighted it in just used factory Weatherby ammo. I shot it standing up, not interested in shooting it off the bench. It was very easy to sight in so I am pleased with the barrel. POI didn't change over a few shots.
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Shooting freehand is great practice for hunting, but I don't trust it for an accurate dependable zero, unless you are burning ALOT of ammo to minimize the obvious variable.
 
hoytcanon said:
Shooting freehand is great practice for hunting, but I don't trust it for an accurate dependable zero, unless you are burning ALOT of ammo to minimize the obvious variable.
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Maybe he meant a standing rest. I’ve seen a few of those before for big kickers

OP great rifle, I think the stainless vanguards/1500s are under rated, and I’ve always wanted a 416…..though I definitely don’t need one!
 
I just added sights, had a few extra pieces, I modified a Ruger Ghost ring to fit the rear.

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