Author Topic: Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigby  (Read 1220 times)

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Offline kombi1976

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Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigby
« on: August 10, 2004, 03:11:18 PM »
I was looking at an article on the Rigby last night and was intrigued by the idea of a big bore with lower chamber pressures that doesn't kick like a rabid elephant.
Are there any suitable reasonably priced single shot rifle actions that I could use to build up a rifle in .416 Rigby?
Obviously martinis aren't suitable as the Rigby is a rimless cartridge and falling block actions tend to be worth a fortune.
Also, could someone tell me what the maximum SAAMI pressure for this cartridge is?
8)

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Offline Con

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Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigb
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2004, 04:21:09 PM »
kombi,
The Ruger No1 is chambered and available in 416 Rigby, second-hand in Oz $1300 should get you into one but beware the cost of cases/projectiles and dies. Maximum SAAMI pressure is most likely going to be meaningless, loaded up the 416Rigby will match the 416 Weatherby (same case except for the belt) but you'll never find factory ammunition loaded at this level in respect for the older guns floating about. Besides... the Rigby was made to produce its velocity at relatively low chamber pressures. If your after a big bore thumper that is cost effective, get a 458WM.
Cheers...
Con

Offline Gowge

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Re: Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigby
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2004, 01:35:49 AM »
Quote from: kombi1976
......Are there any suitable reasonably priced single shot rifle actions that I could use to build up a rifle in .416 Rigby?

Also, could someone tell me what the maximum SAAMI pressure for this cartridge is?


I think it's just 42,000CUP - similar to a lotta' rimmed, high intensity cartridges that would be far more practical - like a 45-70....  

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/416r.html

"The original British manufactured Kynoch factory load contained Cordite, a smokeless propellant which was reputed to be quite sensitive to extremes in temperature commonly encountered in tropical climates. For this reason, maximum chamber pressures for the .416 Rigby was held at 17 long tons or 38,080 pounds per square inch. Muzzle velocity with a 400 grain bullet was rated at 2375 fps. The A-Square and Federal factory loads presently available are loaded to similar chamber pressures and velocity levels."


If you just want a lot of fun with a break-open gun, try a SxS double in 12ga (.73cal) - and shoot slugs.   This De Haan is both very strong and attractive at a very low cost compared to any single shot rifle...

http://www.dhshotguns.com/Side_by_Sides.html


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Offline handirifle

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Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigb
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2004, 06:02:33 AM »
On three of my last visits to the range there has been a gent that was experimenting with loads for his 416 Rigby, Ruger #1.

I can tell you this rifle is VERY accurate.  Don't know beans about the others mentioned.  He uses a "Lead Sled" for the bench work and puts about 60+ rounds down range.  we're talking clover leaf groups at 100yds.

He says he loads 350gr bullets to near 2900fps and 400gr loads to about 2700.  After haveing a 45-70 and cooking some hot loads, I fully understood the need for the sled.

The #1 was a stainless rifle and worked flawlessly.  Didn't ask about prices.

BTW
You ought to see that think hit a milk bottle full of water. :shock:
God, Family, and guns, in that order!

Offline pc

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Re: Suitable single shot action for a .416 Rigby
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2004, 02:58:58 AM »
Kombi,

buy a cz 550 safari in .416 Rigby for $1450Aus, it holds 4 rounds and won't kick like a Ruger #1. Buy your dies over the net at Grafs & Sons and brass is availble from Rebel Sport in Qld. Taipan bullets can be had for $14AUS per 25 bullets there Aussie made and good for most of our game. You can then get woodleigh 410 gr Softs if you wnat to hunt Buff. Just get your cz 550 bedded before fireing.

I have a cz 550 .416 Rigby and I love it, I added a custom synthetic stock done by Alan Nauman of Coproral Trading in Nerang Qld.

The cz 550 .458 win mag is also a great choice with heaps of cheap 45/70 style bullets around, and you can get it reamed out to .458 lott without much trouble.