416 Howell

[fabricon47]

Does anyone have loads for the 416 Howell??

 

[rcmodel]

Mr. Howell might, or his estate!

Actually I haven't heard of it for many years.

Ken Howell was a wildcatter back in the 70's I think.
He wrote the book:
"Designing and Forming Custom Cartridges For Rifles and Handguns".

Might be some loads there, but I don't know for sure.

I probably have some somewhere, but wouldn't know where to start looking!

rcmodel

 

[wswolf]

.416 Howell data

The .416 Howell was introduced to the public in Handloader #92, 1981.

I had a Model 70 re-barreled for it on 1983 (22" Douglas - 1:12" twist) and used it on cape buffalo, etc. in Zimbabwe in 1985. It is a most excellent cartridge. Dies are available from RCBS. I used 404 Jeffery cases from RWS. Just run them through the sizer die and trim to 2.50". The shoulders will form completely on the first firing. 416 Dakota brass has a "416" headstamp and works fine but a special neck sizer is necessary because the necks turn out thinner than with RWS cases.

Powders slower than Reloader 15 are too bulky to reach top velocity without excessive compression. Reloader 15 is great for lead-core bulets but too bulky for the long Barnes TSX and Banded Solids, Hodgdon Benchmark is perfect for them. Favorite loads:

350gn Barnes TSX
77gn Benchmark
Federal 215 primer
Overall length - 3.35"
Velocity - 2595fps

400gn Barnes RNSP (no longer made but Hornady or Woodleigh should be similar)
76gn Reloader 15
Federal 215 primer
Overall length - 3.35"
Velocity - 2410fps

400gn Barnes Banded Solid
73.5gn Benchmark
Federal 215 primer
Overall length - 3.35"
Velocity - 2430fps

I was able to get over 2500fps with no sign of excessive pressure, even in hot weather, but recoil became vicious. 2400fps provides plenty of power for anything.

Cheers

 

[Afy]

Wswolf... pics please...

 

[3sixbits]

I have a barrel blank from Lilja I have at least six different actions that will be fine.

I have the reamer from PTG, I have the brass from Bell before they merged. I have the bullets from Woodleigh. Heck, I even have a stock that will work, just fine.

All left that is left is to do the work, and still I wonder why I ever got into this project?

I just don't feel the need I guess. I don't think it will kill anything here in Alaska any deader than one of my .375 H&H's.

What has changed my mind? A loss of my ammo by the air carrier for another wildcat rifle I flew out with on a hunt. Just try to find ammo in these tiny village stores that's will get you by. I can always find .375 H&H, 30-06, no problem.

I mentioned this yesterday when I talked to Ken Howell on the phone.

Getting screwed by air carriers here in Alaska is more common than not.