Cast bullet loads in the .416 Rigby

[.38 Special]

I've been looking at the RCBS 416-350-FN mould and thinking that I might actually shoot my .416 if it didn't make me so miserable. The 350 grain bullet at somewhere in the neighborhood of 1700 FPS might be just the ticket. I can't find any appropriate data for it, though.

Anyone have experience here?

 

[highlander 5]

I have a 40/65 win that I fire 300/350 gr cast using 5744.
Try calling Accurate Arms they might have what your looking for.

 

[sojerguy]

You don’t mention which firearm you’re using, as different ones cause different amounts of fun.

A tip. When doing load development; 5 shot groups of 5 or 6 loads, (looking for standard deviation of velocity and accuracy, I use a slim 5 lb bag of shot between the rifle butt and my shoulder.

When doing ‘hunting practice’, I can stand the 4 rounds in the magazine easily enough.

Here are a few links I know of for reloading .416 Rigby.

From: Forums.gumboards.com

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?12759-416-Rigby&highlight=rigby

cast.boolits.com

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=64358&highlight=rigby

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=70764&highlight=rigby

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=34795&highlight=rigby

In fact go to either site, and do a search on ‘rigby’ and read ALL the posts. Print and save the one you want. It won’t hurt.

5744 seems to be a favorite with 1700-2000 fps loads in the rigby.

WE do a lot of cross feeding here in the shooting/reloading world

Good luck and post your results for the next 416 newbie.

Me? I’m playing with paper-patched 416s. A long way to go on that yet!

 

[Greg Mercurio]

Try using Trail Boss for reduced loads. Makes for fun shooting and keeps the surgeon out of your shoulder.

 

[jamesicus]

I reload my 458 Lott ammunition using IMR Trail Boss powder and both jacketed and cast lead bullets.

Reference Data published by Hodgdon: IMR Trail Boss Reduced Loads For Rifle and Pistol

 

[.38 Special]

Thread necromancy!

Thanks for the updates, folks. I bought the RCBS mold shortly after posting and have loaded and fired hundreds of them in my Ruger Magnum bolt rifle. I even practice my snapshooting at the local 25 yard indoor range! Trail Boss now makes loading as easy as anything. The days of fillers and hang fires are over. Max load (per Hodgdon) is when the powder is touching the base of the bullet, minimum load is 70% of that. I can hardly tell the difference between the two loads so just use the 70% for economy.

Frankly, I think Trail Boss is one of the best things to ever happen to big bores. Now a person can buy any rifle, regardless how impractical it might once have been (.505 Gibbs anyone?) knowing that they can shoot it as much as they want without worrying about recoil.

 

[sojerguy]

So with that 70% load, what kind of velocities are you getting?