Because ruger and hornady introduced the 416 ruger.
416 mag is good, but both cases offer significantly more internal volume without a belt, and can be used in shorter/faster actions.
That 15% case volume difference, with proper handloading, will take you into energy territory you just can't get from a 416 rem mag safely.
The 416 ruger factory load 400gr bullet fires at 2400 FPS, and delivers 5,115 Lbs of energy.
The 416 dakota factory load 400gr bullet fires at 2450 FPS, and delivers 5,330 lbs of energy.
Not a lot of difference, but a slight nod to the dakota, right ?
Ok, now who makes 416 dakota rifles on an assembly line ?
And who makes 416 dakota brass on the same ?
The amount of work that went into that combination between two great houses of shooting shows in the one factory rifle chambered for it.
Therein lies your answer.
Beta was better, but I only know a few people who had beta recorders. I had a VHS.
I've done a lot of research on 41 caliber big game rifles, because I do want one. It was gonna happen this year, but 458 socom happened.
I was all but ready to plunk down for the ruger alaskan, even had my purchase list for components and dies etc printed and ready when the 458 fell in my lap.
Its gonna happen.
If you like the big bores, you would be doing yourself a disservice by NOT putting your hands on a ruger alaskan in 416 ruger, even if just to try it. The ergonomics of this gun only become apparent when you press the button... and once that bullet is moving, you can tell why each CM of that stock is sculpted the way it is.
Once your shoulder stops throbbing, that grin on your face will be much easier to see- but damn near 80#'s of recoil from some loads is NOT for the weak of heart. Do NOT give this rifle to someone who hasn't shot a lot of 30-06 comfortably in a light frame, and is ready for something better/bigger. The most I'd ever shot before the ruger alaskan was a 5# 30-06 brush gun, at about 37 # of recoil force.
The ruger literally took my breath away, and that doesn't happen a lot in my world. I was hooked on that second shot. It will be mine one day !
One last bit : muzzle breaks are cool, but they do not defeat recoil at that level of energy. They will help substantially with muzzle flip for that second shot on your dangerous beast- and that shorter action in the 416 ruger will let you get that 2nd shot off that much faster before said beast tramples you to death. I've handled both actions, and you wouldn't think 1/2 -1 inch (ish) makes that much difference looking at it, or before you use them side by side.
It does.
I hope this helps !