Just ordered a .416. Need load data, preferably RL17

[ChrisG]

Hi All,

I know in the past that I have said that I really like the classic big bore cartridges (Gibbs, Rigby, H&H... etc...) but I got a chance to shoot a .416 Ruger the other day and after that, I was hooked. So now that I have put my foot in my mouth, I just traded in some handguns and am waiting for the Gunshop to order me my very own .416 Ruger on the Ruger Hawkeye African platform. Until I can get a .416 Rigby, this will have to do. So now you can all call me a hypocrite.... @CAustin.

Even though Ruger has slipped in recent years, and they no longer make an RSM I have to say that this is still a really pretty rifle for a production piece.

the first thing I am going to do is have the gunsmith lathe off those threads on the end of the barrel for the brake (I would rather have a bruised shoulder that heals than permanent hearing loss), and recrown it. Then it will have a reciever peep installed from NECG.

Anyway... brass, dies and bullets are on their way from Midway and I have a ton of RL 17 powder that I have been using in my 6.5x55 and .375 H&H. Has anyone used RL 17 in this cartridge or should I go out and get a pound of 2000MR, which from the looks of things is a good powder for it with 400 grain bullets. I am trying to stay away from RL 15 as it is more temp sensitive, unless they have fixed it. Tell me what you think. I am especially interested in hearing from those who load this cartridge.

Handloading is so fun and handloading big bores is the apex of the hobby!

 

[spike.t]

is it not just easier to use the thread cap rather than having them cut off and recrowned?

 

[ChrisG]

is it not just easier to use the thread cap rather than having them cut off and recrowned?

It would be, but in my younger years, I worked for the gunsmith there and he will let me turn the barrel down myself at no charge, or I will cut it off myself and for $20 he will recrown it for me. Until I worked there, I thought that there was some $12,000 machine that was needed to cut the barrel perfectly square, But the first one I did, he just handed me a hacksaw and told me to cut it a little ahead of his mark, in case it wandered a bit in my inexperienced hands. Then it is lathed square and crowned.

I may try it for a bit with the thread protector, but to me it just ruins the looks of an otherwise, pretty good looking rifle.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Chris, I just posted some links to an article on the 416 Rem and the author stated he had problems with Re17. I have read on this site where many reloader have had great results and really like Re17.

BTW, congrats on the new purchase. I think the Ruger's in 375 and 416 are pretty good value.

Here are a few links on reloading the 416 Ruger

http://www.realguns.com/archives/177.htm

http://www.realguns.com/articles/679.htm

http://www.realguns.com/articles/680.htm

 

[wislnwings]

That ugly brake and thread protector has kept me from giving any serious thought to purchasing one. Cutting and reckoning will greatly improve this rifle.

 

[matt85]

i applaud your choice to remove the noise maker on the end of the rifle! i hate those things with a passion (i use a public rifle range).

the 416 Ruger wouldn't be my first choice but if your hand loading then you will be fine. believe it or not i recommend 300gr mono-metal bullets in this caliber. ive been using the 300gr Barnes TSX in my 416 RM and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance.

enjoy your new rifle!

-matt

 

[ChrisG]

Thanks everyone for your input so far! I am definitely hacking the hideous brake from the rifle. I just did a recoil calculation for it and oh my goodness... Ruger builds this rifle to only weigh 7.8 lbs! it amounts to just over 61 ft-lbs of recoil (400 grain bullet at 2300FPS). A 9.5 lb .458 Lott is only 68 ft-lbs. I guess after some practice I will be fine shooting the true big bores.

Reloder 17 looks like it would be the cat's meow for this cartridge. It certainly is for my 375 H&H. It both a little slower and a little denser than RL15. I would think 2300fps should be no problem for it.

I am very excited to get my loading stuff and start assembling rounds. @matt85, I was looking at the Barnes 350 grain ttsx and it looks like a real winner. I'm definitely gonna try them on bear this fall!

 

[matt85]

Thanks everyone for your input so far! I am definitely hacking the hideous brake from the rifle. I just did a recoil calculation for it and oh my goodness... Ruger builds this rifle to only weigh 7.8 lbs! it amounts to just over 61 ft-lbs of recoil (400 grain bullet at 2300FPS). A 9.5 lb .458 Lott is only 68 ft-lbs. I guess after some practice I will be fine shooting the true big bores.

use a heavy scope to make up some weight. the proper weight for a 416 is 10.5 pounds.

I use a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 with the fire dot feature on my Winchester M70 in 416 RM. this scope adds the proper amount of weight is easily my favorite scope for this caliber. the fire dot feature is fantastic in low light and even night time situations. its very comforting when its dark in the African wilderness to have a glowing red dot to show you where your powerful 416 is going to hit (especially with hyena calling all around you).

-matt

 

[Buckdog]

congrats on the new toy! I agree the brake on the ruger is ugly but i bet they put it on because the gun is light for a 416 and cut the brake off and some barrel and lighter yet! get ready to man up on that puppy.

use a heavy scope to make up some weight. the proper weight for a 416 is 10.5 pounds.

I use a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 with the fire dot feature on my Winchester M70 in 416 RM. this scope adds the proper amount of weight is easily my favorite scope for this caliber. the fire dot feature is fantastic in low light and even night time situations. its very comforting when its dark in the African wilderness to have a glowing red dot to show you where your powerful 416 is going to hit (especially with hyena calling all around you).

-matt

matt, Pm me with some info on how you like the leupold on your 416RM I have been trying to get a swarovski z8i but they are not available yet and i am running a 3-9 leu on my 416rm thinking of down sizing to the 1-6

 

[cpr0312]

Congrats on the new gun!

 

[Bullthrower338]

+1 with Matt on the VX6, it is perfect for cal and plenty of eye relief. I can't think of any time more than 6X should be needed on a rifle of this purpose. Good set of heavy rings and VX6 will tame her down a bit. Just weighed my 416 RM at 9.4 pounds and it's a pussycat to shoot with 400gr.
I haven't played with 416 Ruger but it is an interesting cartridge, I'm up to my ass in 416's right now so I imagine it will be a while before I get around to trying one. Good luck
Cody

 

[CAustin]

Congrats ChrisG! You picked a great rifle! I wouldn't call you any names it just took you a little while to see the beauty in the 416 Ruger! Enjoy it!

 

[ChrisG]

Congrats ChrisG! You picked a great rifle! I wouldn't call you any names it just took you a little while to see the beauty in the 416 Ruger! Enjoy it!

Thanks! I appreciate it! I can't wait till mine comes in! In the meantime, I'm gonna have a blast loading up the rounds!

 

[ChrisG]

Just an update. I haven't gotten the rifle yet but I got all my loading stuff in the mail from Midway USA. I went with Alliant 2000-MR powder. I only bought a pound and then I went home and realized that with 350 grain bullets at an 80 grain charge I am only going to get 87 rounds out of a pound! Even at 80 grains theres still air in the case and I can hear the powder shaking. After loading all these up, I really wanna get the gun and head to the range to try it out! Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I am going have the threads cut and the barrel recrowned. Then I will see how the recoil is. I feel like it is going to be really stout at 7.8 lbs. so I think I may go the mercury recoil tube route as well as a scope. I am looking at Vorteex Scopes right now. They make a very nice dangerous game scope that is illumiated for around $600. Still, All said with rings, scope and maybe a sling, I will only be up to about 8.75 - 9 lbs. Then I may add the an 8oz. Mercury tube to stock.

 

[AZDAVE]

If you add the reducer in the butt stock make sure you also look at what weight will need to be added to the forearm so you keep the balance between your hands. On the rifles I have done the stock work on I usually drill a small shallow hole in the barrel channel and epoxy either lead or tungsten powder in the hole till I get the balance right.

 

[larry4831]

Cutting the break off may change the accuracy of the rifle. Reloader 17 has about the same burn rate as I MR 4350 I believe.

 

[matt85]

Cutting the break off may change the accuracy of the rifle.

yea, it might improve it. muzzle breaks are not known for improving accuracy and suppressors are even worse (even though I love suppressors).

-matt

 

[larry4831]

yea, it might improve it. muzzle breaks are not known for improving accuracy and suppressors are even worse (even though I love suppressors).

-matt

My 416 Ruger Will drive tacks with the brake. The thing about breaks is they have to be the right wall thickness to be compatible with the barrel harmonics that is what Don Allen of Dakota arms told me years ago when he was living.

 

[CTDolan]

I have a 416 Ruger guide gun. I've shot it both with and without the brake and, personally, I prefer it without because, while the recoil may be a bit more it's not all that much, but the drop in concussion is (more so for the bystanders than the one behind the trigger).

 

[matt85]

im not saying muzzle breaks always hurt accuracy. but I am saying that taking a muzzle break off will not hurt accuracy and may even improve it.

-matt