Woodleigh weldcore

[norfolk shooter]

Right Im thinking about getting some woodies for the 416 rigby. But how much truth is there about the impact velocity recommendations?? Also how well do they perform? They must be rather good otherwise Norma wouldn't use them.

 

[IvW]

They are good when used in double rifles and at double rifle velocities(1900-2150 fps). (I would not recommend them for the 500/416 NE).

The heavy for caliber ones at reduced velocity as loaded by Norma in the PH range work better.

There are much better options especially for the 416 Rigby @ 2400 fps. My experience has been that with velocities above 2200 fps they over expand.

If you intend using your 416 Rigby @ normal velocities on DG there are much better and more reliable bullets available.

 

[wesheltonj]

I have them for my 375.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Well its for a 416 double sabbati so not too sure how fast to go yet. But I'm guessing at the same sort of speed as hornady 416 dgs/x

 

[PeteG]

I think the 450gr at 2100-2200 would be good. Maybe not as strong as some but they probably will not let you down.

 

[norfolk shooter]

just had a loot on the hornady website the are stating a speed of 2415 at the muzzle!! Thats rather fast for a double

 

[IvW]

What ammo and at what speed was the rifle regulated for?
If with 400gr bullets @ 2400 fps the 450 grainers may well not stabilize. You need to match the original regulated load.

I would be cautious with pushing loads with the Sabatti, they are not known to be quality doubles.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Ive not taken delivery of it yet but im guessing it will be regulated with the hornady ammo as thats what they seem to use for the other double rifles they make

 

[IvW]

I hope it all works out for you but 2415 fps is a lot of MV. I hope your Sabatti holds up.

The other issue may be with extraction as the 416 Rigby is not a rimmed cartridge and if the extractor/ejector is not of top quality can lead to some serious headaches especially at the mentioned velocities.

Rimless cartridges are not designed for double rifles, period. Even the ones from the better manufacturers fail.

If at all possible I would recommend trying to get a double with a classic NE rimmed cartridge.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Its been paid for and is on order. If its not wright trust me its going back. They had on on the shelf at sabbati so I got it at a good price. I'll find out what ammo its regulated with when I get it which reminds me I'd best not go buying bullets before I know.

 

[norfolk shooter]

Ive just remembered the 416 Rigby is a low pressure cartridge.

 

[stug]

Woodleigh list their .416" 410gr RN SN as suitable for 1900-2400 fps. You should be fine, unless the barrel is touching the animal. You can also use the hydrostatically stabilised solids without issue in doubles, according to their website.

 

[norfolk shooter]

@stug mate I wouldnt mind getting get that close to some DG!! It will make me feel alive again! I need to find out if i can get the hydros in the UK first. Im just thinking about getting the bullets to regulate.

 

[stug]

The recent reports I have seen on Sabatti have been good.

 

[norfolk shooter]

The recent reports I have seen on Sabatti have been good.

Mine is one fresh from the factory so should be ok

 

[Ray B]

Since Bitterroots has been discontinued, the Woodleighs have become my bullet of choice. I consider over-expansion to be irrelevant if the bullet remains in one piece and retains at least 80% of its weight.

 

[IvW]

Mine is one fresh from the factory so should be ok

I sincerely hope it works out for you but I have my doubts.

 

[IvW]

Since Bitterroots has been discontinued, the Woodleighs have become my bullet of choice. I consider over-expansion to be irrelevant if the bullet remains in one piece and retains at least 80% of its weight.

Over expansion on bullets when hunting DG is a serious issue.

It seriously affects penetration and killing ability! I have seen them hit the shoulder on quartering frontal shots, over expand and not have the ability to penetrate the chest cavity after that on more than one occasion.

I cannot use them in my 500 Jeff as they end up looking like soup plates!!

Yes at lower velocities(most NE cartridges) they perform better. The heavy ones also perform better.

Norfolk shooters problem is that if his rifle is regulated with Hornady's at 2415 fps with a 400 grainer he will not get the 450 grainers to stabilize.

2415 fps in my opinion will be too much for the 400 g Woodleigh. If it was a conventional NE cartridge they would perform much better.

Here are Woodleigh .416 450 gr bullets at 2400 fps!

No thanks not for me on DG!! Maybe Leopard but Buffalo definitely not!

 

[IvW]

Ive just remembered the 416 Rigby is a low pressure cartridge.

For bolt actions I would agree. For double rifles I would not.

The Rigby operates at 47137 psi and the 450/400 NE at under 35000 psi. That is 34.7% more which is significant in a double.

When comparing the 404 Jeff to the 416 Rigby the felt and actual recoil of the Rigby is more, firing same bullet at same velocity. Reason for this is case design. The Jeff has a more efficient case design.
The Rigby has a sharper recoil.

When comparing the Rigby to the 450/400 NE recoil and pressure wise, there is a huge difference. On the front end the difference is much more comparable. Buff hit by either would have a hard time telling the difference.

 

[Ray B]

Here are Woodleigh .416 450 gr bullets at 2400 fps!

No thanks not for me on DG!! Maybe Leopard but Buffalo definitely not!

The bullets pictured do not represent over-expansion. the bullets have lost their integrity and most of their weight. A bullet that is simply over-expanded and retains 80%+ of its weight may have expanded to the base of the shank, but will be point forward and will have penetrated in a straight line; unlike your separated jackets that resemble shrapnel.