Plains game rifle with big game capability 416 rigby vs 375 debate

[Bert the Turtle]

375HH. 235gr Barnes TSX for anything from mice up to eland. Barnes 350gr TSX for larger dg, You're covered for anything that walks the earth and ammo and components are available worldwide.

Or a 300g Barnes for everything. Caliber choices and gun choices and bullet choices are fun. I don’t want to get rid of guns. But in all honesty, if I sold every rifle other than my R8 in 375, and shot nothing but 300g TSX in it, I’d not feel the least bit handicapped on any hunt any where.

OK, I’ll keep one box of solids in case I ever decide to brain shoot another elephant. But barring that, 375 with 300g TSX will not only do, but do well anything I’ll ever hunt.

 

[Nickcusato]

I have both 416 Rigby & 375 H&H , both are CZ 550's. Both will do what you are asking of them and more. My take is CZ or Mauser action. If CZ, try to get AHR rifle used. There was one at Hendershots in Maryland recently in 375. Theres also an H-S Precision in 416 at Hendershots, I think. Personally, I like only controlled feed actions for Africa. I'm leaving to hunt buffalo this week and will be taking the 375 and 416. In the 375 I use Woodleigh Weldcore or Barnes X and have had nothing but great results. In the 416 I use Barnes X on plains game and Swift A frames for Buffalo with wonderful results. Up side to 375 is cheaper per shot, more versatile (IMHO), and can be used here in North America (moose, bear, elk etc). Up side to 416 is more punch for Buffalo. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Nickcusato]

It's a right of passage, get the 375h&h than you can't be without one again, then you will step up to a 416 because it is a good balance between a 375 and 458. You will then wonder is the 458 that much better. After that you are either satisfied or you start trying to figure out how to step up the power. The gents on the board will be more than happy to help you along the way.

Best answer thus far! I stepped back to .416 after that same train of thought.

 

[VertigoBE]

Not a fan of the 350gr in a 375h&h

Could you please elaborate?

 

[crs]

By the time I hunted Africa, I had several gun cases and display cases full of guns and did not need another rifle.
First African trip was with a .338 Win Mag and took all plains game with one-shot kills. Loaned to buddy for his one shot kill on a BIG Eland bull.
Next trip was with my Win 1895 .405 WCF with 300 and 400 grain handloads. Took buff and hog and realized that rifle would do-it-all for me just like it did for Osa Johnson many decades ago. That 1895 has now become my favorite big bore stalking rifle.
No need for switch barrels, multiple rifles, gun bearer, etc, just travel fast and light.

 

[daawg1963]

To start, I just got back from an amazing trip from Omujeve safaris in Namibia. I’m starting to plan the next with them. I took a 6,5x47, 300wm, and 450/400 krieghoff double on this trip. All were more than adequate for what I hunted. All of my bolt Guns are custom and I want a large bore which I don’t currently have. I’m trying to decide what to build and what action to use. Any input would be appreciated. I know the specs on both cartridges but wanted advice of those in similar situations. I would want to use this one on animals ranging from kudu to buffalo.

thanks in advance

http://lentaylorsafaris.com/ BEEN WITH OMUJEVE , IF YOUR GOING BACK TRY LEN .......... 1ST CLASS 1 ON 1 500% EFFORT .........FEW

 

[Inline6]

Could you please elaborate?

It is a personal preference thing for me. That said, the 350 gr bullet is 1.691" long compared to the 300 at 1.493. That's case volume. 350@ 2325fps has 4163ftlbs muzzle 3815@ 50 yards, the 300@2600 has 4466ftlbs muzzle 4046@ 50 yards. Both have the same drop @ 300 yards, both with have about the same recoil number. I'm not sure how well the longer bullet will stabilize with most barrels. My thoughts are more speed more hydraulic shock, more energy is better.

I know people have killed with both, it is just an opinion.

I'm shooting 450gr Barnes in my 458Lott, it is a long bullet due to it being a mono. The good news is we have all these choices.

 

[VertigoBE]

It is a personal preference thing for me. That said, the 350 gr bullet is 1.691" long compared to the 300 at 1.493. That's case volume. 350@ 2325fps has 4163ftlbs muzzle 3815@ 50 yards, the 300@2600 has 4466ftlbs muzzle 4046@ 50 yards. Both have the same drop @ 300 yards, both with have about the same recoil number. I'm not sure how well the longer bullet will stabilize with most barrels. My thoughts are more speed more hydraulic shock, more energy is better.

I know people have killed with both, it is just an opinion.

I'm shooting 450gr Barnes in my 458Lott, it is a long bullet due to it being a mono. The good news is we have all these choices.

The reason I asked, is that many on AH have told me the 350 grain brings the 375H&H into 416 rigby terrain, it should have excellent penetration.

But just recently a gunsmith told me that he too does not like the 350grains in .375H&H, because of the slower speeds, just like you mentioned.

 

[Inline6]

The reason I asked, is that many on AH have told me the 350 grain brings the 375H&H into 416 rigby terrain, it should have excellent penetration.

But just recently a gunsmith told me that he too does not like the 350grains in .375H&H, because of the slower speeds, just like you mentioned.

If you can't push the bullet fast enough it will not produce the energy.

A 416 pushing a 400gr AFrame @ 2400fps is making 5115ftlbs. That's a big difference between a 375, 350gr. I think some people have different ideas on how things work. All I'm doing is showing the numbers.

When it comes to buff, they are interesting. Some require one shot from a 375H&H. Other will eat bullets like you cannot believe. Only have one personal experience with buff. Was using a 416REM, after that experience. Well now have a 458Lott. No way I could have jumped into the 458. Took a couple hundred 375H&H, then stepped up to a 416REM after a couple hundred rounds, I'm comfortable with the 458Lott. Some people can jump right into a big bore, I could not.