Got to field test a .416 Ruger

ChrisG

ChrisG

AH elite
Joined
Jan 6, 2015
Messages
1,555
Reaction score
2,852
Location
Adirondack Park, NY, USA
Media
45
Articles
2
Hunting reports
USA/Canada
3
Member of
NAHC, NRA, Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation.
Hunted
USA, Canada
So I got to field test my .416 Ruger today. Load was:

84 grains Alliant 2000-MR
340 Grain Woodleigh Weldcore
2,550 FPS, 4,910 ft-lb,

Here was the result:
IMAG0499.jpg


I think the woodleigh is my new favorite thin skinned bullet. This bear wasn't that big but it expanded completely and left a tennis ball sized exit would. Bear collapsed even though no bones were hit except a rib. No flakes of bullet in the wound path so it must have held together like it was designed to. The more I use this .416 Ruger the more I fall in love with it.

I just wish I had a musheroomed bullet to post a picture of...
 
What's the rifle?
 
Did he even flinch? Nice job!
 
Thanks! It's a Ruger Hawkeye African that I cut the threads off of and recrowned to 22.5". Leopold VX-3, 1.5x-5x. And I couldn't tell you if he flinched Phil, by the time I recovered from the recoil he was a pile of limp black fur with a dust cloud hanging over him.

I love hunting bears... it's very challenging and the rough terrain of the Adirondack mountains makes it even harder but makes the bear that much more rewarding regardless of its size... although the smaller ones are easier to drag and taste soooo good.
 
Last edited:
Mine is the Alaskan. It's not made any more. Predates the current models. 20" barrel. No break. Stainless in a Houge overmolded rubber stock with aluminum bedding block. Not pretty, but terribly effective and accurate.
 
Smitten by the hammer of Thor. brettp, looks like an easy carrying, quick handling, effective weapon.
 
PLM said:
Smitten by the hammer of Thor. brettp, looks like an easy carrying, quick handling, effective weapon.
Click to expand...

I friggin love that gun. I've taken 3 buffalo with it in addition to that brown and also backed up on an elephant that I dropped with a head shot.
 
Awesome. I like short quick handling rifles. For deer and hogs my go to is my Remington Model Seven in 308 with an 18 inch barrel.
 
ChrisG said:
So I got to field test my .416 Ruger today. Load was:

84 grains Alliant 2000-MR
340 Grain Woodleigh Weldcore
2,550 FPS, 4,910 ft-lb,

Here was the result:
View attachment 202697

I think the woodleigh is my new favorite thin skinned bullet. This bear wasn't that big but it expanded completely and left a tennis ball sized exit would. Bear collapsed even though no bones were hit except a rib. No flakes of bullet in the wound path so it must have held together like it was designed to. The more I use this .416 Ruger the more I fall in love with it.

I just wish I had a musheroomed bullet to post a picture of...
Click to expand...

Wow that's awesome!!
 
ChrisG said:
So I got to field test my .416 Ruger today. Load was:

84 grains Alliant 2000-MR
340 Grain Woodleigh Weldcore
2,550 FPS, 4,910 ft-lb,

Here was the result:
View attachment 202697

I think the woodleigh is my new favorite thin skinned bullet. This bear wasn't that big but it expanded completely and left a tennis ball sized exit would. Bear collapsed even though no bones were hit except a rib. No flakes of bullet in the wound path so it must have held together like it was designed to. The more I use this .416 Ruger the more I fall in love with it.

I just wish I had a musheroomed bullet to post a picture of...
Click to expand...

Wish I had been out bear hunting today!
 
I know I am reviving a dead thread, but I had to comment that the great potential for hunting and putting the smack down on brown bear at a distance while still being good on cape buffalo is why I went with the 416 ruger for my "big medicine". Thanks for sharing your experiences!
 
I like my .416 Ruger!
 
Will B. said:
I know I am reviving a dead thread, but I had to comment that the great potential for hunting and putting the smack down on brown bear at a distance while still being good on cape buffalo is why I went with the 416 ruger for my "big medicine". Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Click to expand...
It really is a flat shooting beast when you load it right. The load from this thread shoots pretty flat out to 250 yards or so. Thats probably about as far as I would want to shoot it anyway... due to the recoil, I am not as precise with this rifle as I am with my .375 H&H. I am going on an elk hunt next year and I am considering bringing the .416 just for kicks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 1093 more.
Total: 14,070 (members: 1,143, guests: 12,927)

Forum statistics

Threads
53,998
Messages
1,142,740
Members
93,373
Latest member
Efren35C00
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

C
Cwoody wrote on Woodcarver's profile.
Shot me email if Beretta 28 ga DU is available
Thank you
•••
P
Pancho wrote on Safari Dave's profile.
Enjoyed reading your post again. Believe this is the 3rd time. I am scheduled to hunt w/ Legadema in Sep. Really looking forward to it.
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
check out our Buff hunt deal!

Buffalo Hunt with Henry Griffiths Safaris $10000

Here with is our offer for a hunt of a...
www.africahunting.com www.africahunting.com
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
Because of some clients having to move their dates I have 2 prime time slots open if anyone is interested to do a hunt
5-15 May
or 5-15 June is open!
shoot me a message for a good deal!
•••
D
dogcat1 wrote on skydiver386's profile.
I would be interested in it if you pass. Please send me the info on the gun shop if you do not buy it. I have the needed ammo and brass.
Thanks,
Ross
•••

Share this page

 
Top