.450 Rigby whats your opinion

Ardent · Mar 25, 2015

Commercial loadings of each are identical, but the Rigby has a significantly larger case (136grs of H2O to the Lott's 110grs). So you're either using less pressure to do the same work, or pushing the bullet much faster at the same pressure if handloaded. Recoil from both is identical at the same velocity, despite a small on paper increase for the Rigby due to the extra powder. The Rigby is of course capable of being a .460 Weatherby if the handloader desires, something the Lott cannot come close to as it runs at essentially maximum already for the case. Loaded to .460 velocity, the .450 Rigby generates substantial recoil in my 9 3/4lb rifle, and a lot of bark. The Lott in some rifles will hold one more cartridge in the magazine, due to its slimmer case, and will shoot .458 Win in a pinch.

Just have to choose the trade offs you prefer, both have advantages and disadvantages, I view the .450 Rigby as superior to the .458 Lott but also recognize the Lott's strengths (magazine capacity, and dual ammunition option in a pinch). The .450 academically is the superior round as it does the same velocity at lower pressure, or more velocity at equal pressure, with a slick non-belted case.

Ardent · Mar 25, 2015

.30-06, .375 H&H, .450 Rigby, .470 Nitro (with upside down Woodleigh), .505 Gibbs.

Here's an article I did on stopping rifles and it includes a comparison of their penetration on stacks of planks, the .450 Rigby is compared to the above pictured cartridges less the .30-06.

http://www.morrisonarms.com/2014/11/beautiful-nightmares-and-the-stopping-rifles/

CTDolan · Mar 25, 2015

The 450 Rigby is an excellent cartridge, no question. The real beauty is its ability to deliver 2,200-2,300 fps at moderate pressure (there is no reason to go beyond this, none, unless you simply want to get smacked around a bit harder).

I wish CZ would chamber the 450 Rigby in their more affordable offering, but alas if you want the 450, you're going to have to triple your investment. And, in this respect, the Lott has an edge.

8x68 · Mar 25, 2015

matt85 said:
dear god, Velo Dog why did you have to bring up taking a loan for a double! i keep thinking about doing that but i keep telling myself its a bad idea. a Heym 88B "safari" in 450 NE 3.25"... must resist!

as for the 450 Rigby. i like the idea of the cartridge and when loaded to reasonable levels it should be very effective without pushing the pressure limits. can any one tell me how it compares to the 458 Lott?

-matt

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! Yo' Big Bore Addiction Group..talk to this guy...set him straight.......must resist.....s'matter wid yu

8x68 · Mar 25, 2015

Ardent said:
.30-06, .375 H&H, .450 Rigby, .470 Nitro (with upside down Woodleigh), .505 Gibbs.

Here's an article I did on stopping rifles and it includes a comparison of their penetration on stacks of planks, the .450 Rigby is compared to the above pictured cartridges less the .30-06.

http://www.morrisonarms.com/2014/11/beautiful-nightmares-and-the-stopping-rifles/

Got it....got it...got it...need it...need it

Velo Dog · Mar 25, 2015

Yeah Matt 8x68's words ring true, "Resistance is futile".

Witold KrzyÅ¼anowski · Mar 25, 2015

I think with Velo Dog.

Quaticman · Mar 16, 2018

Do you guys think a .450 Rigby chambered Sako 85 Brownbear is a viable dangerous game rifle being it's a push feed action?

BenKK · Mar 17, 2018

Quaticman said:
Do you guys think a .450 Rigby chambered Sako 85 Brownbear is a viable dangerous game rifle being it's a push feed action?

Been in a few situations with my Sako Brownbear (.500J) and so far it’s got me through.

The first situation - my very first shot - relied on perfect feeding to get out alive.

Daga Boy · Mar 31, 2018

The 450 Rigby has a bit of a following over here. One PH I know used it exclusively.
Personally, I think its overkill for everything except elephant, which is what it was developed for.
One of the advantages of the Rigby case is that you don't need to compress loads, use duplex loads oruse any particular propellant . i.e. it is extremely flexible.
On the downside, the huge Rigby case means that you can't get many rounds (maybe only 2) into most mags, especially if re-chambering an existing rifle. This applies to both the .416 and the 450.
Personally, and at the risk of offending a lot of traditionalists, I think the .416 Remington is a much better package. Its ballistics are identical to those of the original .416 Rigby (so well up to killing anything you may care to take a shot at), it doesn't kick like the 450 and and you get one more round into the magazine.

jand · Apr 1, 2018

The 450 Rigby is a great cartridge. There aren't many other out there that can cleanly penetrate a hippo lengthwise....
I suggest a CZ 550 . A trustworthy , no frills , solid rifle and you will have a magazine capacity of 4.

Daga Boy · Apr 1, 2018

The 450 Rigby is all round the best .458 calibre available. It is easy to reload , works with basically any propellant, can accommodate heavy bullets and significantly out-performs the Lott. Its a heavy kicker, so you need a rifle with a decent amount of weight and a properly designed stock.
Don't know about using it in a double. If you want to go that route then rather look at a .470NE or 500NE. Both work very well. .470NE is the "standard" amongst PH's for dangerous game.

ZANA BOTES SAFARI · May 23, 2020

A while ago I went past the local gun dealer showing me the Mauser M98 450 Rigby and yes I am very interested.
Anybody here have some experience with it? Whats you opinion? Its got me thinking.

8x68 · May 23, 2020

ZANA BOTES SAFARI said:
A while ago I went past the local gun dealer showing me the Mauser M98 450 Rigby and yes I am very interested.
Anybody here have some experience with it? Whats you opinion? Its got me thinking.

I think it's a great calibre. Basically a 460 Weatherby minus about 5%, operates at less pressure, and has less recoil.
I have a CZ550 in 450 Rigby. It can shoot 1" groups from the bench (I use a LeadSled with 3x25lb bags of shot for weight). I have fired it off hand at 100yd targets. Being a heavy rifle, recoil is mitigated a bit but it still "jiggles your fillings". I was able to keep it within about 6" so not too bad. I have a Nikon Monarch 3 African 1.5-4x20 scope on mine with German #4 reticle. It has 4" of eye relief so if your shooting stance is good you will avoid a new eyebrow. For plinking rounds I shoot Hornady 350gr bullets. Hunting bullets range from 450-600gr I believe. I think Karl Stumpfe shoots one.

spike.t · May 25, 2020

ZANA BOTES SAFARI said:
A while ago I went past the local gun dealer showing me the Mauser M98 450 Rigby and yes I am very interested.
Anybody here have some experience with it? Whats you opinion? Its got me thinking.

Too much thinking clouds your judgement and messes up your brain..... It means it's already embedded in your brain cells....so to save anymore loss of those cells....better go and buy it......I have a sneaking suspicion that you will be very happy with it..... As plenty know I am a rigby person and the only reason I never got one is that I have two Lotts .....but you never know....

Longrifle · May 30, 2020

Newest addition to the big bore collection. Dakota 76 African .416 Rigby. I topped it with a Trijicon RMR. It'll clover leaf rounds at 100 yds/m. This is for buffalo in 2022. I was on the fence about the .450 Rigby because of the .458 bullet. The determining factor was ammunition cost and availability. The .416 Rigby seemed to be more plentiful and less expensive to shoot. Swift solids are still $10USD a round.

Aussie_Hunter · May 31, 2020

Longrifle said:
View attachment 350715 Newest addition to the big bore collection. Dakota 76 African .416 Rigby. I topped it with a Trijicon RMR. It'll clover leaf rounds at 100 yds/m. This is for buffalo in 2022. I was on the fence about the .450 Rigby because of the .458 bullet. The determining factor was ammunition cost and availability. The .416 Rigby seemed to be more plentiful and less expensive to shoot. Swift solids are still $10USD a round.

Nice rifle!

colorado · Jun 25, 2020

8x68 said:
I think it's a great calibre. Basically a 460 Weatherby minus about 5%, operates at less pressure, and has less recoil.
I have a CZ550 in 450 Rigby. It can shoot 1" groups from the bench (I use a LeadSled with 3x25lb bags of shot for weight). I have fired it off hand at 100yd targets. Being a heavy rifle, recoil is mitigated a bit but it still "jiggles your fillings". I was able to keep it within about 6" so not too bad. I have a Nikon Monarch 3 African 1.5-4x20 scope on mine with German #4 reticle. It has 4" of eye relief so if your shooting stance is good you will avoid a new eyebrow. For plinking rounds I shoot Hornady 350gr bullets. Hunting bullets range from 450-600gr I believe. I think Karl Stumpfe shoots one.

I second the recommendation of a CZ 550. Action is as solid as a bank vault. The rifle is really made for the 450 Rigby, 500 Jeffery and 505 Gibbs. I would send it to Wayne at AHR for his CZ #1 upgrade (replace the two stage trigger with his match quality single stage trigger, install an M70 type 3 pos safety, and straighten and fill the bolt handle). Off the bench, I only do load development (which is done now). I use 35 lbs of weights, it lifts the sled about two inches off of the bench when I fire it and usually knocks off my hearing protection lol. I think my sons took a video but they won't let me have it. I don't use the sled for the last 3 sight in shots. I typically practice offhand or sitting with a sling(I don't use sticks, since I've only hunted in the United States so far) Here's a picture of my rifle and a 3-shot group taken at 50 yards.

Major Khan · Jun 25, 2020

While I have no personal experience with the .450 Rigby ... The ballistics look incredibly impressive . To me , it seems to be every thing the .458 Winchester magnum was SUPPOSED to me . Such a caliber could indeed have been the perfect answer to all of India’s “ Dangerous 6 “ ... Had it been introduced 60 years ago .

Norma’s 550 grain solid metal covered cartridge offering really seems intriguing .

expresshunt · Feb 6, 2021

I prefer the factory CZ 550 safety as is.. a great safe safety.. and hard to bump off during carry.. I have seen many 3 positional safetys knocked to fire position when carried by sling on left side, the Ruger 3p safety does lock back well, and Mauser and Rigby lock back well also. The 450 Rigby what an awesome Elephant cartridge, I like the .458 bullet going into a larger .590 chamber, helps feed.

.450 Rigby whats your opinion

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