450 Rigby load development

[Robmill70]

Using Hornady 500gr DGX/S bullets with 103.5 grains of RL-17 is pushing them just a crack over 2400fps. 50 yds, standing using shooting sticks….. that should do on a buffalo!

 

[Wildwillalaska]

The 450 Rigby is just such a damn sexy looking cartridge. So….what’s the recoil like in comparison to other cartridges you’ve enjoyed shooting? And in what rifle do you have?

I was on the serious hunt for a 450 Rigby starting a few years back, never found the exact right gun before some distraction with a Ryan Breeding 505 Gibbs that followed me home, before falling seriously ill with Double Rifle Fever…an affliction that appear more and more to potentially prove incurable. But every time I see a 450 Rigby post I always have to pause and upwelling desire is still there…I mean it is more of a need really than a desire.

Looks like a great buffalo whacker for sure.

 

[Tintin]

Nice - what is the rifle?

 

[Robmill70]

Recoil is quite stiff, but no worse than a 458 Lott. Shooting platform is a CZ 550, I put a mercury recoil suppressor in it and aftermarket pad to try and take some bite out of it ….. it will be for sale when I get back from my buffalo hunt in August if you know anyone interested.

 

[skydiver386]

Recoil is quite stiff, but no worse than a 458 Lott. Shooting platform is a CZ 550, I put a mercury recoil suppressor in it and aftermarket pad to try and take some bite out of it ….. it will be for sale when I get back from my buffalo hunt in August if you know anyone interested.

I'll give @Tintin first crack at it if it comes up for sale, but I'll take it if he passes.

My best groups were this last Saturday with 450 grain Barnes X bullets, Norma 450 Rigby cases, Federal GM215M primers and 105 grains of H4350. My rifle is a CZ550 built by Triple River for the CZ Custom shop. Can't get the picture to load, but less than .75" ctc. Not bad for an old blind guy.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

Im working up a load for mine with 550 NF solids for an Ele hunt this August. RL 17 and H4350 seem to be good.

 

[Robmill70]

Im working up a load for mine with 550 NF solids for an Ele hunt this August. RL 17 and H4350 seem to be good.

Those 2 powders are the best especially if you higher velocities.

 

[Robmill70]

I'll give @Tintin first crack at it if it comes up for sale, but I'll take it if he passes.

My best groups were this last Saturday with 450 grain Barnes X bullets, Norma 450 Rigby cases, Federal GM215M primers and 105 grains of H4350. My rifle is a CZ550 built by Triple River for the CZ Custom shop. Can't get the picture to load, but less than .75" ctc. Not bad for an old blind guy.

What kind of velocity are you getting with that load?

 

[Tintin]

Thanks @skydiver386 - it's all yours.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

I have yet to chrono, May try next week. My goal is simply 2150 ish, more than enough for penetration and less recoil.

 

[skydiver386]

What kind of velocity are you getting with that load?

With the bullets seated deep so they get a long run at the rifling, and best accuracy, 105 grains gets around 2350, 110 gets just over 2400. With this bullet max load is listed as 112 grains, but if I seated the bullet out farther I'm sure 115 would fit and be within safe limits.

So far I've seen zero signs of excessive pressure. I have no desire to push things to 2700fps like some 460WBY loads, especially when I can get some groups just over half an inch.