Another Big Bore Incoming .416 Rem

Have the same. I figured that the Remington caliber would be better.

 

i dug up some old pictures (now days ive got even less hair on top and more hair on my face):

 

I recently bought a Win Model 70 Safari in 416 Rem. Check your crossbolts to make sure they are tight. The rear crossbolt was loose on mine. I removed both bolts and reinstalled with blue threadlocker. Might save you a broken stock.

 

Thanks. I'll definitely check them when the rifle arrives tomorrow!

 

Man, you were right as rain. Both cross bolts were loose. I probably would have never thought to check that. Was yours dirty from the factory too? This one took some serious scrubbing to get the bore clean

 

I would call Winchester and let them know the cross bolts were loose! also, find out if there is a specific torque to reinstall them (id use Loctite as well).

-matt

 

I put some blue loctite on them. After I get some lead down range I'll make sure they are still tight and go from there. This rifle is lighter than I thought it'd be. Trigger is great! Have a feeling it's going to be a bit spunky off the bench. I can't wait. ;-)

 

The bore was very dirty when it arrived. Even a few metal chips. Cleaned up okay.

 

first rule of large bore guns... don't shoot them off the bench! I don't ever shoot mine off a bench unless im using a lead sled. my 500 NE would destroy your shoulder in short order off the bench.

-matt

 

Yep. My 340 is about my limit for off the bench. I may have to give this one a couple off the bench just to see though. Ha.

 

It will only take one for you to figure it out.

 

All dressed up and nowhere to go. Damn ammo and brass doesn't arrive until tomorrow.

 

Its a fantastic calibre. IMHO the very best all-round African calibre.
I had one which i (very graciously) sold back to its previous owner as he needed it more than I did.
I don't have experience with the TSX as I don't generally load all copper bullets.
Also don't have experience with lighter bullets in this calibre.
However I can tell you that premium 400gr bullets do a great job.
In fact a 400gr solid is capable of penetrating a buff from end to end (in the rump and out of the dewlap).
The only possible gripe I can think of against this round is the same as that sometimes levied against the .338WM - i.e. over-penetration which may potentially result in inadvertent woundings or even a "french double" (2 animals with one bullet)
Personally, that's a problem I can live with.
As to scopes, it isn't really necessary to have a min magnification of less than 1.5 unless you plan to use the rifle as a back-up gun - which isn't its ideal application. 1.5-6 is fine. Even 2-7 is fine in this calibre as it has plenty legs.
For those planning to follow dangerous animals into thick bush I would strongly advise detachable scope mounts. Its a personal matter but I find that I can shoot much faster and better at close range without any optics.

 

FWIW I get very good, consistent performance out of 350gr barnes TSX and 350gr banded solids out of my 416 (mine is a taylor.. but it produces almost identical ballistics to the rem mag)..

400gr does extremely well also out of my rifle, and is what I would load for buff.. but for just about everything else I would take the rifle after, I have full confidence in the 350gr ability to perform (very accurate.. I get great velocity... etc..etc..)..

 

Quick range report.... worked through 27 400gr loads, mostly to burn up factory loads I had. Recoil was a bit more than I was expecting, it's honestly worse than my .460wby with a Pendelton brake. Accuracy seems very good, 77gr of Varget works well with the 400gr TSX and the Banded solids. Iron sights on the rifle only needed one small move to the left and those were good to go. Overall, nice rifle that could use a extra 0.5lb or so to tame it down. I definitely need more practice with it before I'd consider taking it to Africa for DG.

 

Add some weight. I thought mine rather punishing off the bench the first time. I added weight and now just shoot it off the sticks. I don't mind heavy rifles. I carried heavy stuff my whole working life so a heavy rifle is nothing.

 

with an illuminated scope these critters are already pretty heavy. mine tips the scales at 10.5 pounds unloaded which is more then enough weight for a 416. off the sticks my rifle is just slightly more recoil then your average 375. now off the bench its pretty bad but you shouldn't be doing that any way.

what does your current setup weigh?

-matt

 

You can’t go wrong there. I Am using the Leupold VX6 1-6 off my .416 Ruger for my new .416 Rem Kimber Caprivi. I had bought Leupold QD rings but didn’t like how they mounted. The back base extends over the bolt a bit and I didn’t like that. The Leupold Medium rings were very low. I’ve ordered Talley Medium QD rings and bases. I have to take into consideration the open sights.
Let us know what height rings you decide to go with and how they fit please.
Philip

 

I have the same scope. It’s great.

 

Mine kicks really bad so I’m getting it to a gun smith soon for fitting and an Edwards recoil reducer.
I have the Viper Flex Shooting sticks www.viper-flex.com
And they may completely change shooting big guns off sticks. Does anyone else have them? Check them out.
Philip