Haven't checked in for a while, and saw your post. Been working a ton, and have been dealing with hospitals and medical issues with my 90 year old Mom, so haven't frequented the boards as much as before.

Quick answer to your question - I love my 416 Ruger in the Hawkeye! Shoots great, very accurate, and balances nicely with the Leupold 1.75x6X scope I have on it. Gonna try to shoot another box or two this week. I am one who likes the Hogue overmolded stocks, and the "sticky" feel, and the size and swell fits my large hands very well. Sights seem very durable also. Should be great on a coastal bear hunt next year also. The muzzle blast is not excessive, even with the 20 inch barrel. A 23 inch tube in the African would be sweet.

I will be taking it to Zimbabwe on my buff and ele hunt in August this year. Wanted something a little bigger than the CZ550 in 9.3x62, and also have a Ruger #1 in 450/400 which people are trying to talk me out of taking (because of the single shot issue). My partner will be using his Sako 375 H&H.