AH, there's no question that the 416 Rigby or 416 Remington is a significant step up from the 375 H&H in terms of recoil, and that the 458 Win. Mag. or 458 Lott is a much bigger step yet. My favorite of that lot of cartridges is the 416 Rem. Mag. since it burns some 25% less powder than the Rigby with bullets of the same weight, yet it produces the same velocities, so it does kick less, and you can build a lighter, trimmer rifle in 416 Rem. Mag. that has greater magazine capacity as well.

Of course, to achieve those velocities, pressures are higher with the 416 Rem. Mag., but I've never had any pressure problems with that cartridge at all, even in 100 degree African heat, and according to our industry-standard American SAAMI specs, pressures are about the same as the 375 H&H and 458 Win. Mag.

But recoil tolerance is very much an individual thing, no matter the size of the individual (much of it's psychological, of that much I'm convinced) and I certainly wouldn't invest in any sort of 416 or 458 unless you can somehow get your hands on one and test it first to see if it's somehting you can shoot well, with confidence, and enjoy long-term.

If not, or if there's any lingering doubt or question, and especially with buffalo in mind, I'd go with the 375 H&H.......

AD