I have two rifles in 416 Ribgy. I love the round. Ballistics compared to the others are virtually indentical (except for the 416 Weatherby which pushes out a 400 grain bullet at over 3000 fps).

For most shots, the Ribgy is outstanding. Up to 200 yards - although 200 is pushing it. The Weatherby can pick up the slack at 200 yards and over. It is a big bore flat shooter. I also have a Weatherby PH Dangerous Game rifle in 416 Weatherby, and it will reach out and touch someone or something. Recoil is surprisingly not that bad, but that is due to the design of the rifle.

If you think Rigby ammo is expensive, than stay away from Weatherby.

I would take the Rigby over the Weatherby in 95% of all situations. Why? Because too high a velocity just punches holes in an animal at ranges where most shots are taken. It suffers from the 9mm syndrome. Poking holes in things only pisses them off. Now, if you only used the Weatherby at 200 plus yards, its velocity would have slowed to a point that it would wreck havoc with the innards of a large beast.

Compare the 9mm to a 45. The 45, by any standard is fat and slow (I know the feeling). But in close quarters combat, were one would actally use a sidearm, it stops even a drug induced maniac.

I like the larger case of the Rigby. It allows you to use some of the slower burning powders (not to exceed SAMMI pressures, of course), which will increase velocity and flexibility. For experienced reloaders only.

The remington is cheaper to shoot if you buy over the counter ammo. But if you reload, the costs are pretty much the same. Besides, the first few shots with brass are just fireforming it to the bore of your bolt rifle. And fireformed brass makes a big difference, in my opinion, on the reliability of each shot.

Once you get to the big bores, even if you do not reload, you should know how to do it. And once you learn how to do it, you will reload. With dangerous game, it is kind of like packing your own parachute versus relying on the lowest paid person in your unit to get you safely on the ground.

If I have a choice, I'll roll my own.