Thanks Hoppdoc and BigJackFive,
as I said in another string, I was thinking of getting a Heym 500/.416 regulated for the slowish Norma cartridge with 450 grain Woodleighs. In the event the recoil was a bit much or that I really didn't need the extra power or penetration, the plan was to load 410 gr bullets down to the same speed (about that of the 450/.400), hoping they would regulate there. The weight of the rifle doesn't scare me since I've been carrying a Sako .338 up hill and down dale for 27 years. It's nearly 10 pounds when loaded and the weight makes it a pussy to shoot.

Issues that do play on my mind are ammo availability and, to a lesser degree, cost. What choice would there be in Australia with the 500/.416? If I bought a 450/.400, would the economical Hornady stuff be good enough for cape buffalo?

Also, I notice Woodleigh make two bullet diameters for the 450/.400. Is there any danger in buying an older rifle of getting one with the wrong bore size for the Hornady cartridges?

Thanks for any further thoughts
- Paul