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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles

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Brad
.224 member

Reged: 25/08/07
Posts: 28
Loc: Idaho

MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY
#107311 - 13/06/08 08:24 AM

All

I have been searching all over the net and talked to a couple of gunsmiths; but I can't seem to get a firm answer on this.

I am having some work done on my rifle and would like to take some length off the barrel...so here's my question...

What, realistically, could I cut my barrel down to and still be able to get 2350-2400 fps out of it (without driving pressure way up)?

I know all barrels are different and some are faster than others.

Any info would be appreciated.

Brad

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shinz
.300 member

Reged: 11/05/08
Posts: 135
Loc: New Zealand

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: Brad]
#107333 - 13/06/08 07:53 PM

I had a Brno ZKK602 which had a 23" barrel. I had no trouble loading it to 2400 fps without having to load heavier than the manuals said, from memory I loaded 98 grns of IMR4831 for about 2420. That was enough

, but showed absolutely no pressure signs. It is possible to load the Rigby round to almost 416 Weatherby speeds (& pressures) with perhaps another 10 grains of powder than that, so there is a fair bit too play with. A change in barrel length will not alter your pressure but you will need a stiffer load in a short barrel to give the same velocity as a longer barrel, however, as I've said, pressures are so slight with factory or similar reloads this is easy to do with no stress. Another 2" of barrel with this load might get you another 40-60 fps, conversely, 2" less would give a similar amount less.
Steve

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Tatume
.400 member

Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: shinz]
#107336 - 13/06/08 09:27 PM

In my opinion your desire for a short rifle should take precedence over a predetermined velocity. The rifle that works for you and puts your bullets where they belong will get the job done. That said, my Marlin 45-70 has an 18.5" barrel and I easily get 2000 fps with 400 gr bullets. With the 416 Rigby I suspect you can get all the speed you want with the same length.

Take care, Tom

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: Brad]
#107339 - 13/06/08 10:31 PM

One thing I noticed on my last hunt was all the PH's had their barrels cut down to 21 or 22" whether it was a .416, 458 or whatever...

I would think with a slower burner as this you would loose around 50 to 75 fps if you took 2" off...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Schamankungulo
.300 member

Reged: 21/04/07
Posts: 115
Loc: Southeastern USA

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: Ripp]
#107341 - 13/06/08 10:43 PM

I wudnt worry abt every last bit of velocity ..

As is said the Rigby can be pushed a bit to make up for the loss ..

I have a 22" Lott that is only abt 30 fps slower than a 24" Lott I had ..

Have seen a 20" 460 , never saw the PH lite it off , but he had it , and it worked ..

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zimhunter
.333 member

Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 388
Loc: Southern Arizona

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: Schamankungulo]
#107342 - 13/06/08 10:49 PM

My 416 Rigby CZ550 is 21" and the last Elephant I shot with it didn't have the foggiest idea what the velocity of my handload was. Come to think about it neither do I. I just load out of the book and go hunting.

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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5284
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: MINIMUM PRACTICAL BARREL LENGTH FOR 416 RIGBY [Re: zimhunter]
#107347 - 13/06/08 11:38 PM

The .416 Rigby has a velocity advantage over the .450/400 of about 200 fps. A couple inches of barrel won't cost you near that much. Does anybody want to say the .450/400 is inadequate?

Obviously, my point is, choose the barrel length that is comfortable for you, and the effective ballistics will be there.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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