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I am in the process of ordering a new Heym Express bolt rifle and am waffling between the two cartridges mentioned. I am leaning toward the .416 Rigby but would like any and all input from the forum members.

For context, I already have double rifles in .450 NE and .500 NE, as well as a double in 9.3x74R and one in .375 Flanged mag, plus a bolt rifle in .375 H&H, so I thought that the Rigby might be less redundant than the Lott, given that maybe the Rigby might have some greater versatility.........

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Wow, an impressive battery you have and great choices of cartridges.

A 9.3x74R or a .375 Flanged? Why not both! If I had both, the .375 Flanged would be a classic side by side, but also scoped. The 9.3 would be a classic Euro under and over and also scoped. Hopefully both would perform well enough with open sights for close shooting when required.

A .450 NE and an .500 NE double rifle. Again wow! Really covers the bases!

My thoughts on your question(s) and also additions to your battery.

I too have a bolt action .375 H&H Mag, a bolt action .404 Jeffery, a double rifle in 9.3x74R, sadly no .376 Flanged double yet, if I did it might become the rifle I choose for almost everything from then on. A double in .450 NE. Some others for fun.

If I wanted bigger than .500 NE, I would go for a .577 NE double rifle.

While not welded to the thought process, I have always thought, my bolt actions would stop at below the .450 calibre size. .450 and larger bores, double rifles are better. Because they are generally close in, end of the muzzle shooting scenarios and not long range affairs. Where two quick shots might be better than three or four slower shots.

My personal preference for your addition would be the .416 Rigby. A .458 Lott would make an excellent elephant culling rifle, but no one outside of PH and Parks ranks gets in on that nowadays, at least if they can't keep their mouths shut. A .416 does an excellent job at that sort of activity as well anyway.

Longer range shots? Few bother to scope a .458, but most scope a .416 Rigby. Tells you something. I don't see why a good rifle can't make one hole or cloverleaf three shot groups if the shooter can do it. My .375 bolt action and 9.3 double can shoot one hole 3 shot groups at 100 metres.

If the shooter can handle the recoil without small flinches, I think a .416 can make a fine occasional plains game rifle and see no reason he could not shoot it at antelope or other medium game out to 300 metres plus with the right ammo. The recoil is the factor, and often determines ones shooting ability when fine shooting is required. No one likes to get punched in the shoulder. So the reason most of us would choose a .300 say for the longer ranger plains game rifle. Another reason the .375 is often the "one rifle safari battery" choice. Blend of hitting power, accuracy and somewhat lesser recoil.

Do you need a .416? Or a .458 Lott? Your battery certainly covers every need.

Do you want a .416?

Well I have a .404. It has seen little use so far. I still would acquire a 416 Rigby if I had the chance.

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The Heym Express rifles are also very nice. Saw more than a few being made on my two visits to the Heym gun factory. Very nice craftmanship, and a lot of effort goes into their making.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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