34 Mauritz Coetzee

alternative propellant (S385=±IMR4831).
This load produces 2 325 feet per second
and an “energy” factor of 5 030 foot
pounds. As with any other cartridge the
dimensions of the chamber and barrel may
have a profound influence on chamber
pressure. Paul’s load with S365 is at the
top end of Somchem’s recommended loads
although completely safe in his rifle.
Until now the load of 90 grain of S365
with the Woodleigh 410 grain bullet has
not shown any pressure sensitivity to the
extreme heat conditions of the Zambezi
Valley.
Paul has made two alterations to his
.416 Rigby rifle. A Pachmayr decelerator
recoil pad was fitted as well as EAW quick
detachable scope mounts. He sometimes
uses a Swarovski 1.25 to 4 scope on buffalo.
However, a Diopter sight made by EAW
fits neatly into the back-mount when the
scope is removed. This Diopter is used as a
ghostring (peep-sight) for quick shooting
during close range excursions with dangerous
game.
Paul is also convinced that the biggest
attribute of the .416 Rigby lies in the relatively
low chamber pressure that goes
hand in hand with the big Rigby case at
velocities of around 2 300 – 2 350 feet per
second in African hunting conditions. Even
now he is still impressed by the superb balance
and silky smooth Rigby Mauser
action, a sentiment shared by many of the
old-time hunters who used Rigby rifles.
All in all the .416 Rigby cartridge delivers
a potent terminal package with a very
important accompanying factor, namely
quick recovery time between shots fired.
As with many reloaders of the .416
Rigby cartridge, Paul finds this cartridge
African Outfitter Dec/Jan2007
Diopter sight fitted to
EAW back-mount.
rather easy to reload. According to Paul
two aspects should be mentioned. Firstly,
before resizing the case all powder residue
should be removed from the inside of the
case neck with a brush. If this is not done
it can add to expander ball drag and an
increase in the length of the case.
Secondly, cases should be all trimmed to
the same exact length. Uniform case
lengths are mandatory for an evenly
applied crimp. Cases with varying lengths
can result in the subtle 45 degree shoulder
buckling when a crimp is applied to a
too long case with a predetermined crimp
setting in the seating die.
Paul Zorn’s loads
Case Bullet Propellant Primer Velocity
Load 1 Federal 410 soft S365 CCI 250 2 275 feet per second
Woodleigh 88 grain
Load 2 Federal 410 solid S365 CCI 250 2 325 feet per second
Woodleigh 90 grain
Load 3 Federal 400 grain S365 CCI 250 2 310 feet per second
solid 89 grain
Trophy Bonded
Sledgehammer
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