.416 for Elephant?

[derekwest]

Hello,

What's the general feedback around using a buffalo round (Weatherby .416) for elephant?  I'm not really to buy a bruiser like the Weatherby .460 or .470 Nitro, but rather using the Weatherby .416?  Is this a viable option or am I going to get stomped into a wet spot?

[ray264]

i have nooooo africa big game experience...but i do know many elephant have been killed with 375s....416wbm could be a good choice for a one gun battery..different weight buyllets etc.....Ed Weatherby would be the man...i would like to have Ed ask some of the preimier outfitters from Africa if theymwould please join our forum...it would be like panning? for gold Ray264

[Unsub5150]

I own a 416 Weatherby and have shot the 460.  Both are manageable, but the 460 does pack a bit more punch.  You will be fine with whatever you choose.  I would recommend using solids for your bullets.  As for the muzzle break, I have shot mine (accidentally) with it on and no protection and it hurt my ears.  Much like someone coming up and slapping both ears hard.  I would not shoot it without protection--practicing or in the field.  You might not even notice the extra recoil from having the muzzle break off when you are looking down the barrel at an elephant anyway and it isn't a whole lot more significant.

[skyline]

The .416 is just fine for elephant. The 400 grain solids offer outstanding penetration. I would not hesitate to use one for ele.

[derekwest]

Great feedback, thanks everyone.

The best news was when my wife just told me "why don't you pick up the .416 for next year's cape buffalo hunt and then if you feel like you need more, go ahead and buy the .460"!  I love her for that statement but am wondering if someone from Weatherby is giving her tips to a happy husband!

[rrathje]

Not related to the .416 question, but the statement about the Weatherby stock design and balance is absolutely true. My .300 Mark V Deluxe (26" barrel and no muzzle brake) probably weighs about 9.5 pounds with scope, probably around 10 with a sling and a full magazine. But the balance is absolutely superb, and the recoil off the bench is much less than all the horror stories I've heard about all these years. A firm but relaxed grasp is all that's required. Many who criticize Weatherby's have probably never held one, let alone fired one..

[aussie copper projectiles]

thats heaps of rifle with appropriate bullet mate

[African Leadwood]

It was also eight years ago... lets hope his hunt went well.

[aussie copper projectiles]

.416wby will turn it iside out

[jmnyckt]

When reasearching for Cape Buffalo, i went with the .416 Taylor. It can be loaded with any .416 bullet, it has great reviews on buffalo, but, to my surprise it was used quite a bit for elephant, with success. Of course, shot placement is always key