Range report 416 Wby et all Need help

[Greg Nolan]

Finally got to the range and wasn't thrilled about a couple of things.
The 416 shot a nice group but velocities were lower than expected. See target.
The 350 Rem showed pressure signs yet was 3 grs lower and slower than max.
The 338 was wonderful but not quite as accurate as hoped yet. I can work on OAL for that one.
The 416 with reloader 22 at 116/117/118 grs shot 2735/ 2741 and 2750 fps With 350 gr TTSX I couldn't find Hunter powder locally.
The 350 with 62 grs TAC shot 2838 fps Not bad but Barnes calls for up to 64 grs and 2900 fps but I got a sticky bolt and real shiny areas just ahead of the belt.
The 338 Win shot great but accuracy was about 1.7 " at 100 yds.
What suggestions do you have?View attachment 4-18 Range 001.JPG

 

[DrMike]

The accuracy on your 416 was indeed very nice. The Barnes data for the 200 grain TSX is quite excessive (overly optimistic) relative to QuickLOAD. I believe I insulted one of the techs at Barnes when I challenged them about the load data for the 350 RM and TAC. I asked if the load was pressure tested, and they assured me that it was indeed pressure tested. The velocities are quite a bit greater than what I would have expected with more traditional powders. I am unable to reach their maximum charge. However, I do run my rifle at 61 grains of TAC, and manage to get 2862 fps and MOA. You should be able to play with seating depth on the 338 and improve accuracy.

 

[Greg Nolan]

DrMike
What OAL do you run your 350 at?

 

[DrMike]

Greg,

My OAL is that suggested by Barnes in their manual, 2.780 inches.

 

[Guy Miner]

Greg, I wouldn't worry 'bout the .416, a .40 cal, 350 gr bullet at 2700+ fps with accuracy like that is going to clobber anything you need to clobber. Was wondering if you might try a 400 gr bullet. It's the classic weight for .416 rifles. About a gazillion African animals have bit the dust to a good 400 at 2400 fps, from the .416 Rigby and other similar rounds.

The .350 Rem with TAC is telling you that it's at, or over, max for that load. Rifles differ. Yours is telling you "enough." 2700+ fps is going to kill anything in North America with that bullet. Might want to try a 225 gr Nosler Partition. I know a couple of guys getting great results with that bullet and their .35 Whelen rifles. Similar performance envelope.

Don't know about the .338, I think you're on track. Mess with the length a little and try again. I'd think it'll get down close to one MOA given some TLC.

Shooting hard-kickers like these things isn't easy at the bench. In the field, they're all terrific cartridges. Shooting itty-bitty groups isn't what any of them were made for. They're for folding up big game, decisively. Personally I'd be satisfied with 1.5 MOA from any of them, these aren't prairie dog rifles!

Guy

 

[DrMike]

Personally I'd be satisfied with 1.5 MOA from any of them

+1

Good points, Guy. Each of us need to keep that perspective on these hard kicking cartridges.

 

[JD338]

+2 to what Guy said.

For the 350 RM, give WW 748 a try. OU812 shoots clover leaf groups from his M700 Classic with the 225 gr PT.

JD338

 

[Greg Nolan]

Good points all.
I'll lower pressure and keep at it till they work smootly and consistantly. Guy, I'm holding to 350 so I can keep a little flatter trajectory for elk. I'd like to hunt Africa but it's probably not going to happen. But I can shoot African calibers :wink:

 

[SJB358]

Greg, what about trying RL15 in your 350RM. It works really well in the 35 Whelen and they are basically the same darn cartridge. Like Guy said, I would try the 225gr PT for a second bullet. Seems like the 225 would offer you a little BC advantage also and the 350RM should have the juice to push that bullet into 2700 also. It isn't an overly long bullet either.

Can't offer much to you on the 416. Like the others said, if it shoots consistent, I would be happy. It has to be a handful! Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

"Guy, I'm holding to 350 so I can keep a little flatter trajectory for elk. I'd like to hunt Africa but it's probably not going to happen. But I can shoot African calibers"

That's very much like my reasons for shooting a 260 gr AccuBond from my .375 for black bear and elk. Needed? Heck no. Fun? Oh yeah!

 

[FOTIS]

With my 416 bee and the 350 TSX (TTSX was not out yet) I have worked up to 124 gr of Reloder 22. Velocity was 2950 or so and accuracy was about 1" or so. After Barnes announced the TSX's realistic BC I totally lost interest.

Now that we have the TTSX I will reload for it again.
3200 fps with the 375 250 gr TTSX in the 378 Bee
and 3000 fps with the 416 350 TTSX in the 416 Bee are my goals.