.416 Ruger Load Data

The .416 Ruger is a modern, high-performance rifle cartridge, designed and introduced in 2008 through collaboration between Ruger and Hornady. Its creation was driven by the demand for a powerful dangerous game round that could operate in a standard-length rifle action, offering hunters a more affordable and accessible alternative to classic dangerous game cartridges. The .416 Ruger achieves similar ballistics to the time-honored .416 Rigby and .416 Remington Magnum, but does so from a case that is dimensionally compatible with the .375 Ruger—meaning rifles chambered for the .416 Ruger do not require the larger (magnum) action, making it a more versatile and economical choice for both manufacturers and reloaders.

Applications for the .416 Ruger are predominantly centered around dangerous game hunting, particularly in Africa, but it also has a following among North American hunters who pursue large or potentially dangerous animals. Its substantial power and impressive ballistics make it especially well-suited for species where heavy, deep-penetrating bullets and knockdown force are critical. Many seasoned reloaders and hunters have come to appreciate the .416 Ruger for its ability to deliver reliable performance in the field, regardless of whether the quarry is African buffalo, Cape buffalo, elephant, or large bears such as the Alaskan brown bear. Additionally, its manageable size and compatibility with standard actions make it a practical choice for those looking for magnum-level power without the increased weight or length of traditional magnum rifles.

Target species for the .416 Ruger are generally large, thick-skinned game that demand both significant stopping power and deep penetration. African safaris commonly employ the .416 Ruger for Cape buffalo and elephant, while in North America, it finds a niche for the largest bears, like polar, brown, and grizzly bears, as well as bison and moose in densely wooded or brushy terrain, where quick follow-up shots are sometimes necessary. Reloaders appreciate the flexibility and ballistic performance afforded by the cartridge, especially when matched with the right bullet construction and weight for the intended species.

The typical bullet weights available for the .416 Ruger range from 350 to 400 grains, with 400-grain bullets being the most popular choice for dangerous game due to their deep penetration and energy retention. Manufacturers offer a variety of bullet styles, from solid non-expanding projectiles for maximum penetration on the largest game to controlled-expansion soft points for broad applications. The .416 Ruger features a rimless, bottleneck case and is loaded to relatively high pressures, maximizing velocity and energy from a standard-length action. This results in external ballistics essentially matching the .416 Rigby, with velocities around 2,400 feet per second for 400-grain bullets, delivering over 5,100 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—capable performance to satisfy even the most demanding big-game applications. For reloaders, the .416 Ruger offers consistent case life, good availability of components, and excellent options in premium projectiles to tailor loads for either maximum penetration or expansion, depending on the target species and hunting conditions.