.416 Weath. Mag. Load Data

The .416 Weatherby Magnum, often referred to as the .416 Wby. Mag., is a powerful rifle cartridge that traces its origins back to 1943. Developed by the renowned American firearms manufacturer Roy Weatherby, the cartridge was designed to provide an optimal blend of velocity, power, and performance for hunting large and dangerous game. Built on the robust belted magnum case, the .416 Weatherby Magnum is essentially a necked-up and fire-breathing iteration of the classic .378 Weatherby Magnum case, tailored to accept .416-inch (10.6mm) diameter bullets. The round became widely available to the public in the late 1950s and quickly established itself as one of the most powerful commercial .416-caliber cartridges, carrying Weatherby’s signature high-velocity philosophy.

Over the decades, the .416 Weatherby Magnum has gained a distinguished reputation among serious hunters and professional guides for its effectiveness against the largest and most potentially dangerous animals on the planet. Its intended applications center around dangerous game hunting, particularly in Africa, where heavy and potentially life-threatening species such as the Cape buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros require cartridges that deliver deep penetration, massive energy transfer, and reliable terminal performance. The .416 Wby. Mag. is also employed by hunters seeking large North American game, such as Alaska’s coastal brown bears and moose, where uncompromising stopping power is highly valued. Owing to its flat trajectory and exceptional downrange energy retention, the cartridge is well-suited for both close encounters and longer shots sometimes necessitated in open country.

In terms of target species, the .416 Weatherby Magnum is specifically engineered for the so-called "Big Five" game animals — elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, and leopard. However, its applications have expanded to include a broad array of large and thick-skinned game across the globe, including bison, eland, and the aforementioned large bears. While some may find it overpowered for lighter game, responsible hunters and reloaders appreciate its consistent performance, especially in critical situations where instant stopping power is required to ensure both safety and ethical harvesting.

For reloaders, the .416 Weatherby Magnum offers an array of bullet weights and configurations to address various hunting scenarios. Typical bullet weights range from 350 grains up to 400 grains, with the most common being around 400 grains for maximum penetration and energy transfer. The case’s design allows for substantial powder capacities, in keeping with Weatherby’s other magnum cartridges, resulting in high muzzle velocities — often exceeding those produced by the .416 Rigby or .416 Remington Magnum. This allows reloaders to tailor their ammunition for premium bullets, choosing construction and weight to match their specific target species and desired terminal ballistics. Other notable characteristics include its pronounced Weatherby double-radius shoulder and belted case, which together provide reliable extraction, case longevity, and safe handling of high pressures. The .416 Weatherby Magnum, with its storied history and outstanding ballistics, continues to be a top choice for reloaders seeking power, versatility, and consistent performance in the realm of dangerous game hunting.