.416 Barrett Load Data

The .416 Barrett cartridge stands as a modern solution to long-range precision shooting, stemming from a continual evolution in extreme-range rifle cartridge development. Introduced in the mid-2000s by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, the .416 Barrett was designed to provide shooters with a high-performance alternative to established large-bore rounds, notably as a competitor to the .50 BMG. Specifically created to pair with Barrett’s own Model 99 and Model 82A1 rifles, the .416 Barrett offers a blend of high velocity, remarkable ballistic coefficient, and more manageable recoil than its .50 caliber counterparts. Taking inspiration from the .50 BMG case, the .416 Barrett is essentially a necked-down version, reshaped to accept a slender .416 caliber bullet while also achieving superior aerodynamics.

Applications for the .416 Barrett primarily revolve around elite long-range shooting, including competitive target shooting, anti-materiel use, and specialized military and law enforcement roles. The cartridge has rapidly gained favor within Ultra Long Range (ULR) and Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting circles due to its ability to deliver exceptional accuracy at distances beyond 2,000 yards. With advancements in optics and precision rifles, the .416 Barrett offers reloaders and competitive shooters unprecedented reach and terminal performance. For military applications, the cartridge delivers excellent armor-penetrating capabilities and trajectory retention, making it favorable for anti-materiel roles where traditional .50 BMG munitions may be less effective due to size, weight, and excessive recoil.

In terms of target species, the .416 Barrett is not intended for traditional hunting pursuits owing to its designed purpose as an anti-materiel and long-range competition round. However, it is sometimes utilized for extremely large or dangerous game in jurisdictions where such usage is legal, though the extreme power and long-range capability make it suitable more for specialized culling operations than for typical hunting. Most commonly, its main “targets” are steel plate targets at ranges stretching well beyond a mile, where its high velocity and superb ballistic coefficients help shooters overcome wind drift and retain energy at the target—key factors in competitive extreme long-range matches.

From a technical perspective, the .416 Barrett employs bullets typically in the 395 to 450 grain range, with 400 grain projectiles being a popular standard for reloading and factory match-grade ammunition. These bullets feature high sectional density and very high ballistic coefficients, often exceeding 0.800, which are critical for maintaining stability and energy at ultra-long distances. Muzzle velocities commonly exceed 3,000 feet per second from a 32-inch barrel, giving it a relatively flat trajectory—an asset when calculating adjustments for distant shots during reloading and competition. The .416 Barrett’s case capacity, efficient powder usage, and relatively manageable recoil compared to larger calibers make it an attractive option for dedicated reloaders seeking the edge in ELR competition. Reloaders handling the .416 Barrett must consider quality brass, precise measurement, and meticulous load development to fully exploit the cartridge’s extreme potential and maintain safety. Its extensive reach, ballistic capability, and precision have cemented the .416 Barrett as a premier choice for shooters striving for performance at the absolute limits of rifle accuracy.