416 Rem or 458 Win

[M70375!]

Hey Guys,
Just wondering what your thoughts are on the 416 Rem vs the 458 Win for elephant. I have a 416 Rem, which I have used on elephant , however a friend of mine has a 458 Win model 70 push feed he would sell to me for $700. I am tempted greatly, but really don't know if it would be any better than my 416, as we all know shot placement is more important than size. Your thoughts please.

 

[Ruraldoc]

No wrong answer. Both are proven.

 

[AimSmall]

Buy it.

Hunt 2 elephants.

Let us know.

 

[Mountaineer]

I’m guessing 458 win mag has more availability in the African bush. I have yet to shoot an elephant but it seems every camp has a 458 win mag or 458 Lott around.

 

[Ruraldoc]

Harry Selby hunted for many years with his 416( Rigby same ballistics ). Then when ammo became hard to find, he switched to a Push Feed Model 70 in 458 Winchester.

Years later, when Rigby ammo became available again, his younger associate used another 416 Rigby as his big rifle.

The 416 and 458 both have a great track record.

The 416 Remington has less recoil than the 458 and shoots flatter so it’s a better all purpose round.

The 458 is probably better if the sole purpose is an elephant and the ammo is much easier to find.

You can do what any reasonable man would do and buy that 700 dollar rifle so you can have both.

 

[Cheesehead]

$700 doesn't buy much of a rifle these days. It sounds like a good deal to me, so I say buy it.

 

[M70375!]

Harry Selby hunted for many years with his 416( Rigby same ballistics ). Then when ammo became hard to find, he switched to a Push Feed Model 70 in 458 Winchester.

Years later, when Rigby ammo became available again, his younger associate used another 416 Rigby as his big rifle.

The 416 and 458 both have a great track record.

The 416 Remington has less recoil than the 458 and shoots flatter so it’s a better all purpose round.

The 458 is probably better if the sole purpose is an elephant and the ammo is much easier to find.

You can do what any reasonable man would do and buy that 700 dollar rifle so you can have both.

I like your answer, especially the last sentence

 

[M70375!]

$700 doesn't buy much of a rifle these days. It sounds like a good deal to me, so I say buy it.

yeah, it's like new, just wish it was CRF

 

[Hunter-Habib]

.416 Remington Magnum gets my vote. Although a new rifle in .458 Winchester Magnum is always welcome.

 

[Luvthunt]

IMO nothing wrong with a push feed if it’s a Remington I would replace the extractor with an M14 or Sako. M14 preferred. And go hunt.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Both the .416 Rem and .458 Win produce 5000 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle.

The .416 bore is reputed to penetrate further than an equal energy.458 but, a recent thread on AH disproved that. Penetration is pretty much equal for similar 400 gr .416 and 500 gr .458 solids.

The .416 is more versatile at longer ranges but 50 yards is long range for elephants.

If a bullet slightly missed an elephant's brain, the .458 should have a higher chance of knocking out the elephant.

I assume your .416 is controlled round feed? If so, I would call it a draw between the two rifles for elephant.

The above stated, one cannot have two many rifles if procured at deep discount prices.

Is the .458 in good condition? If so, $700 for a push feed M70 in .458 Winchester Magnum, what's not to like? Buy it, shoot it, keep it or sell it in a year or two for more than you paid for it...

 

[BeeMaa]

Reliability is my biggest concern with DG. It sounds like you have a good amount of experience with the 416RM and trust it. That’s hard to replace.

Starting with a new rifle it takes time to have the same level of skill and be comfortable with it. If you are willing to put in the work, it could be worth it.

FYI - This is NOT a PF vs CRF argument for me. It’s just making sure the rifle you take is reliable, accurate and you are comfortable shooting it.

 

[AZDAVE]

I like the buy it and shoot a elephant with each rifle idea.