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.416 Rem. Mag. Ballistics — Velocity, Energy & Drop

Common uses: Dangerous Game, Big Game

Specifications

Typerifle (centerfire)
Typical load400gr Federal Safari Cape-Shok Trophy Bonded Bear Claw
Muzzle velocity2400 fps
Muzzle energy5117 ft-lb
Published G1 ballistic coefficient0.373
Case length72.4 mm
Overall length91.4 mm
SAAMI max pressure65000 PSI
Common twist rate1:14"

.416 Rem. Mag. Trajectory Table

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Drop (in)
024005115-1.5
100217542020
20019633420-5.9
30017642763-20.8
40015802218-47
50014151779-87.1

.416 Rem. Mag. Extended Ballistics (to 1,000 yd)

At 1,000 yards, .416 Rem. Mag. (400gr at 2400 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 60.6 MOA / 17.6 MIL, retaining 953 fps (subsonic).

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)StateDrop (in)Elev (MOA)Elev (MIL)
3001764Supersonic-20.86.61.93
4001580Supersonic-47.011.23.27
5001415Supersonic-87.116.64.84
6001272Transonic-144.723.06.70
7001156Transonic-223.730.58.88
8001069Subsonic-328.839.311.42
9001004Subsonic-464.449.314.33
1000953Subsonic-634.560.617.63

Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.

Hunting Energy Reference

A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.

Data & Sources

Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.

Overview

The .416 Remington Magnum is a purpose-built dangerous-game cartridge, prized for its combination of a heavy 400-grain bullet and deep, reliable penetration against thick-skinned animals. It essentially duplicates the revered .416 Rigby's ballistics while running in shorter, more common actions and using more widely available ammunition, which made it a practical choice for African plains and heavy game. In North America it has a strong following among Alaskan guides and brown-bear hunters who value its authority as a stopping cartridge. Recoil is stout and it is far more gun than needed for light game, so its role is squarely in the largest and most dangerous quarry rather than general hunting. Both soft-point and solid (full-metal-jacket) loadings are standard, letting hunters match bullet construction to buffalo, elephant, or large bears.

History

Introduced by Remington in 1988, the .416 Remington Magnum was created by necking up the 8mm Remington Magnum case to accept .416-inch bullets. It was conceived as an affordable, factory-produced alternative to the classic .416 Rigby, delivering comparable performance in a standard-length belted magnum case that fits ordinary long-action rifles. The cartridge was widely praised on release and quickly established itself as one of the most popular modern dangerous-game rounds.

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