The .416 Weatherby Magnum is a high-powered rifle cartridge designed by Weatherby in 1989. It is a belted, bottleneck cartridge, primarily used for big game hunting, including dangerous game such as African big five (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion, leopard). This round offers exceptional velocity and energy transfer, making it highly effective for such purposes.
The cartridge uses .416-inch (10.57 mm) bullets, typically weighing between 350 to 400 grains. Due to its high velocity, which can exceed 2,700 feet per second (fps) with heavier bullets, and substantial stopping power, the .416 Weatherby Magnum is suited for long-range shots as well as close encounters.
Its substantial recoil and muzzle blast necessitate experienced shooters and robust rifles designed to handle its significant power. While not as commonly available as some other big game cartridges, it remains a favorite among seasoned hunters for its performance and reliability in extreme hunting situations.
This cartridge showcases Weatherby's signature philosophy of optimizing speed, power, and accuracy.