416 Rigby

[bullshot]

Anyone casting for the 416 Rigby? What are you using for a expander to start the cast boolit? I have a CZ 550 american and casting the rcbs boolit. Using rcbs dies, they size too tight to seat the cast boolits without shaving a little lead. Lyman and rcbs don't make anything and the Lee universal expander won't accept the 416 case. Diameter of the die too small. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[edctexas]

Perhaps Al at Noe Molds would make an expander for the Lee Expander die. His current list doesn't show anything around your size. Shoot him an email and see.

Ed C

[Tatume]

The expander plug can be removed from the Lee die and used with a hammer to bell case mouths. It's a bit of a pain in the neck, and you have to be careful, but it works. Once you get used to it the job is not too much trouble.

For situations like this I'm on the lookout for a three inch 7/8"x14 tpi bolt, which I plan to lathe turn to a taper pin. If care is exercised, I see no reason why case mouths can't be belled in a single stage reloading press without using a die body. The danger is that the shoulder will collapse, and it will be necessary to exercise care.

The other consideration is neck tension. If your necks are too tight, perhaps you're better off talking to Lyman about having an M die made. Either that or do what I do, but have a custom expander plug made for your sizing die. Of course, it's your choice, and you're likely to have to experiment some any which way you go.

Take care, Tom

[rwadley]

Have you tried a RCBS neck expander die? I have one. The small part of my plug measures between .4155 and .416, but will bell up to .500. If you already have a die in another caliber, you can just buy the plug.
http://www.rcbs.com/Products/Dies-by-Category/Expander/Neck-Expander-Die.aspx

[JWT]

I have the RCBS neck expander.

[bullshot]

Thanks guys. I'm going to try the RCBS neck expander.

[376Steyr]

You can get one here: http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/13759

[elk hunter]

I use the Lyman expanders but make my own expander buttons. That way I get the fit I want.

[Hardcast416taylor]

You can get one here: http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/13759

Yesterday they had 5 in stock when I ordered mine, today they have 1, wonder if this post had anything to do with the other sales?Robert

[bullshot]

I ordered mine from Midsouth.

[bullshot]

Got the RCBS neck expander. Worked as I needed. Now maybe I can get some trigger time with this rifle using cast boolits without getting the snot pounded out of me.Thanks to all for the suggestions.

[Tatume]

I'm glad you got the rifle running.

[Abert Rim]

Bullshot, a follow up. How are you liking your CZ with that RCBS boolit? I just bought a CZ Safari in .416 Rigby myself, and am trying to decide between the RCBS mold and the .418 from NOE. I shot that RCBS boolit in a Ruger No. 1 in this caliber years ago and found it very nicely accurate over about 50 grains of XMP5744.

[bullshot]

I have not had luck with the RCBS boolit. I started with 44 gr 5744 and went to 48gr. Cant keep the groups on a B16(25yd pistol target) at 100 yds. Not sure what's going on. The rifle will shoot clover leafs at 100 yds using a 450 gr Hornady RN with IMR 4831.

[Hardcast416taylor]

I still have a target I shot with my .416 Taylor and the RCBS boolet. The alloy was 50/50 with GC and lubed with a mix of C. Red and BAC lube for a total bullet weight of 365 gr. In formed WW brass of .458 mag. I used 51 Gr. 3031 powder and CCI Mag. rifle primers. At 100 yds on my range off a rest I made a POI group 3 leaf clover leaf with no center dead center in the bulls eye. My rifle is a Win Model 70 new model control feed with a Shilen barrel, bedded action and a 2 1/2 lb. trigger. The scope is a Leupold European 30 mm 1 3/4 x 5X with German #4 post reticle. A decelerator recoil pad and Mag-na-ported barrel is what my rifle is. On good days, not many lately, I use Barnes 350 Gr. X bullets making groups about as good but with a different powder and charge, getting a bit recoil flinchy of late.Robert

[Abert Rim]

Bob, my RCBS mold arrived today, and I hope I have better luck with it than you have. I couldn't find data for it with XMP5744 on the Western/Accurate powder site, so I emailed them and the reply was that my old data of 50-52 grains under the RCBS cast bullet is fine and safe. Will report when I can cast up some slugs and get to the range.

[bullshot]

Keep me posted on your venture.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

man, I want to get the 550 with the full length stock, in 9,3x62. that's one for he bucket list! sorry I cant help with the 416 but good luck. someone here will know

[bullshot]

I have a CZ 550 in 9.3x62, not with the Mannlicher type stock. Very nice rifle.

[Soundguy]

Howdy guys, I'm going to start casting for my 416tigby ( cz550 safari ) as well.

Are you guys using gas checks? What bhn alloy you going for?

I'm planning on using trailboss powder.

[brtelec]

I have a CZ 550 and I am shooting the 350 gr. RCBS bullet in WW, gas checked and powder coated. I am using 47.5 gr. of 5744 and a Remington 9 1/2 primer. I get 1.5 to 2 inches at 100 yards, and with the express sights it will ring the 12" steel at 200 and the 24" steel at 300 all day. So it is minute of buffalo. As soon as a cape buffalo wanders out, here in Az., his a$$ is mine!

[Soundguy]

Hmm.. Gotta get me a mold, and maybee harden some Lyman #2 up.