.416 Rigby vs. .505 Gibbs: Two Legends of the Safari Trail
I got the idea for this topic when a customer got in a wonderful CZ that he planned on having changed over to a .505. Needless to say, my mind got thinking...
Growing up in the hills of Missouri, I mostly hunted squirrels, whitetail, and the occasional coyote with a trusty .22 or a deer rifle in .30-06. But I remember flipping through well-worn issues of Outdoor Life and American Rifleman, reading about professional hunters in Africa taking on cape buffalo, lion, and even elephant. That’s where I first saw the names .416 Rigby and .505 Gibbs—they sounded like thunder and tradition all rolled into one.
These aren’t cartridges for the faint of heart, and they sure aren’t meant for plinking cans in the backyard. These rounds were born for the thick bush, where your life might depend on one well-placed shot. Today, let’s break down these two African heavyweights—how they came to be, what sets them apart, and which one might suit the serious sportsman with Africa in their sights.
Origins: British Big Bore Royalty
The .416 Rigby
Introduced in 1911, the .416 Rigby was designed by the famous London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. for use in Mauser’s Magnum action. The goal? A powerful cartridge that could take down Africa’s toughest game while still offering manageable recoil and flat-enough trajectory for long shots on dangerous animals.
It was one of the first big-bore cartridges specifically developed for smokeless powder and bolt-action rifles. At the time, most dangerous game cartridges were built for double rifles using cordite. The .416 Rigby offered more shots, faster reloads, and lighter rifles.
With a 400-grain bullet typically running at 2,400 feet per second, it delivers over 5,000 foot-pounds of energy—plenty to punch through thick hide and bone. This round earned a reputation for deep penetration and reliability in the worst conditions—hot, humid, muddy safari environments.
The .505 Gibbs
The .505 Gibbs (originally the .505 Rimless Nitro Express), designed by George Gibbs of Bristol in 1911, was an answer to a different kind of problem: how do you stop something big, mad, and charging at 25 yards? While the .416 was about balance and versatility, the .505 Gibbs is about brute stopping power.
This monster launches a 525-grain bullet at around 2,300 feet per second, generating over 6,000 foot-pounds of energy. It's one of the most powerful cartridges ever chambered in a bolt-action rifle. Designed for use in massive Mauser Magnum actions, these rifles are heavier and longer—but for good reason.
It’s not a “flat shooter,” and you won’t take 300-yard shots with a .505 Gibbs. But if a bull elephant or cape buffalo is coming in fast, there’s almost nothing better.
Ballistics Breakdown
Let’s put the numbers side-by-side for comparison:
Practical Use in the Field
Professional hunters (PHs) have relied on both cartridges for over a century. The .416 Rigby has the versatility to take anything from lion to buffalo and is often seen as the “minimum” for dangerous game. It’s a true do-it-all safari cartridge, and many PHs still use it as their go-to.
The .505 Gibbs is more of a specialist’s tool. It’s often found in the hands of backup guns—those trackers or PHs standing behind the client, ready to stop a charge if things go south. It’s also favored by experienced hunters who are specifically going after elephant or hippo.
Ammo Availability & Modern Loadings
Both cartridges have seen a resurgence thanks to interest in classic safari rifles. Companies like Hornady, Norma, Federal, and Swift produce factory loads for both, though you’ll find more options in .416 Rigby.
Reloaders also appreciate the Rigby for brass availability and load flexibility. The Gibbs is more of a niche proposition—expect to spend more per round and possibly wait longer for specialty ammo.
Rifle Options
For .416 Rigby, bolt-action rifles are widely available from CZ-USA, Ruger, Mauser, Dakota Arms, and Blaser. Classic-styled safari rifles with walnut stocks and express sights are common. Expect to pay a premium, but you’re getting a rifle that could quite literally save your life in the bush.
For .505 Gibbs, options are fewer. Custom builds, high-end makers like Heym, Westley Richards, or Searcy, or semi-custom Mauser-style builds are where you’ll typically find a Gibbs. These rifles are usually large, heavy, and cost-prohibitive for most hunters.
Final Thoughts from Uncle Kenny
If you’re dreaming of Africa—or just admire the rifles and rounds that carved legends across the continent—both the .416 Rigby and .505 Gibbs deserve a spot in your imagination. Maybe even your safe.
For the hunter who wants versatility, power, and history wrapped in one, the .416 Rigby is the ticket. It’s been there, done that, and still gets the job done with style.
For the collector, purist, or seasoned sportsman headed into true danger, the .505 Gibbs is your top-shelf double bourbon. You don’t drink it every day—but when you do, you know exactly why it exists.
Me? I’d take the .416 Rigby and tip my hat to the Gibbs. But I wouldn’t feel under gunned with either—not when the chips are down and you’re staring into a pair of angry tusks.
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