9 of 9 .416 Rigby factory loads carry 1,000 ft·lb and expansion velocity for whitetail deer; the best reach 750 yd (Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 400 gr). Ranked, with the drop chart for each.
| Load | gr | Max ethical yd | MV fps | 500 yd ft·lb | Shoulder shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Safari Swift A-Frame 400 gr | 400 | 750 | 2,350 | 1,662 | yes |
| Federal Safari Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 400 gr | 400 | 750 | 2,300 | 1,618 | yes |
| Norma African PH (Woodleigh Soft Nose) 450 gr | 450 | 700 | 2,150 | 1,423 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 400 gr DGS | 400 | 650 | 2,415 | 1,499 | yes |
| Hornady Dangerous Game Series 400 gr DGX Bonded | 400 | 650 | 2,415 | 1,499 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 400 gr Banded Solid RN | 400 | 550 | 2,420 | 1,171 | yes |
| Federal Safari Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer Solid 400 gr | 400 | 550 | 2,370 | 1,191 | yes |
| Norma African PH Solids 400 gr Norma Solid | 400 | 500 | 2,375 | 1,062 | yes |
| Barnes VOR-TX Safari 400 gr TSX FB | 400 | 300 | 2,420 | 1,907 | yes |
The 1,000 ft·lb deer figure traces to Townsend Whelen and is the one everyone repeats; Hawks puts the floor nearer 800. An 8–10″ heart/lung zone. Legal: CO: 1,000 ft·lb at 100 yd · SD: 1,000 ft·lb at muzzle. Floor used: 1,000 ft·lb at impact plus the bullet's published expansion velocity. Orange = a target or varmint bullet (construction, not energy); red = never carries the energy. Sources: www.outdoorlife.com, www.petersenshunting.com, chuckhawks.com.