438: 416 Rigby vs 375 H&H Big Bore Caliber Comparison

438: 416 Rigby vs 375 H&H Big Bore Caliber Comparison

Author: John McAdams August 27, 2026 Duration: 1:08:48

In this episode of the Big Game Hunting Podcast, I compare two legendary African dangerous game cartridges: the .375 H&H Magnum and the .416 Rigby. I cover the history and design of both rounds, real-world ballistics, recoil, penetration, rifle and ammunition availability, and how they stack up for buffalo, elephant, and general safari use. I also discuss some of the nuances involved in using the similar performing .375 Ruger, .416 Remington, .416 Hoffman, .416 Taylor, and .416 Ruger.

You'll hear stories from Peter Flack, Harry Selby, Robert Ruark, John Taylor, Robin Hurt, and modern professional hunters, plus practical guidance on when the .375 is enough and when stepping up to a .416 makes sense.

Whether you're choosing a first dangerous game rifle or deciding between these two classics, this episode on the 375 vs 416 will help you make a more informed decision.

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Resources

375 H&H Gel Test Results

458 Win Mag Gel Test Results

124: Cape Buffalo Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson

323: Rescured From An Ice Berg In The Arctic Ocean On A Polar Bear Hunt Gone Wrong

375: 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm Comparison 

414: Leopard Maulings to Sudan Bongo Hunts With Robin Hurt 

416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland 


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
440: 243 Winchester vs 6mm Remington With Ron Spomer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:59
John McAdams sits down with Ron Spomer to talk about the .243 Winchester and the 6mm Remington (originally the .244 Remington). Both are light recoiling, flat shooting 6mm cartridges introduced in the 1950s and have simi…
435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
My father and I took a father-son safari to Africa armed with classic lever-action rifles in .45-70 Government — my Marlin 1895 and his Winchester 1886. Despite being an uncommon choice on the Dark Continent, the old .45…
431: True Cost of an Africa Hunt: Elk vs Plains Game Safari [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Is an African safari really as expensive as most hunters think? I break down the real, all-in costs of a guided plains game hunt in South Africa versus a guided rifle elk hunt in Wyoming — using hard numbers from actual…
430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:51
Jim Harmer (aka Backfire on YouTube) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list…