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
419: 257 Weatherby RPM With Richard Mann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:50
Field & Stream shooting editor and 25 caliber aficionado Richard Mann joins me in this podcast episode to discuss the new, SAAMI standardized 257 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum. Richard discusses the origins of the 2…
417: Double Rifles, 500 NE & Elephant Charges With Jeff Rann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:26
Jeff Rann, one of Africa's most legendary professional hunters with nearly 50 years guiding dangerous game, joins me on the podcast to share his incredible stories of hunting elephant in Botswana. He takes us inside what…
416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:24
Gunwriter Terry Wieland joins me on the show as we discuss his thoughts on the various .416 caliber cartridges: the 416 Rigby, the 416 Remington Magnum the 416 Weatherby Magnum, the 416 Ruger, and even the 416 Hoffman an…
415: 10 Best African Safari Book Recommendations For Hunters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:24
Today, I'm unveiling my definitive list of what I think are the 10 greatest African hunting books ever written. This list of African safari book recommendations includes works from people like Hemingway, Roosevelt, Ruark…
414: Leopard Mauling To Sudan Bongo Hunts with Robin Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:14
Legendary Professional Hunter Robin Hurt joins me on the show today as we discuss some of his adventures hunting all over Africa like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Zaire, Zambia, and Namibia. As you can imagine from a…
412: Stories From The African Bushveld With Johan Seyffert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
I sat down with Johan Seyffert, one of my South African Professional Hunters, at the 2026 Safari Club International convention and recorded a short interview about some of his more memorable hunts from 2025, some funny a…
411: 458 Win Mag vs 45-70 Govt Cartridge Comparison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:59
Here's how the mighty 458 Winchester Magnum stacks up against the venerable 45-70 Government cartridge, especially with regards to how both perform in Africa. In this episode, we discuss the history, design characteristi…
410: Best Cartridges For Hunting Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:27
We're talking about the best cartridges for hunting Africa in this episode: plains game, thick-skinned dangerous game, cats, etc. The cartridges I list in this episode are based off the results of surveys I've recently c…